A Father’s Influence

“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” (Gen 18:19)

As Father’s Day approaches, I think it’s good to look to the men in our lives and acknowledge the impact they’ve made on us. From fathers to father figures, from grandpas to uncles, from in-laws to friends, we all know men who have been a positive influence on us and who even now have an impact on our lives and the lives of others. Continue reading “A Father’s Influence”

Recipe of Life

Originally posted May 23, 2011

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Ps 34:8)

Thanks to my grandma and my mom, both of whom are the best cooks I’ve ever known, one of my favorite hobbies is cooking. However, unlike my grandma, who used a “little of this and a handful of that,” I have resigned myself to using recipes and sticking with the amounts requested in the recipe. When I stray, even just a little, the dish doesn’t resemble the item it’s supposed to turn out be at all. Continue reading “Recipe of Life”

A Mother’s Influence

“Her children arise and call her blessed…” (Prov 31:28)

With Mother’s Day coming up next weekend, this seems like a good time to acknowledge the women who have influenced me the most in my life. From my mom to her mom to my dad’s mom, these women have provided strong examples of who a Christian woman should be. Continue reading “A Mother’s Influence”

The Hope of Easter

 

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Mt 28:6)

Each year, I shop for a new Easter dress, knowing that the weather will probably be too cold to wear it without a sweater, especially if the dress is sleeveless. It seems we almost always have one last cold snap here in Oklahoma over Easter weekend. But I enjoy wearing dresses, and Easter provides the perfect opportunity to buy a new one as new, fresh styles become available for the spring and summer seasons. Continue reading “The Hope of Easter”

Celebrating the Easter Season

Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. (Mt 9:14-15)

Easter, unlike Thanksgiving or Independence Day, is not celebrated on a single day. Instead, the Easter season begins with Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, reflection, and penitence leading up to Easter Sunday. Lent fell on Valentine’s Day this year, the first time that’s happened since 1945. Easter will be on April Fool’s Day. Continue reading “Celebrating the Easter Season”