Life by Grace Alone

December and it's time for the Nutcracker again. Every year my granddaughter Grace rehearses for her new part in this traditional ballet. We have seen Grace grow from an awkward little girl whose eyes constantly seek direction from the teacher to an almost teenager who takes her performance in stride, Perhaps one day she will be comparable to professional dancers we have seen. I remember going to performances where I would marvel at the moves of the dancers. With great precision, they would kick., twirl, and leap across the stage. What a joy it must be to be so unhindered by awkwardness. rebelling muscles, and shortness of breath that every fiber of one's being stretches with the glory of life.  Maybe that's part of the reason God allows so many people to show what seems like 10s on a scale of 1-10. In every person who exhibits a  10 in the picture they paint, who excels in singing, or scores high numbers in an athletic event, in every instance where someone uses well w...

I may be grown up but I still like birthdays. Presents that surprise, cards that flatter, a special meal that satisfies are the usual ingredients that help to fill the once a year festive day. 20016  brought a different birthday. My brother Phil had pancreatic cancer and we were concerned about how long he would last. One day he called me to tell me he would be in our home town for a few days. I hung up the phone. I told my daughter that I did not see how it would work out. That Monday we would be returning after a week at the beach. I knew from experience how hard my husband works after we come home. The plan seemed impossible. Then my daughter set me straight. This could be the last time I might see my brother and I had better do whatever it takes to make it happen. Jessica was right and we made plans. We arrived the evening two days before  my birthday. The next night we met Phil, his wife Bobbi, and some of their friends at a restaurant for dinner. Phil walked with a s...

My husband recently shared with me an idea. My brother Phil had been battling pancreatic cancer for over a year and there were sure signs that the end was coming soon. Steve thought I might want to call and talk to him. I was certain that if I did I would emotionally be a mess. In spite of my decision Steve called Phil and shared why he was thankful for him. He did not expect any response from Phil. Later we heard how he responded with facial expressions. I would like to share the four reasons why my husband of  almost 45 years said he was thankful for my brother, 1) Our eldest son Chris sees fishing as a central part of his life and my brother Phil is the one who encouraged him and shared his love of fishing. It is difficult to remember how young Chris was when Phil began to model his great enjoyment of fishing. Chris saw from the start that his Uncle insisted on obeying the regulations about the size of a keeper. Both had patience as they waited to catch the right size fish. ...