I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10a When Joel arrived home from school today I wrapped a tangible answer to prayer around his bulky, eighteen-year-old shoulders. A prayer quilt, stitched and knotted with prayers for peace; for physical, mental … [Read more...]
Angels Unaware
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2 Have you ever met someone and felt an instant bond? That’s what happened the day I met Katie. We both were new to Oxford, Ohio, a sleepy little college town in southwest Ohio. My husband and I, along with our son, Joel (who has autism), had been worshipping at the Oxford Vineyard … [Read more...]
Sabbath Rest
Do you ever feel like a human doing instead of a human being? I do. (No pun intended!) Most of us, from the time our feet hit the floor in the early morning hours until we climb back into bed late at night, do not pause in our doing. It’s different for each of us, depending on what life stage we’re in, but it looks something like this: Make breakfast. Pack lunches. Clean up kitchen. … [Read more...]
We Had Nothing to Do With It
…We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the … [Read more...]
Celebration!
Joel loves to dance. He’s a study in joy on the dance floor—arms flailing, feet shuffling, eyes shining. Joy bubbles up in my veins as I watch him, inviting me to get up and do my own celebratory dance. I was shocked when Joel was too agitated and anxious to enjoy the last monthly dance held at his home, Safe Haven Farms. He walked into the brightly decorated multi-purpose room where music was … [Read more...]