Christianese and Other Languages

“Tricycle me, Pop! Tricycle me!” three-year old Elizabeth hollered while sitting on her red trike in the driveway. E’s little legs didn’t have the strength to push the pedals.  But Pop had plenty of strength, guiding her with the gentle push she needed to keep her rolling. Bill (Pop) mentioned later, “Children amaze me how…

You Won’t be Disappointed

I attended a pop concert this week and realized firsthand the great influence an eighteen-year-old boy has over hundreds of thousands (possibly even millions) of young girls and teenagers. Once back home, my husband Bill and I learned about Ken Neller’s death, a friend, minister and Bible professor. As with the rest of our community,…

Choose to Learn a New Song

Ever step outside and listen to a songbird sing? Did it remind you there is beauty in your world? Did you know that within that tiny birdbrain new songs are created each year? Or were you like me and just assumed they sang the same ones over and over, hardwired according to their species? They…

The Boy-Mom and Other In-laws, Outlaws and By-laws

Maggie opened her front door to find her mom, distraught and on the verge of tears. “Oh, Maggie!” Her mom stumbled in, only to melt into the closest chair. “You know I spent the weekend at your brother’s, helping Kristi and him with the new baby.” Maggie’s mom stared out the window. “I thought I…

Swans on our Rhine River cruise--photographed in 2014

Friendly or Flirty? Part 2

  Friendly or Flirty? Part 1 is here. My husband Bill and I prefer nonfiction books that teach us through others’ life experiences and scientific research. We recently finished Unbroken, a powerful and harrowing life story of Louis Zamperini, a World War II POW whose rebirth in Christ mended his life and marriage. We then delved into…