I love those times I open my Bible and everything I read seems so clear and breathes life into my day. It is a satisfyingly peaceful feeling, kind of like being with an old friend who, despite having known you on your worst of days, finds no uncomfortable barrier but only pleasure in your friendship.

Oh that “S word” that simultaneously bristles the backs of feminists, apostates, and some Christian women.  

I can remember awkwardly placing our newborn daughter into an oversized car seat on our first car ride home from the hospital. Though in our teens, we were even more cautious than most young. One baby changed everything and caused us to see beyond ourselves.

My mom was born at home in eastern Tennessee in 1935. She was the third girl and named Bennie Mae after her dad. Not unusual in a rural farming community of the time, my grandparents had 8 more children after her.

Words play a key role in almost everything. We have to talk, write, type, text, or use words in some form of communication every day; many of us even hear words in our dreams.

My husband and I love to have guests in our home. Especially those who stay a few days. I try to make their room as comfortable as possible, even personally testing the bed with a little nap.

Lately, there has been a lot of talk within Christian Care Ministry about family. Maybe it is an annual topic at Christmas time and it is simply resonating with me as I’m missing my extended family this year due to restrictions.

My husband and I have seven children by birth and adoption. Seven. We think it was the perfect number to call our family complete.