Lessons of 2012

It's time for the obligatory end of the year post, summing up all the wonderful moments of The Next Step from the last year. To be honest, this has been a tough year for me with this blog. Sometimes I think it doesn't matter or I fear I've run out of new things to write about. I've considered quitting many times, but something (Someone?) keeps me going. If nothing else, it's a way to record what I'm learning, perhaps leaving a trail of bread crumbs for my children to follow, taking them to the Source of my hope and the only One who can give real life. So rather than give you the top ten posts of the year, I've decided to offer a small sampling of the lessons I've learned in 2012, those things that have stuck with me long after the words were typed.

In Retaining Me I realized there's nothing wrong with me. (Although there was that time a reader suggested I seek professional psychiatric help . . . hmmm.) We get these notions God has a ton of work to do in us. Maybe it's the way the Bible talks about transforming us that makes us think we need to be totally retooled. Sure, God is constantly teaching and refining, but our essence remains His unique creation. I really like that.

In Buying God a Smoothie I gained new understanding that the nice things we do for others don't need to be known for God to value and honor our sacrifice.

In If they knew how much they were loved . . . , the untimely death of a young person in our community taught me we have no way of knowing how our lives impact others. It spurred me to tell people when I appreciate them.

Worry over my kids and their futures as adults brought me to God who showed me the best way to help them in For the Sake of My Kids.

An experience that changed both my view of God and myself came after an emotional and awe-inspiring weekend with friends. God, Rachelle and Ann Voskamp chronicles the day my impressions of God expanded dramatically. Ever since that day I've yearned, longed, ached to feel His presence like that again. No one will be able to tell me God is not real and intimately involved in our lives after that weekend.

Now it's your turn. Help me know more about you. How about some reciprocity? What lessons did you learn in 2012?



Photo Credit: jimmiehomeschoolmom

How Satan Gets At Good Girls

I'm a good girl.

A girl who always follows the rules. My rebellious phase lasted maybe two months. I get paranoid if someone looks at me funny. I do what I can to keep everyone happy. My conversion story is lackluster. I didn't have to be cleansed from any addiction or horrible past. This girl who did what she was supposed to do, just started living by God's rules one day.

And yet there are days I wonder if following the rules is worth it. Bad stuff still happens to good girls and those they love. God doesn't always answer prayers the way I'd like. There is no perfect life. And when the hard stuff hits, I feel my efforts to be good have been overlooked by God. Why bother? Does it matter? Is there really protection in living His way?

“‎When the truth doesn’t feel true is when we begin to believe it isn’t. Satan’ biggest, most effective weapon against good girls may not be lust or slander or adultery or addiction. It is forgetfulness.”

Emily Freeman
Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life

The truth is, when I'm scared or worried or feeling like nothing matters, I've forgotten the goodness of God in my past. I'm listening to Satan's whispers saying, "this can't possibly work out right" and "what's the point of following a God who doesn't reward your faithfulness" and "it doesn't matter what you do when tragedy and trauma hit everyone."

The moment I entertain these thoughts, Satan's sucked me in. I may not be sleeping with my neighbor or doing drugs or cheating on my taxes, but believing those lies is just as harmful.

Not acknowledging God's faithfulness and goodness in the past blasts away at my faith every bit as much, if not MORE, than any other sin I avoid.

I need to remember Who He is and what He's done. When I don't, I leave myself vulnerable for Satan's attack.


As the host for this week's In "Other" Words, I invite you to give us your thoughts on this quote. Link up below.




Photo Credit: CapesTreasures.com

A Way to Say Thank You

I have much to be thankful for--a good marriage, peaceful home life, good relationships with family and friends, good health, opportunities.

But having much to be thankful for, makes me responsible for much. Because I'm in a good place right now (one never knows what a day will bring), I'm in a position (and expected) to help others who aren't. God wants me building others up, helping them do what He's asked, whether I feel like it or not. I need to fulfill obligations in every opportunity that comes my way, requiring time and energy. When I've been down, others have come alongside to pick me up, to keep me going. Now it's my turn.

“Let us remember that, as much as has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.”
Theodore Roosevelt

How do I thank God for His blessings?

Love His people.

