Who am I? So many labels can be applied to any of our lives. I'm a born-again follower of Jesus Christ, a pastor's wife, an author, mother, grandmother, musician, and blogger, and podcaster. "Beyond Common Sense" is a place where I share "Lessons Learned While Walking with Jesus." I have found that not only is God everywhere, but He teaches us through our experiences and common, ordinary examples from His world. From the inchworm to the tragedy of my husband's fall, all of these hold timeless truths handed to us by our heavenly Father to draw us closer to Him. How wonderful! What a privilege to share some of those lessons... with you!
“Your carrots look really good,” my mom said as she looked out my kitchen window. Ah yes, two lacy green rows of baby carrot tops all in a straight row – nice and thick. “Yes, I bought my seeds from the local hardware store,” I said. “Only paid fifty-two cents for a half scoop of … More Too Much Green in My Garden?
Empty Nest is for the Birds.
Well, it’s official – our last little (or not so little!) bird just flew the nest. As he said, “Good night. I’ll see you in the morning,” for the last time, a lump came to my throat – the same lump that has been lodging itself there for the past few weeks! The Lord has … More Empty Nest is for the Birds
“Once I cut down the weeds, I found that the ground was red with wild strawberries. I guess you’d call them a hidden blessing.” As this dear man shared his testimony in Sunday school a few weeks back, my husband replied, “That will preach!” Hidden blessings: How many blessings are hidden from our lives because … More Hidden Blessings
Ah, gardening! I love my garden. I love looking at it out my kitchen window- neat straight rows of healthy plants, and as of yesterday morning, no weeds! What a glorious sight! I’ve trimmed down the size this year, mostly because of my husband’s accident. The garden is mainly my job, but Tom usually tills it in … More Heavenly Homeland Security
“When it comes to church and religion, I think it’s important to let my child make his own choice whether or not he wants to go.” This statement always amazes me. Can you imagine if a parent applied this mentality to school, or the dentist, or the doctor? Why do we fall back on this … More Best Words on Parenting in the Bible
Drama queen – someone who gets too upset or angry over small problems Too – more than is needed or wanted; more than is suitable or enough Small – less in size or amount than is average It’s amazing what a few little words will do to a definition. If you take out the words … More DRAMA QUEEN
Success – my husband would say, and I agree, that success is finding the will of God and doing it! So, to be a successful Dad would be to find God’s will for a father, and do it. That sounds like a very tall order, and it is! The following poem has always been special … More The Successful Dad (and Granddad!)
The Institute for Creation Research puts out a wonderful little devotional book called Days of Praise, which often contains a hymn series. If you or your church have not discovered them as yet, I hope you’ll visit their website, where you’ll find loads of wonderful material and a wealth of Biblically accurate information. The following is an … More O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
I love these dancing solar flowers! A friend and colleague had several in his classroom, and I threatened to steal one. (I really don’t think I would have, but the temptation was there!) So, one day he gave me one! It now sits on the table by my living room window, dancing merrily and bringing … More His Grace – My Weakness
