As a kid, I loved Advent. Tall skinny candles, three purple, one pink, and a white one in the middle, an evergreen wreath, and a countdown to Christmas. Each week at church, a family would come forward and light that week’s candle. Dad took charge so the youngest member didn’t set the church on fire. …

I’m the pie lady for Thanksgiving dinner. Apple for my sweet daughter-in-law. Sweet potato for my husband. Cherry and pumpkin pies for my kids—with loads of whipped cream, of course.  I love pie, and because I am my grandmother’s granddaughter, I make them from scratch.  Yes, crust too. None of that ready-made stuff. Trust me.…

When my grandmother died, her eulogy/obituary were . . . well, less than. Her life was reduced to a few sentences about her cooking, her hospitality, and her crafting abilities. Seriously?  There was so much more.  Where was the space for the Wahoo! games at Grandmother’s kitchen table, the steaks she and Papa cooked for my…

(ID 41629192 | Literature © Kolinkotanya | Dreamstime.com) To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. Daniel 1:17 NIV Once upon a time . . .  As a kid, those four words hooked me every time. Little did I know how much they would build…

Two of my grandchildren start kindergarten this year—and the tension is already building. Back to school means new teachers, new classmates, and new material. Perhaps even a new school or a new season. A transition to kindergarten, high school, or even college.  While beginnings offer a fresh start, the unknowns can be scary. Unsettling.  And…