Listen to them. Encourage them. Work for them. Show them how important they are to God. Be in their corner. Cheer them on. Feed them. Hold them up. Speak truth.

Love them.

. . . I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:40

The best way to honor God, to offer Him true gratitude, is to love as He does.

Tall order? Sure, but He doesn't ask more of us than He's given Himself. And doesn't He deserve it?

Now it's your turn. What does this quote inspire in you? Write a post and link up here.

How Not To Fall

Adam and Eve lived in Eden, Paradise, the most perfect place on earth. And they were happy about it . . . until someone suggested they may be missing out on something. Suddenly all they saw was what they didn't have. Did the sneaky suggestion blind them to the beauty all around? Did they take it for granted because it was free? Why did they only want what they couldn't have?

I am no different. I get to serve God in tons of ways, yet I asked Him just today for a new opportunity. I have a healthy, strong body, but you better believe I could give you a massive list of my flaws in a heartbeat. My husband is so very good to me, loving and supportive and fun, but I could tell you without thinking what I'd like to change about him. My refrigerator is big and functions well, but I'd love a new one. Instead of appreciating what I have, I pine away for what I don't.

Why do I forget? Why do I dismiss all the good in search of something I know nothing about? Why can't I be happy with what is?

“Non-eucharisteo, ingratitude, was the fall–humanity’s discontent with all that God freely gives. That is what has scraped me raw: ungratefulness.”

Ann Voskamp

Why do I get frustrated and anxious and depressed? I overlook what is good and right in my life. My discontent stems from my lack of gratitude. I'm distracted by the possibility of new and different, of escape and ease. If I dwell there, yearning for what I don't have, I get resentful. I think I deserve better. I become proud. And then I'm in trouble.

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

Right here, right now, my life is very good. If I accomplished nothing more than what I have until now, I have lived well. And God is good. No worry, no sorrow, no inconvenience, no tragedy can erase that truth. God is good. He gives good gifts. To all His children. All the time. In all circumstances. I'll see it if I look for the good, instead of wishing for something different.

Sincere gratitude is the best way not to fall and live life to the fullest.

What does this quote stir in you? Care to share your thoughts? Please join us by linking up here:

A Sweet Moment or What a Mother Hopes for Her Kids

Drama Queen's been working hard all summer to get in the best shape possible for drum line camp at the University of Nebraska. Competition is steep and she's felt the pressure, but true to who she is, her determination motivates her to put in the practice time, hours upon hours every week. At home in her room at all hours of the day, in the driveway in her swimsuit in the heat of the afternoon, at friends' houses, anywhere, any time. Her practice pad and sticks are like car keys to the rest of us. They go everywhere with her.

So when the doctor used the definitive word "fracture" and punctuated it with "slow healing bone," Drama Queen couldn't hold back the tears. This year's season is probably out for her. Her hard work culminated not in a pride of all Nebraska band uniform, but a Husker red cast.

Soon she texted her brother, Drummer Boy, who as a snare drummer on the University line had an interest in her outcome. He's been her role model, her instructor, her cheerleader, her supporter. He's the one dragging her to drum line mini-camps and encouraging her to try out for things. The common interest of drumming brought them closer through the years. Though Drama Queen's father and I don't consistently get the obsession, Drummer Boy always relates to her.

Because of that, it seemed fitting to meet him for some food after we left the doctor's office. Drama Queen wasn't hungry and would have loved to crawl into bed with the covers over her head, but it had been a while since we talked with her brother and we both missed him. Honestly I hoped he might cheer her up a little, but I didn't imagine he would touch me so.

Without any greeting, Drummer Boy walked into the restaurant, made a beeline for his sister, grabbed her into a big hug and just held her there a while. She sank into his chest and did her best to hold back the tears.

And so did I.

It reminded me of this picture taken over a year ago after a disappointing finish at drum line championships.


It's the kind of scene a mother doubts will ever occur as she listens to her kids fight over toys and who ate the last popsicle and taking too much time in the bathroom and making somebody late for school. I suppose years of bickering and learning how to live together made it that much sweeter. One hug told the real story. My kids love each other.

I'm sorry for the bad news that preceded it, but will forever treasure the memory of that moment. Our kids will be there for one another, even when we cannot. They're bound together apart from our influence.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.


