Three babies, two dogs, and one swing

Last night a huge storm hit our piney wooded corner of Texas. Dark purple-black clouds rolled in and thunder warned us of an impending downpour. The lightning began flashing and beckoned us outside onto the porch to watch its wonder. We ventured outside with three squealing kiddos on our laps. After a deafeningly loud clap of thunder, the dogs jumped on the swing with us and we all huddled, some scared, some shaking, and some giggling as our eyes were wide and our feet sprinkled with the patter of rain. True women sitting with three babies, two dogs, and one swing.

Watching the display of God's glory in a storm always leaves me frozen in awe or dancing in the rain, but more wonderful than the storm itself is experiencing it through the eyes of a child. Their simple minds of amazement remind me of what Jesus taught us, to become like a child to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:1-4). May we be just like a child, humbled by the beauty of our King.

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Hampton Court Palace

Today, I toured Hampton Court Palace, an official historic, royal palace. Following are some of the sights I saw, history I learned, and favorites I enjoyed. The guard chamber of King William III. The magnificent display of 2,871 items of armor and weapons displayed a message that William was a great soldier and peacemaker. William's Presence chamber. Only high-ranking individuals were permitted into this room. William would be distinguished by sitting on a Chair of Estate. Those who entered his presence were required to remove their hats and make three low bows to the King, or even his empty chair. I'm grateful to serve an accessible King, who is with me wherever I go. William's eating room. He was expected to dine here on occasions "in front of persons of good fashion and good appearance," in order to display the sumptuousness of his food and to reassure everyone he was in good health. He was served by three servants on bended knee. William's P...

Community

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35 Since my journey to Texas, the theme of a community seems to be following me. I encountered community several times during various study-abroad cohorts, mission trips, and even within my home neighborhood. One can hardly attend a Christian gathering without hearing the word at least once or twice! However, this season is bringing me a deeper awareness of its significance. Last week, a school we instructed held a worship night in the auditorium. Their Bible teacher taught from John 13:35, and encouraged each student to search for how to love one another as their mission in spreading the gospel. I sat, blown away. Jesus did not ask for door to door evangelism, nor did he demand fancy words or theological debate, no giant show or far away travels. He said to love one another. Wow! Had I complicated evangelism so much? The love for one another demonstrates we are Christ's discip...

Thankful for Mothers

I am blessed to be surrounded by strong Mother figures in my Mother, Nona, staff members, Nana, and Great Grandmother. Often, when I get together with my Great Grandmother, she reflects on days gone by, memories which reveal truth, bring laughter, and offer wisdom. I wrote this in honor of her, and of the mothers who hold precious memories. Remember Remember the moment you first learned of life? Kicking inside you as a young wife. Remember the bottles and burp rags, piled in your lap? Praying and hoping for just one little nap. Remember the first steps, teeth, and words? "Dada" and "Mama," or even "Big Bird." Remember the school days, lunches packed to go? Back back ready, pencils sharpened, favorite outfit to show. Remember the homework, it all must be done? The square root of 441 is 29, or was it 21? Remember the crushes, the hearts beating fast? Wises words come carefully, "Wait for the love which lasts." Remember graduat...

All My Love, Gennavieve

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