by Elaine Olsen | Mar 16, 2020 | dad, family fun, out of the mouths of babes, parenting, peace
“When you come to the door, kiss me on the cheek so that I know I am safe.” I found the piece of paper inside my red diary. I keep treasured notes from days gone by tucked inside its pages. The diary was a Christmas gift to me in 1974. The note inside? Well, it was...
by Elaine Olsen | Dec 15, 2017 | dad, family fun, God's voice, knowing God, ministry life, pilgrimage, right words; right timing, words
I had a dream last night. So strong in its witness, I needed to “get it down” on paper this morning. Perhaps in doing so, it will get down to a deeper place inside of me so that I might more fully live it outside of me. The sermon that was never heard. Allow me to...
by Elaine Olsen | Jul 25, 2014 | dad, faith, knowing God, letting go, ministry life, obedience, pilgrimage
The 51/49 principle. That’s what my daddy calls it – the not so scientific (much less highly spiritual) approach to making decisions. Your gut leanings . . . 51% in one direction; 49% in the other. When in doubt, go with the 51%. When making smaller decisions, the...
by Elaine Olsen | Jun 22, 2014 | blessing, cancer volume 4, church life, dad, Holy Spirit, kingdom, living God's truth, ministry life, pilgrimage, strength, truth, words, worship
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” -1 Cor. 3:6-7 Today was watering day at Ebenezer UMC. I took my watering can and applied it heartily to the...
by Elaine Olsen | Jun 14, 2014 | dad, faith, family fun, heaven, letting go, obedience, packing up, parenting, pilgrimage, surrender, trust
Through the front windshield, I could see that they were talking – daddy telling a story to my thirteen-year-old son, sharing a ride together in that ’93 Chevy truck that’s been in the family for over two decades. I followed closely behind, staying in the...
by Elaine Olsen | Mar 28, 2014 | dad, family fun
Garner, NC. That may ring a bell for some of you; it’s the hometown of American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery. I like it for two other reasons – my mom and dad. They moved there several years ago to be nearer to their grandkids. Not long ago, my dad sat...