For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Lynn and Dineen at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

Sweet Moments

Miss Innocent One has no idea I'm listening. She goes about her business, cleaning her gerbil's cage without my help, being careful to dump the old shavings into the garbage outside so it doesn't stink up the kitchen. As she contentedly does her work, she plays the radio and because it's just who she is, soon she can't help but sing along.

"What if the blessings come through raindrops? What if the healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near?"

Her sincere, beautiful voice floats up to my office and my heart bursts. Her satisfaction and enjoyment of life, even in the chore of cleaning out a gerbil cage, move me. In the sweetness of this moment, I wonder why I ever worry at all. Why do I let things get to me, when every day these instances, moments where my soul weeps in gratitude for the blessings in my life, are waiting to be experienced? How many have I missed?

Truly God is good.

Make me more observant, Lord. Cultivate in me a spirit of thanksgiving for the now.



Join other Thankful Thursday participants at Grace Alone.

The Respite of Simple Joys

My spirit soars. I feel happy, really happy and I wonder where the joy has come from. There's been no amazing news. Huge sums of cash have not landed in my bank account. No special favors have brightened the day. My kids have not behaved perfectly. My house still needs cleaning.

It's a great day and I realize it's because I've found joy in simple things.

An overdue phone call.
Honest communication at Bible study.
A runny nose that's finally stopped dripping.
A splash of bold red paint in my office.
A new phone that stays charged longer than ten minutes and feels good in my hand.
A pleasant lunch date with my husband complete with great food, stimulating conversation, a wonderful atmosphere.
An impromptu visit to my friend's deck on a beautiful afternoon.
A comment that affirms my judgment call.
Teenagers dropping in for a few minutes who seem to enjoy my company.

Nothing monumental, only small occurrences that make me smile. I wonder how many happy days I've missed by overlooking these little blessings, by focusing on the bigger problems instead of the daily goodness. Would I find myself happier, more content if I looked harder for these? Could I change a gloomy or anxious mindset by searching for small pleasures? Has God offered me relief in ordinary, beautiful moments I've failed to notice? Have I missed them?

Have you? Are you overlooking simple joys in your life? Could each day be filled with greater satisfaction by opening our eyes?

Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 103:1-2, 5

Look for the good, my friends. Enjoy the little moments. Find respite in simple joys.



Photo Credit: Jayel Aheram

Not Happy Birthday

Subconsciously, I think I've been dreading this day for about a week.

(Hey, wait a minute--Subconsciously, I think--isn't that an oxymoron, or maybe just bad writing. Never mind.)

Today is my birthday and I'm getting to the age where the numbers aren't sounding so good to me anymore. As of 12:41 p.m. I am 47 and in my mind you might as well say I'm 63 because in a survey they probably fall in the same group. The older you get the bigger the age span gets in those things. You start out fitting into the 15-19 age group, then it's 20-29, 30-46 and 47-84. Oh brother.

I don't know what my problem is. I have nothing to be depressed about. I'm in the best shape of my life physically. Last week I gave away clothes I wore in high school (Notice the hoarder tendencies? I still had clothes from 30 years ago?!) because I'll never be able to fit into them being FIVE sizes bigger than what I wear now. My husband is awesome. My kids are great. I have good relationships with my extended family and even my in-laws. I have wonderful friends and people in my life, a terrific church family. And I'd never want to revisit an age. I love my life. Truly. God has been gracious and abundant.

So I guess I need to take the advice of so many people who have chided me for screwing up my face when they've wished me a happy birthday. Today I choose to thank God for the amazing blessings in my life, for the love He has surrounded me with, and mostly for bringing me into His family. I hate to think of what I would be without His touch on my life.

God is good. A birthday is a great time to acknowledge another year of His benevolence. Pardon me while I do so.

Thank You Lord. You continually astound me with your blessings. I find myself thinking often, "Who am I? Why me?" How could I have anything but joy in my heart this day? You are so faithful, so gentle. Today I celebrate You and Your goodness.

How can I keep from singing Your praise?
How can I ever say enough?
How amazing is Your love!
How can I keep from shouting Your name?
I know I am loved by the King
and it makes my heart want to sing.

