Author Archives: Claudette Wood

I recently subscribed to a program designed to help improve my writing skills. It checks grammar, punctuation, and voice, among other aspects. I dropped an article into the program and implemented all the changes it suggested. After completing that process and re-reading the article, I discarded the corrected post, because it left me with a bad taste in my mouth and little else. I could not find one ounce of “me” in that sterile, perfectly worded document. I discarded the program, too, and here’s why: while I understand that it’s a good thing to have my spelling and punctuation proofed,… Continue reading →

As it may be for many Christians, Holy Week is my time to focus on Jesus’ sacrifice. I spend this week listening to my favorite musicians sing of the wonder of that glorious morning and reading again the Scripture accounts. In my day, the music of Dallas Holm, Sandi Patty, and Don Francisco filled our home during Holy Week. If you’ve never listened to Dallas’ cd, His Last Days, your soul will thank you for doing so. I pondered the questions posed by Jesus to His disciples, “Do you believe in Me, and in the words I say?” Good questions…. Continue reading →

In a church that Dave pastored, one deacon was a kindly older gentleman. He was always respectful in his conversation, and he supported Dave’s ministry at the church. I don’t recall ever hearing him speak an unfriendly word, even in our sometimes loud and vocal business meetings. I became friends with this man’s daughter. We had lunch, went to conferences, shopped together–the things friends do. One day, over lunch, I mentioned how much I admired her father and how kind he was to our family. What happened next sent shock waves through me. My friend’s face melted. I watched as… Continue reading →

This morning, my thoughts have been on the new year, which will be here in just a few short hours. I’m not big on resolutions, because I never keep them. Why deal with that guilt, right? But, having said that, there are a few goals I would like to accomplish.  The house. The longer we live here, the more cluttered it becomes. I’m at the point where I fear we may be heading in the direction of ‘hoarding.’ Gracious, the stuff we’ve accumulated over nearly 45 years of life together! Where to begin? Well, let’s start with my pictures. I… Continue reading →

Father, I don’t know why You chose this way for Dave and me, and I can’t testify that I always accept it with grace. Some days, I do accept what “is” with a shrug of my shoulders and a quick sigh. Other days, it just feels like a heavy weight, and my soul sighs long; stuff just feels hopeless. Whatever. Please just continue to give us grace to be faithful to Your calling, even though we don’t understand it all. Because You are faithful, Father. Always faithful to us. We each have our specific calling from You. Help me cling… Continue reading →