Cousins Camp, Part 2
As a young mom, it was important to me that our children learn about the God I was growing to know. Volunteering at our church gave me plenty of…
Cousins Camp
When her grandchildren were very young, my mother told me that she enjoyed them the most when their family came to stay for a week, and she could get the…
Cousins Camp, Scrapbooking and Those Yet Unborn
"You girls are doing a lot of giggling in here!" Ten-year-old granddaughter Katie and I looked at each other and giggled some more at Chuck's words. Scrapbooking supplies, pictures…
Security Blankets and Jesus
I fingered the silky softness of the beautiful blanket and wondered what magical fabric could hold up to the marketing claim that babies wrapped in…
Do You Have Grammy?
"Do you have Grammy?" asked our granddaughter as she poked her head into the van and looked around. Our family of 21 was piled…
Cruise Director Grammy
"Ahhh, here come the cruise guests!" my husband exclaimed as Dan and Laura dropped off their three younger children for the day so that they could enjoy…
Treasures Along the Way - Week 3
Just before we welcomed our first grandchild into our family, a friend remarked, “The first time you see that child, you’re going to turn into a different person.” This from a…
A Wandering Heart – A Conquered Heart
Sadly, the unconquerable soul Henley refers to here is one that stands in opposition to God and all other comers. Those of us who choose to remain aloof, unconquered, will never know…
The Will of God, Can You Really Know it? Part 2
Too many of us sit around and wait for God to make it abundantly clear what His plan for us is, as if God is under our command rather than the other way around. Tell me. Tell me right now…
The Will of God – Can You Really Know it?
The question for people of strong faith in the Lordship of Jesus is “What is the will of God for me right here and right now?” We want to know that we are…
Two Little Old Ladies
Where is “Barn Green Road?” It is in a little Scottish town of Arbroath. My wife has Scottish roots and on a trip of a lifetime, we made our way from Inverness to search for members of Sharon’s family…
The Marriage from Hell Made in Heaven
Reading the Prophets in the Old Testament can become painful if you are looking for hope and the sentimentalism of a God of love and mercy. As I began studies in Hosea I was quickly reminded…
Why God Can Be Trusted
Why did life have to be so hard? Didn't they serve the God of the Universe? Couldn't He see what was happening to His children? Maybe John and all the others were right. Maybe it was time to give up and …
Treasures Along the Way - Week 2
This week we continue Treasures Along the Way with guest writer, Chuck F. Betters – yep, that’s my husband. While looking for Bible study notes…
Ludicrous Obedience
A friend showed me what walking by faith looks like when your heart is broken. Unless God gave me grace, I couldn't do what she did. My own heart agreed…
Becoming a Mother-in-Law of Grace
I try hard to be a mother-in-law our children enjoy having around. I thought I had a pretty good handle on my role but a very godly, wise women…
Spiritual Snack Food: Speak Gently
Proverbs 15 – shares so much about words and the power of words for good or evil. Lord, change my heart so my words heal rather than crush; bring wisdom rather than foolishness; speak truth softly…
Sleepless in Bear , Part 2
Every time my mind fights sleep and I start to get angry and frustrated, I remember a devotional I heard Elisabeth Elliot's daughter, Valerie Elliot Shepherd, give at…
Sleepless in Bear
I couldn't sleep at all last Saturday night. Sleeplessness for me is unusual. After tossing and turning, I finally gave up and tried the ultimate sleeping pill: Prayer. Saturday night and…
Love Surrounds Me
God sent me a treasure of encouragement this morning, a gift designed to turn my heart toward Him and I am still stunned by its simplicity…