Today is not happy birthday. Today is PRAISE GOD!



Photo Credit: 3liz4

Thankful for the Yuck

A bad ending to an otherwise fine day drug my spirit in an already weary body. Why can't problems stay fixed? Why are new ones always waiting in the wings? At a loss for a solution, I tried to take my mind off of things and read of fear and God's unbelievable fulfillment and faith.

How will He make good from any problem? I don't know, but He promises He will. He whispers gently, "If faith is not tried, is it faith?"

I get His point. It's easy to have faith which takes no effort, but is no-effort-confidence truly faith?

"In this world you will have trouble," Jesus said, but each trial strengthens my faith.

Make it so, Lord.



Join the Thankful Thursday team at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

I Don't Know Why

Lord, I don't know why You've blessed me.

I don't know why You gave me the desires of my heart in a husband who loves me more than I thought possible, who will forever be in my corner, holding my hand, navigating the rocky seas of life.

I don't know why You've given us children who love You, who aren't afraid to think for themselves, who fill our home with activity and laughter.

I don't know why You decided to make our extended families a treasured part of our lives, parents who back us up yet trust us to live our own lives, siblings we want to see more, cousins and nieces and nephews who enhance us.

I don't know why You've granted me quality relationships, people who see the real me and even like it, people who support me and love me and tell me what's true, wonderful friends who think the best without expectations.

I don't know why You've enriched our lives with an amazing church body, servants who love You and encourage us to do the same, who worship and think and challenge.

I don't know why You've given us gifts and the opportunities to use them.

Lord, I don't know why You chose me, a selfish, quiet, insignificant little girl. Why did You think I would be fit for Your family? Why did You decide to pour Your Spirit on me and let me be a part of Your work? Why have You surrounded me, my whole life, with people who lead me in Your way?

I don't know why You have blessed me, Lord.

But I am so very thankful. May I live my life in sincere gratitude to You.

Thank You dear Jesus.



Photo Credit: Puzzler4879

Freeing Me From Myself

I should have seen it coming the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The pastor talked about being thankful. The more he talked, the more I wanted to crawl under my chair.

I haven't been thankful lately. I've been whiny and envious and critical and punchy. I've been way too human.

But I am better than this. I've got the Holy Spirit within me, right?

. . . the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 john 4:4)

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts . . . And be thankful. (Col. 3:15)

Lord, cultivate a spirit of peace and thanksgiving in my heart. In your spirit, help me rise above my humanness instead of wallowing in it. You died to set me free from myself. Help me never forget.



Photo Credit: kabl1992

No More Wishing for Something Different

More play days necessitate more reruns. This post originally appeared July 31, 2006.


My husband and I spent the last weekend by ourselves. With our older kids on a missions trip and our younger kids at my mom's, we enjoyed a few days of uninterrupted conversations, thinking only of our own agenda. No bickering, no noise, no spontaneous hoots or smacks on table (you've really got to stop that, Drummer Boy!), no cooking, no laundry, no concern about time. We slept VERY late, ate WAY too much and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

But here's the funny thing. I missed my kids. I missed the way Miss Innocent One pats my back when she walks by me on the computer. I missed Drama Queen's knowing glances, catching the drift of what's REALLY going on. I missed Drummer Boy's goofy, "Hey, Mom!" and Ladies Man's shy way of sneaking up for a hug. It seems not a week goes by where I don't long for more time to myself and more quiet, yet when I get it, I see it is overrated. Life is not greener on the other side. My kids aren't hampering my style, they are enriching it.

Does wishing for something different make us miss the blessings of TODAY? Getting the quiet I so longed for this weekend was bittersweet. I slept better, but I missed a lot of hugs and Miss Innocent One's gentle kisses. It was nice having to get only myself ready and out the door for church, but I felt old sitting there without any kids. My house may have been quiet, but it didn't have the life it normally has. So today, when things get tense at my house I'm going to look for the blessings, look for what I would miss wishing for something different.

What would you miss out on if you wished for something different?

Giving Thanks for My Family

I thank God for Ladies Man as I sit with him in the emergency room in the middle of the night, grateful he breathes better, feels better, finally rests. I thank Him for bringing us through many episodes like this and grooming in my son a spirit of perseverance because of it.


