Grandfamilies: Disrupted by Spells of Unanticipated Joy

Lala initiates a tissue-tossing frenzy as she opens birthday gifts. Carly and Cadence assist while Elaine and baby Sawyer watch the action from the corner. January 2011. Last weekend I committed to keeping an eye out for joy. I was tired of meeting challenges and being prepared for hardship. I claim this good God, see, and He not […]


Weekend Reflection: Read

 My friend Laura wrote a beautiful book. Read, reflect–then go outside and play.   Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Luke 18:17 (ESV) Shhh. It’s the weekend. Remove your shoes and step into the stillness. Stop by Sandra Heska King’s place for Still […]


Weekend Reflection: Play is Promised

Sawyer and Cadence. April 11, 2014. Then the word of the Lord of hosts came, saying, 2 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘I am exceedingly jealous for Zion, yes, with great wrath I am jealous for her.’ 3 Thus says the Lord, ‘I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and […]


Raise a Holy Hum

Elaine and Hoanie. Tapuamu, Tahaa. 2004. Play Song, Pray SongSunday I learned that prayer sounds a lot like play. Sort of. Let me explain. Papeete, Tahiti, 1990. Walking back to the hostel, my friend (who happens to be my friend solely because at this moment, we’re both guests at the same hostel and so we […]


No Photos: Be and Do, A Both/And Week

The First Grandboy Overnighter. Ayden, 5, and Cadence, About-to-Turn 3. September, 2009. The Incredible Sweetness of Being, Part TwelveI put my camera away the last time we had grandsons under our roof. Not because the camera was broken. Not because I don’t adore pictures of our grandchildren. Not because I think I have enough photos of […]