Archive — June, 2008
25 Jun
My Teeth: A Tragic Tale – In Seven Acts
Recently I received notice from my dentist that I was past due for my annual checkup. Reluctantly, my younger sister Carrie and I booked appointments. We’ve had very different track records with our teeth. On one hand, Carrie’s never experienced a cavity. Having shared a sink since birth I’m painfully aware of why; athletes have completed Olympic triathlons in less time than she spends brushing. I, on the other hand, got about a one/per appointment ratio going. But this time I was determined things would be different.
Solid Ground
For four days we walked the same path to the beach, crossed over the gray, wooden bridge that spanned the berm, and trudged through the sand to place our chairs in the least crowded spot to enjoy the surf and the wonderful sea breeze. Four days walking past the same sign at the edge of the beach without ever taking the time to read its warning. But for some reason, on Day 4, I paused, probably to adjust my load or to get a sandspur out of my flip flop, but I stopped and read: “Extreme currents and shifting sands. Swim at your own risk.”
24 Jun
What does it mean to seek the Lord? Part 2
When I left my adolescence and graduated to middle school and the first two years of high school, I was more than made fun of for my faith. Consistently, I was called “God’s daughter” and “Prude” and “Jesus freak” to my embarrassment.
23 Jun
To Nap, Or Not To Nap…Is There Really A Question?
Throughout history there have been many dynamic duos: Batman/Robin, Pinkie/The Brain, Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie. But the most deadly duo of all? My buddy Robbie and I. That’s deadly as in, “from the perspective of our camp counselors.” Oh yes, Rob and I terrorized many youth camps in our day. That is until the unthinkable happened, we got old.
20 Jun
Wake Up
I am currently in a hotel in Malaysia, but I clearly remember the talk my father gave me the night before we left for the airport. Like most international flights, they know you have plenty of time to sleep on the airplane (despite being sandwiched between two extremely large people, having no leg room, and being assaulted by the sound of four crying babies), so they always make the departure time as early as possible. On this particular flight, that time was 6:45 a.m.
19 Jun
The Power of Prayer
The other night I had one of those awe moments that occasionally slips up on us. It happens when our spiritual being completely overpowers our analytical and physical being. For once, we are totally in tune to our Savior and are completely amazed by Him. We feel a part of Him entirely and pour out our thanks and praise. We experience what we are always meant to experience – a sense of wonder and awe in our marvelous Creator.
18 Jun
Hide and Seek
Remember the childhood antics of hide and seek? Both the thrill of the search and the anticipation of being found produced hours of delight. In my relationship with God, it seems as if a similar dynamic exists. God pursues me, and I am commanded to seek Him.
Deep Roots
One of our favorite places to go with the boys and picnic or kick around the soccer ball is Bowman Field, the large green space where Clemson’s “town and gown” (university and city) intersect. On the edge of Bowman Field stands the grandest tree I have ever seen… .I can only imagine how this mammoth tree stretches beneath the soil. How wide and deep must the root system extend?
17 Jun
It Shall Be a Duel…to the Death!
Basement cleaning day….the mere mention can send shivers down a spine. The year was 1994. The setting: a dimly lit basement. The scenario; a young boy, with his siblings, slaving away under the oppressing tyranny of their parents….I was that boy. This is my tale…
16 Jun
Into The Light…”
Being trapped in a dark room is a terrifying experience. The sensation of total blackness overwhelms you. You can’t tell which way is up and which is down, where you are going and where you have been, or even what lies just ahead of you. The less we see, the less we have control over. A dark room is filled with uncertainties, and it is not a place we want to find ourselves in.
