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!
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. Psalm 19:1-4 … More God’s Ultimate Creation – Our Ultimate Sacrifice
Yesterday, we had a baby dedication at church for three new babies. It’s always a beautiful service, full of meaning and commitment for the parents as well as the church family. Today, we read in the news about a family of four in our dear state of Pennsylvania who were murdered: the daughter shot her … More What Will Make the Difference?
59 ounces or 1.85 quarts – that is NOT a half gallon! Argh! First it’s the ice cream, now it’s the orange juice! They are SO sneaky! Just the other week, I thought I was getting a great deal on Breyer’s ice cream over the Wal-Mart brand because they were the same price only … More Feeling Cheated?
God does not tell us that we are workmen who are to use and manage instruments. Instead we are the instruments to be used and managed by the divine Master Workman who make us, and who alone, therefore, understands for what work we are best fitted and how we are best used. The only … More Yielding, Not Working
Do you know the names of all your grandparents? Could you name all your great-grandparents? (Our daughter is named after two of her great-great grandmothers; however, after we settled on her name, we found out that my great-grandmother Jenny Zeafle’s real name was Sarah!) I was asked these questions several years ago during a sermon, … More A Living Legacy
Is it possible to quantify what causes the greatest heartache? Probably the first thing that comes to mind is the loss of a loved one in death. They’re gone from us; and though we have the promise of seeing them again if they were truly blood-washed saints, it hurts not to be able to see … More Can You Shine in Spite of Heartache?
Hannah Whitall Smith lived at the end of the nineteenth century (1832-1911), and her writings still bless Christians today. This passage from a daily devotional called God is Enough (August 29) was taken from her dairies dating back to 1859, one year after her conversion. Her sensed of consecration is an inspiration to any Christian no matter … More Totally Consecrating
Life is filled with defining moments. Twenty-five years ago today, we left our little house in the orchard fields of Adams county, PA and headed for Greenville, SC. Twenty-five years! It doesn’t seem possible. We packed up our belongings and left our house of dreams with our two little tykes – Tom was three and … More Twenty-five years ago today…
What does it take for God to get your attention? How hard must He urge you to listen to His call, and is there a direct correlation between our willingness to listen and a heart that is hard? OUCH! This week, my dear husband and I spent a lovely three days with our youngest son … More Meteor Showers of Blessings
Isn’t that a beautiful sight?! Sorry it’s a little “screeny” but I took it from my kitchen window. Do you want a tour? Starting on the right side, there is asparagus that we haven’t enjoyed yet – just planted last year. Then there’s cauliflower and cabbage, five rows of potatoes, a new row of beans … More The Most Beautiful Impossible Weed
