One Sunday night after church, as is our habit, the children went to their rooms to dress immediately for bed. Minutes later, all the children were sitting at the table eagerly devouring their suppers—all the children, that is, except for one. My older daughter, Katie, was missing. As I began to call her, feeling slightly … More Daddy’s Girl
Holding her cell phone limply, Elaine sat at her kitchen table numb, in unbelief. She stared absently at the screen. “Sara Davis,” the name of her best friend, displayed across the top, and the advancing stopwatch indicated their conversation had just begun. “It can’t be true,” Elaine mumbled. Her mind raced over the past several … More Sometime (Based on a true story)
We don’t hesitate to take the “big things” to God, but what about the really little things–the things that are not important to anyone but us? Does God care about those? Crimson crept into my cheeks, and I glanced around sheepishly. Of course, no one had heard me since I was alone in the car, … More If Cans Could Talk
My worst friend troubles began in fourth grade. Although all of us girls in the class were friends, I had two best friends, one of whom was bent on tormenting me. Thankfully, I don’t remember everything she did to make my life miserable, but I do remember sharp stomach pains which the doctor diagnosed as stress-related. … More Girl Wars and the Green-Eyed Monster
Mr. Keller stroked his goatee and peered from his spectacles, his eyes resting momentarily on each of us eight girls. Although there were about twice as many boys in our class as there were girls, I think he found us girls more challenging than the rambunctious majority. Sir Keller, so knighted by the students at … More Conquering the Girl Wars
We’ve all been there. A friend has met with some tragedy or is crushed by some adversity. Our heart aches deeply for her, and our minds spiral madly, trying to think of some way to help. Does she want a visit or a phone call? If we do call or visit, what will we say? … More Help! My Friend Is Hurting!
If I were writing a book on friendships, I don’t know that I would have thought to include a chapter on Mary and Elizabeth. The Bible study I am currently doing with our church ladies (Faces of Friendship by Debi Pryde) actually begins with that biblical example of friendship. As many times as I’ve heard … More Friendships in Disguise
Imagine the darkest day of your life. You are stunned, almost paralyzed as you try to make sense of your worst nightmares that have just become reality. As you see your friends walk up to your door, a twinge of comfort reaches your numb spirit. Finally, someone to share your grief! They embrace you warmly … More Wounded by a Friend
It was at lunch when I was in lower elementary—probably about first grade. My best friend Michelle noticed the delicious homemade treat my mom had packed for me, and she wanted it. I didn’t see any reason to give her my dessert. After all, I could see she had her own dessert in her lunch … More The Perfect Friend
Is patriotism out of vogue? I remember when it wasn’t—at least not for one family… Mom gasped in astonishment. Braking abruptly, she steered into the local bank’s parking lot. “I’ll just be a minute,” she announced as she parked the long, brown Ford LTD station wagon. “Can you believe anyone would fly a flag like … More The Flag-Waving Gestapo
Live Joyfully 