...a word from Kathy

T hanksgiving approaches and regardless of your family traditions, foods or gathering time we have a lot in common…a lot of food to eat, football games, casseroles, family we love, family we tolerate, dirty dishes, kitchen duty and a Martha. Martha is the one who keeps it all rolling – she’s the one orchestrating the gathering. She’s the one serving. You remember Martha in the Bible: As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman, named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Luke 10:38-39 And then again in John 11:20-22, 27 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord, “ Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” “Yes,...

R emember the movie, Field of Dreams ….Build it and they will come?? Well, last Saturday night they came… I sat amongst 101,000 screaming people in a football stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It was quite an experience especially when coupled with the additional 90,000 people outside the stadium expressing just as much enthusiasm but without tickets to enter. Our team played well and lost but the screaming thousands offered all they had in the way of encouragement. A few days later, the randomness of my mind began thinking of all the days, nights and Saturdays I’ve spent in and around a ball field. Cold Saturday mornings, supporting my son’s peewee soccer team or Friday nights sitting on hard bleachers supporting my daughter’s cheer leading efforts. And the fact that my husband and I have always worked in higher education has led to attending many athletic events. In thinking about these times, I honestly don’t recall many specific games but I have an unwavering memory of...

D o you remember that girl in your high school class that won all the beauty pageants, homecoming votes, and most everything votes? That wasn’t me and I daresay it wasn’t you as those people are rare – I mean there is just one prize and many of us. My friend tells me she was never the rose-carrying, crown wearing winner but always nominated!! It was her best friend who always won! So true for many of us… …so a month ago when a young girl I know was crowned Homecoming Queen, it was delightful for my friend and me to hold her roses! We wanted to wear the crown but resisted snatching it off her beautiful head :)! The celebration was outstanding that evening. Hundreds of hugs and congratulations were heard and felt. So many mega-watt smiles and pictures were taken – all of us wanting to be pictured with the Queen. This precious girl is loved by many and had a night of nights that will long be remembered. There was another girl in ...

T his week I walked into my momma’s room and she was asleep. I stood before her in silence expecting her to sense my presence. She did not. As I approached her I touched her arm and she opened her light-green eyes. Momma's eyes have loved on me for 53 years. And I have to say her eyes have actually adored me, spoiled me, showed me unconditional love, laughed with me and cried with me. But today those same eyes looked at me and did not know me. I sat with my momma for several hours today. At times, w e sat in silence and at times we sat in a confused state of meaningless words. But what a great day because she was there and so was I. I often have this same experience in my own mind and heart: either I have no words to speak or too many words to get out of my head. It seems I’m either sitting before the Lord in silence or babbling to Him in concentric circles. Is this old age? Or is this just life with a husband recently out of the hospital, a sick and el...

S everal years ago, Michael W. Smith released a song that I love…Breathe. The lyrics are unique: this is the air I breathe Your holy presence living in me this is my daily bread Your very word spoken to me And I, I'm desperate for you And I, I'm lost without you And I, I'm desperate for you Over the last several years, I’ve met people from China. Some of these friends are students at the University of Alabama and some I met while visiting China. Many of these people have yet to become Christ-followers. Many have never heard the gospel, the Good News. But of those dear Chinese friends who have heard the saving news of Jesus and have chosen to follow Him, they live their lives full out, following Jesus….they will never be the same! They remember how very desperate they were to hear the news of a Saviour. Perhaps it is because these people have come from a place lacking hope. Throughout the world, people live in societies with no knowledge of God or hope of a fu...

D o you ever get a song stuck in your head? Have you noticed that sometimes it’s the most random song and maybe not even one you especially like! So this story I share today has been rolling and rolling around in my head for the last few weeks. As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ ” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth....

T he father sat down his grown children and said, “I want to talk with you for five minutes. I have something to give you”. The young adults looked nervously at each other as the dad continued, “You both are on rigorous journeys this year. You’ve come a long way but this year will be one of challenge, change and growth. I wanted to give you something to help you know the truth. This is a gift from me, your dad. I handpicked each one for you. It was my decision in every way but only with you in mind. If you do not like this gift or are not ready to use it, it’s ok, I can wait”. W ith those words he stepped forward and gave each of his children a name engraved, leather study Bible. These were not their first Bibles but they seemed to represent a newness I’d not before seen. He was acknowledging each of them and their special place in his heart and their special place in this world and his dream for each of them. They received the gift differently…one was eager an...