We helped moved my father-in-law out of his house this past weekend. As his 90th birthday approaches, George decided he needed to stop living alone so he moved into his daughter’s house. Smart man. Seeing the house packed up, waiting for the movers to arrive, was a bit surreal. After all, my husband and I … [Read more…]

“To trust in spite of the look of being forsaken; to keep crying out into the vast, whence comes no returning voice, and where seems no hearing; to see the machinery of the world pauselessly grinding on as if self-moved, caring for no life, nor shifting a hair-breadth for all entreaty, and yet believe that … [Read more…]

Lesson 7: Sometimes all you can do is focus on what lies immediately in front of you. Four of the best years of our ministry were spent at a church where my husband’s age-group responsibilities included 7th graders through college students. One of the “responsibilities” in the job description was to take the college students … [Read more…]

If you missed Part 1, you can check it out here. Lesson 4: Sometimes someone much stronger has to get you off the mountain. One of the most fascinating examples of skiing I ever witnessed occurred at the end of the day. I’d just gotten off the lift, ready for the final run, when I … [Read more…]

It’s summer in Texas and since I don’t like the heat, I can think of no better time than now to think about snow skiing. I’m not an expert skier by any means but neither am I a beginner. I’ve learned a few things while on the mountains.  Lesson 1: Skiing involves a lot of … [Read more…]

Psalm 34:18 says “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (NIV). Brokenhearted. Crushed in spirit. Do those words describe you? Chances are they do, or they have at some point, if you’re reading this blog. Far too often, “brokenhearted” and “crushed in spirit” describe ministers and their … [Read more…]

While perusing a seminary catalog recently I couldn’t help but feel that something was missing from the course requirements. 9 hours of introductory courses – check 12 hours of courses in Christian Scriptures – check 15 grueling house of Hebrew and Greek – check 15 hours of advanced courses in theology – check 24 hours … [Read more…]

The interview could not have gone any better. The committee appeared to really like us and seemed genuinely pleased with each answer we gave to their questions. They showed us around the church facilities, told us about their youth, and gave us the impression they were interested in my husband coming as their minister to … [Read more…]

I never had the honor of knowing Vicki Crumpton Metcalfe personally, but because we shared mutual friends, I’ve followed closely her fight against cancer. Vicki’s story is one of incredible courage, faith and family love. In the midst of her horrific battle for life, Vicki lived a life of abundant joy. Her deep faith in … [Read more…]

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act (Psalm 37:7). Praying your Easter is filled with comfort and hope as you wait for God to work out the details of your life. Hillary Scott’s “Still”