Tag: notice

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Devotional Making Disciples Memoir

Paying attention

Paying attention makes a difference. 

I think about this while watering the brown, straggly plant in our front yard. The one that missed automatic sprinkler showers.

My failure to notice is part of the issue. Properly caring for plants is not  my wheelhouse. 

In the tropics, where I was raised? Plants grew green year round. Rain fell in abundance. And planting seeds for science projects yielded quick results. Green shoots before the week was out. Sometimes overnight.

This sad-looking specimen tells another story. 

Paying attention. Image by Jonathan Kemper.
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Crossing Cultures Making Disciples Memoir

My mother

One of the strongest, most determined women I know. And funny. My mother. 

A devoted follower of Christ. And gifted teacher. Mom and grandmother (Nani).

Countless are the ways her life impacts mine. And every time I try to put it down on paper, I fall short of words. 

But we’re celebrating her 90th birthday this week.

So, here goes. Some personal thoughts and memories. 

O give thanks to the Lord, Mom. Great things He has done!

My mother. 2021.
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Crossing Cultures Devotional Memoir

Looking for beauty

We’ve lived in places of extraordinary beauty.  The spectacular so commonplace in my daily view that I forget what I have. Right in front of me.

Then there are the other places. The hard, trashed out, desert places. No electricity on the hottest days. Water shortages. Just plain, hard living. 

I forget in those settings too.  Forget to look for the beauty.

In my last post, I shared part of that journey to find it even in the unlikely places.

And through a variety of countries and cultures along the way, I’ve learned a few simple things.

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