I was sitting on the patio and looking into the wooded area at the side of our home. The grey and brown and gold of the autumn hardwoods were complimented by the emerald of the evergreens. A pleasant and quiet beauty drifting toward the barrenness of winter. As I let my gaze penetrate the depths, there was a flash of brilliant color: bright cherry red. I leaned forward to see what lovely growth might be nestled among the trees, wondering at its appearance here in the late and chilly fall. I was astonished to realize it was a plastic bag caught up in the undergrowth and trembling in the slight…

“Because I said so.” How often during my years of parenting small children did I want to give into frustration because I was tired of cajoling and explaining. I always felt that everything would go so much smoother if I could simply be trusted to call the shots. Afterall, I really did have more information and more experience than my children, right? Now, after twenty years in my career and countless employees and associates woven in and out of my sphere of influence, I am grateful to have learned that explaining why things have to be done a certain way promotes creative and critical thinking and engenders loyalty. I still…

I had several meaningful encounters during our church gathering today. Poignant vignettes, each one a flare heralding the sweetness of God’s love. As a collection, they seem a veritable shout of heaven’s promise. I am humbled to realize that these precious saints are my brothers and sisters forever. We are connected by the Spirit of God in mysterious ways that only the ages to come will manifest. The surety of it wraps me in comfort and courage. I am comforted in the belonging, like a child who knows she is neither the beginning nor the end of matters. The story was unfolding long before and will continue to unfold long…

The changing of the leaves in autumn can be quite spectacular, if you live in an area of suitable climate to such a change. It is rather an interesting phenomenon. As the weather cools, the process of breaking down and replacing chlorophyll (which produces the green color) slows down and the other natural chemicals within the leaves reveal their true colors. As human beings, we are prone to using various types of camouflage, sort of like armor against hostile environments – places where we are not confident of our acceptance, or we are unsure of the rules. The way we dress, the manner in which we carry our bodies, the…