Few things rock my world more than hearing a good sermon on missions and reading a good missionary biography. Both enlarge my vision of the greatness of God - He's Lord of the nations! - and His mission for us on earth - to tell others of His greatness displayed in the "happiest news" ever... Continue Reading →

july - september (top left corner):1) in the d for splashing fun2) new 'do for ruby3) first pedicure for the birthday girl4) free manicure for being the cute little sister5) special cup our tomboy picked out for the ride to new buffalo6) princess cup for the princess 7) caught foraging in the trash for cinnamon... Continue Reading →

Most of us moms are put through the wringer during flu and cold season every winter. We are up in the night with sick kids, stripping beds, giving baths, calming fears, speaking reassuring words, cleaning disgusting messes, and doing loads and loads and loads of laundry. We're doing all this while trying to talk but... Continue Reading →

paul frank's messagemarketing success?last night schaeff threw himself in anger into the cement water return pipe in our basement, slashing his chin and gaining him a couple of stitches.contrary to what paul frank says, this chick doesn't dig scars so much, baby boy. nor, as you know well, does she dig temper tantrums. guess this... Continue Reading →

april - june (upper left corner)1) in our bed sick with the flu2) pneumonia's in our house - poor ruby-bear3) safe in daddy's arms4) in the mood for a spring craft5) in season again - with love from my girls 6) "in"chiladas (corny, i know) and quesadillas for cinco de mayo party7) in love with... Continue Reading →

january - march 2011 (from top left)1) home improving2) pampering 3) strep-throating4) friends playing in the sink5) salonning with corduory 6) muffin making7) snow playing8) after movie discussing at coney island9) baby boy sleeping10) penmanship improving11) sisters reading12) revisiting dr. poston13) bread making14) daddy sledding15) brownie decorating for valentine's day16) pareja visiting17) ruby reading to... Continue Reading →

On Sunday nights, our church breaks into small groups meeting in church people's homes around the area. I've been blessed by this ministry significantly over the past years, and this Sunday night was no exception. Except that it was a blessing in an exceptional way.As I think back, I remember the usual openness and transparency. ... Continue Reading →

Thanking Him for what we've been given -"Every good and perfect gift is from above..." (James 1:17a)And trusting Him for what we need -"...in your light we see light." (Psalm 36:9)Same students, same teacher, same dependable God."The Father of heavenly lights...does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17b)

     photo source Sunday is the anniversary of the death of Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, and Roger Youderian. I mark this date since Jim Elliot was one of my best friends in college. We went through similar crossroads of faith during our young adult years and his example assured me of my... Continue Reading →

Sometimes there is joy at the beginning of a new year - the excitement of the unknown, the freshness of a clean slate, the optimism of new opportunities and adventures. But often for me, a new year is ominous.  It causes an unsettled fear that some bad things are lurking around the corners of the... Continue Reading →

  it's because of this face that i got a lump in my throat while eating lunch at panera some months back. i wasn't quite sure why, but then realized i had glanced at men in suits eating on their lunch hour and knew someday this boy would grow up and have to be a man... Continue Reading →