Dull sublunary lovers' love (Whose soul is sense) cannot admit Absence, because it doth remove Those things which elemented it. But we by a love so much refined, That our selves know not what it is, Inter-assured of the mind, Care less, eyes, lips, and hands to miss. Our two souls therefore, which are one, …
Healing.
Yesterday was Winter Solstice. Here, half way between 15 degrees N and the Tropic of Cancer, night began to fall at 5:30. The early darkness is a weighted blanket, enveloping weary souls with comfort and peace. There is no cajoling to play outside until nightfall, few obligations to be out. Like a yearly Sabbath, winter's…
It Would Have Been Enough
The Jews sing Dayenu each year at Passover. It would have been enough. It would have been enough if God had delivered them from Egypt and not destroyed their enemies. It would have been enough if He had given them the Torah but not the temple. Messianic Jews add one more verse: It all would…
in Him is light
Every year I have this weird block when it comes to my first post. Like maybe I’m supposed to be coming up with some great inspiring saga to set us all aglow with renewed spiritual fervor. But I have no fantastic stories, no slideshow worthy presentation. So maybe it’s better to just give you what…
Sorry, I Can’t Sing That One
When you’re missionaries or church planters or whatever you want to call people in that sort of ministry, you sometimes (often….) have some fairly small meetings. It’s your family and a few others and so from a tender age, you instruct your children to make sure they belt out the hymns. Actual singing ability is…
Let’s Have Tea
Maybe you could sit with me here awhile. I'll make you tea in my pretty green pot and set out a tray with chocolates and cookies. There will be a bundle of oleanders and cannas in an old pickle jar, because does anyone actually buy vases any more? I'd like to hold your hand. To…
For the Kids and the Grandpas
There is a gift my children have only half received. I feel in some ways like we've all been gypped, but then, that would be denying God's wisdom. The other half will have to be given them by us, telling the old stories that can't help but embed themselves into their impressionable consciouses. They had…
Sacred Day
We had no desire for a big to-do. No fanfare, party or even a fancy cake. The day was too sacred for all that. Our baby is alive. She’s well. She’s one year old. Solemn joy. We had a family meeting of thanksgiving. It seemed more appropriate than throwing balloons around. Oh, how very, very…
You Asked: Learning to Love What Must be Done
Is it truly possible to love what must be done? We are mere humans, dust with life, filled with failure and sin. Is there anyone we can confidently point to and declare a lover of dutiful tasks? I find it necessary to go beyond people and look to Christ. Did He love what had to…
Rollercoaster
We spent the last several days in Mexico City, seeing a couple specialists who could give us some direction on our baby’s hip dysplasia after being told she’d likely need to be in a cast for three months. I could easily dissect each phrase of that sentence and probably write an entire blog post…
penelope alves 