“Oh, I wish I could play the piano like you do!” How many times have I heard this comment over the years? “But I’ll bet you wouldn’t want to spend all of the hours in lessons and practicing,” is my usual response. And then we both smile in the recognition that their envy is actually a joyous expression of an appreciation for my musical gift. The Bible tells us not to covet, not to scheme so that we benefit from another’s loss (Ex.20:17). Jealousy is all part of this. We’re al

“I know the glue on the other windows didn’t hold, but I ordered this entire unit directly from the factory. I guarantee the hinges will not fall apart.” I really was growing weary of going back to the car dealership every few weeks. The hinges on the vent windows of our Chevette kept coming unglued. I was sure it was a problem deeper than just the glue, but the service manager insisted he could fix it. We’d even had two windows blow away, shattering on the road in our rear v

“Mommy! Help me with this worm. Please, Mommy!” “Just a minute. Mommy needs to row out a little farther and let down the anchor again.” I had taken my three little ones out fishing one bright, sunny afternoon. The rock pile that was always a good hideout for bass and perch was just a hundred yards or so offshore… an easy row and shallow enough for the anchor rope. I let the rope on the winch run out, and it stopped, presumably with the anchor resting on the lake bottom. But a

Thunk! Oh no, not another one. The children and I rushed outside to check the fate of the latest bird to crash into our window. There it was… its beady little eyes staring… not even a twitch in its lifeless body. A few moments later I returned to the sorrowful scene with spade in hand, ready to dispose of this tiny creature. A gentle nudge with the shovel blade and surprise! The little fellow regained his senses and flew off to the nearest branch, very much alive! I sometimes