I thank God for Drama Queen, who's had a rough week herself, battling the stomach flu. Sometimes her independent nature makes me think she doesn't need me, but this week reminds me otherwise. She will always be my strong little girl who makes her mama proud.


I thank God for Miss Innocent One, our sweet spirit, who responds to my yes with, "Thanks, Mom. It means a lot to me" with a gentle kiss on my cheek. Thinking of it makes me smile days later.


I thank God for Drummer Boy and for seeing him through the rough passage to adulthood. Though he's struggled, he's learning, pushing through, making his own mark, slowly finding his way, becoming a man.


I thank God for my husband. How could I live without this man, whose steady presence makes everything better?



They are my flesh and blood, my joy, my sorrow, my life.

We are family, united in good and bad, bonded in love, belonging to each other forever.

And we are blessed. Thank You, Lord.

Living out Gratitude

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

John F. Kennedy

Will you make a list of what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving? Will you talk about it at your dinner table? It's sweet and refreshing and a good way to evaluate our lives, but can we take the warm fuzzy feeling a step further?

Can we learn to LIVE in our gratitude?

Living in gratitude means on a tense Monday morning with my family (those I thank God for every day) I zip my lip when I'd rather let someone have it. I thank God for my husband by showing him grace and not nagging him when other obligations push home projects to the bottom of his list. My gratitude for my dear mother is expressed by drawing from her excellent example when raising my own children. If I praise God for my church, the lonely woman I encounter there gets a listening ear. If I am grateful for my home, I open it up to others. I make time for the treasured relationships He's given me. If I am thankful for His word, I do what it tells me.

Passing on the love and grace we've received in our every day is the highest form of appreciation to a loving, giving God.

What are you thankful for? How you can live out your gratitude?

Please join the In "Other" Words gang and give us your thoughts about today's quote.

Choosing Peace

I called myself a "dateless wonder."

And though I joked about it in public, in private there were lots of tears and questions to God.

"What's wrong with me?"
"I'm a good person. Why don't guys like me?"
"Would it be so terrible to have one date?"
"Is there a problem with having a little fun?"

The only answer I got was "Trust Me." (Sound familiar?)

I didn't like it. But I decided if the man of my dreams was going to be part of my life, only God could do it. So I trusted, like a child who proclaims, "My daddy says. . ."

This conscious decision led me to say, "Thank You, Lord, for knowing what's best for me. I know You've got a plan here. I trust You, even if it means I need to stay single."

Peace of Christ guards our heart when we pray with thanksgiving. A thankful heart is a guarded heart.

Wayne Cordeiro

Expressing thankfulness in hard circumstances is the ultimate form of trust. Being thankful for the tough stuff proves we trust God to have our best interests at heart.

Being thankful and trusting in His divine plan gave me the gumption to keep going. It replaced fear with peace. It gave me the objectivity to learn while I waited, observing the relationships around me, seeing what did and didn't work. Gratitude and trust guarded my heart, turning those lonely days into a time of protection and preparation.

If you read yesterday's post, you know God answered my prayers beyond what I imagined, but if all we see is the answered prayer we miss the point.

Gratitude and trust gave me the peace I needed to get through a trying time--more than once. Gratitude and trust led me through my parents' divorce, sustained me in a painful time in a relationship, and held me up while watching my father die.

What difficult circumstance do you face? Try thanking God for His divine plan in your life, whether you understand it or not. Let gratitude and trust bring you peace.

To see more impressions of this quote, visit Karen at In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus.

Two Magic Words

Would you believe me if I told you two words could transform your relationships? Do you think it's possible for two words to melt the hardest of hearts and mend hurt feelings? Can two words really be the start to healing wounds from the past?

I think so. I know two words which pack a big punch and aren't too hard to say. What are they? What two words, when used sincerely and consistently (this is key!) can guarantee relational success?

Thank you.

Thank you builds others up and shows love. Aside from making them feel appreciated and noticed, thank you communicates important messages.

