Until about two years ago, I’d never seen inside a helicopter in my life. I’d never thought about it really. Never had any true interest. But priorities change and now, I go to the AeroCare helipad about four times a year. Thankfully, my visits have nothing to do with the medical emergencies that’s made these bright red helicopters famous. No medical …
Decapitation is Death
Drawing his neck upward, he wrenched his mouth open in a final, silent cry — the last gesture he would ever make. The bull’s severed head, pooling now in it’s own blood, stood upright by the stump of his neck in the dusty arena. The nearby ritual of the Malaysian priest was lost to me. All I could see …
Opened to Know
Knowing Jesus. We sing about it. Talk about it. And pray about it. But, do we experience Him? Most of us initially go after Jesus at the invitation of a friend. And, in fact, it is a Biblical model: “The two disciples heard (John the Baptist) and went after Jesus. Jesus looked over his shoulder and said to them, ‘What are …
Chamomile and Contentment
I was in college when I tried chamomile tea for the first time. I’d read about it as I child. What a soothing, delicious potion it must have been. It even calmed Peter Rabbit after his harrowing adventure in Mr. McGregor’s garden. “One table-spoonful to be taken at bedtime,” his mother had said. I asked my mother about it and …
To Be Opened On Your 40th Birthday
Dear Son, By the time that you read this, you will be a man. Because I may not be present for your celebration, I wanted to send you my thoughts on this special consecration day. I’d always dreamed of this day, but it was so much different than I expected. I’d dreamed of walking to the temple …
Discouraged and Dispirited
Dear Mentor, I am so discouraged. I have very little motivation in my life and feel that I am taken for granted. My daily tasks are menial and unappreciated, not at all the life I signed up for. Why has God left me in this barren place? …
The Apokalypsis
Father, What is true revelation? In Greek, it is called “apokalypsis”: the laying bare, making naked, uncovering of that which was unknown. I desire for You to reveal Yourself to me. I’ve asked that the eyes of my heart would be enlightened and that I might know the mystery of Your will (Ephesians 1:18,9). But when You begin …
The Appearance of Wisdom
July, 1991. Mark was scheduled to speak at an out-of-state training event, so the girls and I opted to tag along. Since the conference was held at a conservative Christian campsite, I’d planned plenty of outdoor adventure. The country-girl in me was excited to introduce my city-kids to wildlife and fresh air. What I hadn’t counted on were …
When It’s Really, Really Dark
Paula was one of my best friends in college. We met because she needed a ride across town. You see, I had a little car. And Paula had her guide dog, Lena. I must admit that in the first few months of our friendship, Paula’s blindness was far more of a handicap for me than it was for …
A Word from Within the Veil
My Dear Child, I see you. Because you have accepted My righteousness, I can’t help but keep watch over you at all times (Psalm 34:15). Whether you feel it or not, you are the apple of My Eye (Zechariah 2:8). I know that envisioning My dimension is somewhat difficult for your finite mind, yet the fact remains. …