Casting Bread

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3 ESV At 2:35 PM, on May 23rd, Eli Hudson Farnsworth was delivered into this world, and my first grandson was born. Thanks to 21st century technology and my friend and cohort in...

Deeper Still

My phone rang and I could tell by the caller ID that it was David. I waited for the automated voice to explain to me that I was receiving a call from an inmate at Norfolk MCI, then some warnings and disclaimers before I pressed 1 to connect. “Hello!” David called into...

Jesus and Jelly Beans

(I wrote this post two years ago, but felt compelled to re-post for those that missed it first time around. Happy Easter to all!) I did not expect to wake up to the sound of jelly beans hitting the walls and windows. But as I sat up and blinked twice I realized it was...

Coming Home (or It’s Not My Party)

Friday Dawn I lay in the dark and tried to locate my two granddaughters by their breathing. Brooklynn, age five, had a slower, softer and more rhythmic breath. Olive, at three, had a little bear-cub growl on inspiration and I could tell she was right below me on the...

Beyond Hope

If you doubt that spring is in the air, just visit Christmas Tree Shop on a Saturday afternoon, especially when the temperature has finally stretched past forty. I needed a frame and a lamp, and knowing the danger of entering that store and thinking you can leave with...

What-if on a Would-be Birthday

I rolled over and peeked through the shade. Still dark. The clock said 4:28 and I lay back down, sighing deeply. Thirty-four years ago, plus about two hours, my life had just been turned upside down. I became a mother. Spencer Timothy Macleod had burst upon the scene,...