Just when I felt like all was well among the Beck Household, tragedy came along to upset the applecart: A teenager involved in a car accident, a second car accident, a daughter considers divorce, an unplanned surgery and, finally, a third car accident. I’m suddenly surrounded by situations that have me turning to God in prayer. I don’t journal my prayers; but if I did, my journal would probably include excerpts like this: “Thank you, God, for protecting my daughter and those involved in the accident. Thank You for car insurance to cover damages and a rental car to drive while repairs are ... Read the Post
Old Recipe Box
We were sorting through donations for a rummage sale when my friend and I spotted a small, rusty old metal box. One of the hinges on the lid was missing; probably because the little box could barely contain its contents. Worn corners of aged index cards and newspaper clippings peeked out, beckoning my attention. I sensed the box held something very precious. The moment I lifted the lid I knew that it was someone’s old recipe box – a history of what one family had enjoyed around the dinner table. There were handwritten recipes and other recipes clipped from newspapers and magazines. Recipes ... Read the Post
Roasting Marshmallows
Tonight the men in my husband’s small group roasted marshmallows on our back porch. It was hot and muggy outside and I could see sweat dripping down their faces; but their laughter was contagious, drawing my daughter and I outside to join them. The men meet weekly in our home for Christian accountability, sharing their lives and Christ with one another. Their walk with Christ is stronger because of the relationship they share through Him. But on this night, they were sharing the art of preparing s’mores with one of the guys who had never heard of the infamous campfire treat. They had all ... Read the Post
She's Ready
How can she be 18? I know it’s a cliché, but it’s true. It seems like only yesterday that she was just a baby. And now my baby girl has become an amazing, incredible, beautiful young lady with a love for life that matches her love for our Lord. High school graduation is behind her, and in just a few short weeks she and her most necessary and prized possessions will be moving to a college seven hours from our home. These days I find her sorting through boxes, drawers and endless piles trying to decide what goes to her new home in the dorm and what stays behind. Porcelain dolls will be ... Read the Post
The Treasure of our Heart
Sometimes my life gets so hectic I lose focus of what matters most to me – the treasures of my heart: spending time with my family and friends, quiet time for study and prayer, taking long drives on the Harley with my husband, or strumming my guitar. Have you ever read the story about Mary and Martha in Luke Chapter 10? Mary and her sister, Martha, have an unexpected visit from Jesus and His followers. Martha quickly dons her party hat and begins tending the details for an unplanned feast, while Mary sits at the feet of Jesus, listening. I think God included this passage in the Bible to ... Read the Post