October 25, 2020 My hands grew sweaty and my heart beat fast. I did my best in my task as a novice Spanish interpreter in that courtroom decades ago. Then the unexpected happened. “Mrs. Eckles, approach the bench,” the judge said after he announced a recess during one of the sessions. Gulp. He’s calling me, …
September 25, 2020 In bad times, we need to get bold. And that’s what I did. I got a bit bold and wrote my grown sons this letter. Since you are my inspirational family, may I share it with you? It’s based on Psalm 33. Each verse seems to have been written for all of …
August 7, 2020 “I’m so sick of this,” a friend said behind her mask, “can’t wait for this to be over.” We can all relate, can’t we? And to add to the frustration, many say this will get worse before it gets better. That’s not the news we want. Then again, there’s so much we …
July 10, 2020 “So, I was with some friends preaching in South Africa,” a preacher said, “when a blind woman who sat at the front came up for prayer. The preacher told her Jesus loved her and wanted to heal her blindness. He then placed his hands on her head and prayed. In that instant, …
July 3, 2020 Back in 1970, my parents, my brother age 16 and I age 17 dismissed the 100 degree whether on that 4th of July in St. Louis. Our focus was fixed on that important day that would change our lives. We entered the courtroom. A hush filled the air and the huge, red, …
June 19, 2020 Were there dreams or nightmares that waited for me and my family in the U.S.? The ophthalmologist shined a bright light into my eyes. “She did inherit it,” he said to my parents and me. “You need to be prepared. There is no cure.” He leaned back on his chair. “There’s no …
May 8, 2020 I invite you, dear friends, to step away from the chaos and take a little time to relish in the oasis of God’s Word. Here’s a clear instruction, direct guidance and a beautiful promise. They’re all tucked in these verses: “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in …
My husband and I try, really try to face the current world’s situation with faith, deep hope and calmness. A few weeks back, we went to the local grocery store. With a cart-full of food, we stood in line longer than normal. As we waited, the customer at the cashier spoke loud enough for the …
What was I thinking? Years ago, my house was filled with candles, all kinds of shapes, sizes and fragrances. But one day, I studied and became aware of their risk. I promptly removed them all when I realized the toxins they contain in their synthetic, chemically-laced harmful fragrances.The contrast was even more profound when a …
February 14, 2020 “I’ll be honest with you,” a friend said as we waited for our food at our favorite restaurant. “I want true love. I want to cry out, “Help, I’m married to a man made of stone.” I wish just once, on Valentine’s Day, he would show a little romance.” Way deep inside, …
