Tag Archives: parents

Rocks in My Pockets

VineWords Devotions and More

Carrying My Children’s Rocks I remember my kids giving me things to hold for them when they were little—among them, rocks. They would find little rocks they thought were special. Whenever I unloaded the rocks in my pockets and the other treasures they’d entrusted to me, I smiled. These provided little glimpses into their hearts, things I got to carry to make their lives more joyful or the journey less of a struggle for them. Handling Responsibilities As they got older, though, … Continue reading →

The God of Justice

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Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ~Romans 12:19 ESV I looked over my class list for the new year and saw a name I recognized. Their family was very involved. I also knew one of this child’s older relatives loved me dearly and had loved me since I was a kid. I anticipated a great year. We were reacquainted at open … Continue reading →

A Double Blessing

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After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy. ~1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 NLT When my two daughters were young, I attended all the group presentations in which they participated. I took note of the other parents. When their child was next to do a solo or recitation, the parents’ anticipation rose. Shortly, … Continue reading →

Repairing the Broken Places

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In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them. ~2 Chronicles 29:3 NIV When my daughter was a child, she brought anything that broke to her father to have it fixed. It didn’t matter what it was. My daughter had a refrain, “Give it to Daddy; he can fix anything.” She trusted he would mend whatever she placed in his hands, and she still does. … Continue reading →

How to Be Satisfied

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He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. ~Ephesians 4:16 NLT One chose to stay on the farm; the other chose city life. One was satisfied; the other, well… Learning how to be satisfied isn’t the easiest thing in the world. When my mom was a junior in high school, she chose to … Continue reading →

Don’t Leave Them Behind

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Panic hit me like a blow to the chest. I stomped on the brakes and pulled over. Car after car passed, leaving me no opportunity to turn around. Hands shaking, I prayed, “Please keep them safe. Please keep them safe.” Don’t Leave Them Behind A break in the traffic allowed me to turn around and head back to the house, five minutes away. Home, where I had left my children. How could I have forgotten them? Five minutes later, I … Continue reading →

The Lord Supplies All Our Needs

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The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. ~Isaiah 58:11 NIV I admire people with gardening skills. Although my parents were garden-minded, they did not pass that gene down to me. Still, I learned the Lord supplies all our needs. Our Needs Every summer, Dad set up his garden in well-fertilized soil by the … Continue reading →

The Friendship Pie

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Be hospitable to one another. ~1 Peter 4:9 NKJV Mother pulled the pie from the oven. I hovered, waiting for a taste. How could she resist giving a portion of the friendship pie to her eight-year-old daughter?   She continued to work, scalloping the edges of a second pie. Then she sliced apples and placed them in the pie shell. Next, she poured in the blueberries and raspberries that had been set aside in a bowl. Finally, she topped the … Continue reading →

Christmas in the Desert

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 love the Lord, because He hears [and continues to hear] My voice and my supplications (my pleas, my cries, my specific needs). Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.   ~‭‭Psalm‬ ‭116‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬ I was six years old, and, as I remember, things that December were difficult. We faced Christmas in the desert in more ways than one.   The Desert My family had spent time on the … Continue reading →

Seasons Pass

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For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. ~Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT Seasons pass, but one of ours seemed to hang around longer than we wanted. The spring of our season came with Mom falling and breaking her wrist. Since my stepfather had Alzheimer’s and could barely care for himself, we made plans to place Mom in a skilled nursing facility. She wasn’t excited, and neither were we, but we had no choice. Neither she nor … Continue reading →