Thank you says I needed you.
I've been helping my sister edit essays for graduate school applications. She's more than capable of doing it herself, but she asks for my help and thanks me over and over. I like it. Her gratefulness makes me feel necessary. We all want to feel needed and think we've offered something no one else can. Saying thank you gives that boost.

Thank you says I recognize your sacrifice.
One of the advantages to having teens is having an extra driver in the family. If my driving son or daughter runs an errand for me or picks up a sibling I make sure to thank them and they are always game to do it again. I've never had to haggle with them about it. When I express my gratitude they know I understand it puts a crinkle in their plans. Because I recognize their sacrifice, they're willing to give it.

Thank you says I like what you did (insinuating I wouldn't mind if you did it again).
After an especially busy day last week, I finally had a moment to sit at my computer around 10:00 that night. Though my husband would rather watch television at the end of a day, he left it off, knowing my idea of relaxing is a quiet house. You better believe I thanked him for the peace! I want to encourage this behavior for the future!

Thank you.

They are not empty words. Try using it this week and see how it improves your relationships.

Back in Tune

We sat at our younger daughter's track meet. It had been a tough week for us, probably more so for him than me. While I popped pain pills and slept my life away, my husband ran himself ragged taking care of all of my stuff on top of his usual busy schedule. But this morning was nice. It was the first time I'd been out of the house in nearly a week. The sun was shining. A gentle spring breeze was blowing.

We sat. And watched. And sat. No running around. No, now who needs to be where when? No, honey you need to lay down. No, what do I need to pick up? No more do you need anythings? Just the two of us, sitting side by side on a beautiful morning.

At some point my right hand found his left and our fingers tangled. As we talked he placed his right hand over top of the others and continued the tangling and untangling of fingers. I was glad to be sitting there with him and felt our normal returning. A simple, brief moment was just what we needed to confirm what had been clouded by a minor crisis.

He loves me.

And I'm crazy about him.

What a gift.

Thank You, Lord.

Group Writing Project Entries

On the Horizon

The Next Step

and A Proverbs 31 Woman Wanna Be

proudly present their first-ever Group Writing Project:

"I am thankful to be a Christian because . . . "


We invite you to read and be inspired by all of the wonderful submissions included in this Group Writing Project! Please take a moment to leave a comment letting the authors know how much you appreciate their efforts. Share some of the reasons why you are feeling grateful this Thanksgiving.

Here are the posts included in this Group Writing Project:

• e-Mom at Chrysallis is thankful that "Jesus has promised me a rich, abundant life in the present, and an an unending eternal life in the future." She shares the "Top 13 Christian Books Every Thinking Christian Should Own". Check out her list and note how many of them are on your bookshelf.


• My delightful co-sponsor, Shalene, at A Proverbs 31 Woman Wanna Be literally uses her fingers to tick off five reasons she is thankful. "Being a Christian has taken my focus off of myself, and put it on those around me," she tells us.


• Donetta at A Life Uncommon explains why she is "thankful for a relationship that is a friendship with God."


• Sandy Carlson of Writing in Faith also submitted a post. Click here to read her article in which she describes her faith and challenges us to look at our own: "Imagine it. With a glad and grateful heart, imagine it."


• Denise of Shorty Bear's Place is well-known among Christian bloggers. She is a dear spirit, wonderful friend to us all, and needs our prayers this Thanksgiving as she is not feeling well. Nonetheless, she submitted a post for this Project that will bring you to tears. Make sure that you stop by and read Denise's testimony.


• JHS of Colloquium explains that she is thankful for her faith because she does "not know how to be anything else." Click here to read her entry about growing up in a Christian home and maintaining her faith over the years.


• Lori at All you have to give describes in an eloquent and heart-felt manner how Christians are able to endure the challenges of living in a world that can be "incredibly bad." Click here to read her devotional.


• Dan King, aka Bible Dude, is thankful to be a Christian, in part, because his faith makes him part of a community that, in his estimation, might just approximate “what Heaven might be like.”


• You know I had to put my two cents in too, right? You can see what I have to say about being a Christian by scrolling down or clicking here.

Still working on your entry? We will continue to accept, read, and link to additional submissions through Sunday, November 25, 2007. Just send the link to your post to hopefulspirit at comcast dot net!

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving, my friends.

Love you,
Tami