Beverly Joy Roberts

I like making lists.  Occasionally, I've been known to write things on my to-do-list that I've actually completed because I take great satisfaction in the completion of a task and not so much in the doing.  Remember The Suit (5-3-17). There's not much better in life than placing that check mark by a completed task then drawing a line through the words signifying job done...It's oh-so-sweet. Just so happens that God also has a list, but His is the opposite of mine.   I'm trying desperately to remove items from my list and God is constantly adding to His. Yes...God has a list. It's not a take the garbage out, send thank you notes or wash down the cupboard doors kind-a-lis t.  God's list is the A-List.  The one everyone wants to be on and truth be told...it's rather easy to get on God's List. 1 John 5:11-12 gives it to us plain and simple... God gave us eternal life; the life is in his Son. So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects

I heard a nasty rumor that as a person ages, it's common to lose things.  I wish I could blame losing things on old age alone, but its been a life-long problem for me.  Daily I play the game of Lost and Found and I often find myself asking this question.. what was I looking for? Many years ago, I lost my cup of freshly brewed coffee and didn't find it for weeks.  That particular cup of coffee was perfect.  It was the right temperature and mix of coffee and cream.  I hate it when I lose a perfectly good cup of coffee.  Later...weeks later...I found it in the guest room closet on a shelf.  I've lost my keys, my coat, my phone, receipts, money, a number of different remote controls and kitchen items that have just disappeared.  And once, a long time ago, I lost my three year old son at the mall. Each lost item mentioned above caused me to search with a different intensity.  Losing money always hits home and I work hard to find it.  But when I lose my cell phone, st

On a few occasions when my husband and I have been on a cruise, our stateroom has been credited money $$$ for on-board shopping. Every time the stores on the ship were open, I would look through the merchandise searching for the best thing to purchase with my FREE MONEY.  For me this shopping experience was not a joyous occasion.  No, I labored over what to buy carrying the heavy weight of making the best use of that FREE MONEY.  I'd pick things up then put them back.  What if I chose wrong?  What if I later regretted my choice?   I was tormented.  For days I shopped but wasn't able to pull the trigger on a purchase...with FREE MONEY!  I know...I may need counseling.   This problem I have making a choice is not just related to shopping, but also people. Confession:  I don't find everyone I meet...lovable.  Recently, I was lamenting about someone to my husband, and he reminded me of this simple truth... Love is a Choice .  Right, a choice...and we have already

The photo above was taken with my grandchildren about four years ago.  I love these types of pictures where there is so much going on but none of it what you hoped to capture.  I remember the craziness of the day this picture was taken and thought it was a great representation of a day in the life of a mother.  If you look closely at each face in the picture you'll see an expression found on a mother's face multiple times daily; confusion, tears, compassion, gawking, worry, daydreaming and a camera-ready smile.   Mother's Day is that special day we honor our mother/s, and if you are anything like me...you have high expectations or shall I say, unobtainable expectations for the day.  It looks something like this..."Queen for the Day."  In reality, I think one day per year is greatly lacking when it comes to recognizing and honoring mothers.  Now that I'm on the other side of motherhood.. the grandma years, my life is radically different.  I get to put

It was 1977, the year of the cream colored, three piece polyester suit.  My husband was in Bible College and in the 70's people were sewing their own clothes or shall I say...attempting to sew their own clothes.    You probably know by now--this is not going to end well! I had a little sewing talent and I was confident I was up for the challenge.  I bought the pattern, the beautiful fabric and I was all in for $25. In my mind I could see the finished product.  It would be brilliant...worthy of a runway reveal.  The potential was limitless.  I imagined the awe of family and friends over what was sure to be a stunning suit.  (The attached picture is not the actual suit.)  When the final stitches were complete, I can honestly say, " The Suit was memorable, but not in a good way." Still, I pulled out all the stops to justify my spending and pleaded with my husband to wear the work of art I created.  After much pleading and many tears (mine not his), he relented a