Nervous, as I always am before an event that I am hosting, I checked off my last minute list of goodies to be packed in the car for the party. Star-shaped cookies wrapped in wristbands, two floral centerpieces, the cake, photos of our youngest, the Navy journal, and, of course, the camera. Everyone was in the car when I glanced back and saw youngest’s jeans–they had the fashionable hole on the knees. I started fraying like his jeans, and … Continue reading →
Only 22 days left. The countdown makes my heart race. The urgency builds to a crescendo tapping out every sacred moment. The notes beat a rhythm in my mind, echoing the refrain, “make every moment count.” On July 18, our youngest son, Jordan, leaves for Navy Boot Camp. The final papers have been signed. The final “Yes,” has been pronounced. Lists have been checked for the meager items he can take. Left behind are remnants of memories for … Continue reading →
He is my Rock in turbulent waters “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NIV A few months ago it would have been difficult for me to see the truth of God’s promise here even though it has been underlined in my Bible for probably years. I was so caught in the grip of fear and anxiety that I allowed it to take over God’s promises in His … Continue reading →
Bridal Veil Falls “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;” Psalm 42:7a NIV At the foot of the waterfalls, the grandeur and power of God roar down the cliffs of Yosemite, and I am awed by His glorious creation. The water pounding against the rocks echoes my heartbeats reaching up in praise to the Almighty. I am captivated by His strength and calmed by the rhythm of the unending flow of water like the unending … Continue reading →
“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.: Isaiah 32:18 NIV By God’s special blessing, we were tucked under his pine trees breathing peace-scented air mingled with cypress at this charming bed and breakfast in Northern California. The Lord knew we thirsted for a rest after such an anxious half year so he gathered us together with our close friends up in the Sierra Nevada mountains–far from the pressure of … Continue reading →
I could feel the release of tension like steam escaping from a pressure cooker. It was easier to let the other car go first or be patient with the people in line at the grocery store. I began smiling and looking at people instead of hurrying into the store, eyes down, forehead wrinkled. Could just a summer break from work produce such good fruit in my life, I wondered. But the peace and ease of life has returned. Can … Continue reading →
Jordan, the Youngest (L), me and Tim, the Oldest (R) At moments I wondered how the day would turn out. The morning began quietly, leaving me a little on edge. But the sermon at church set me on the right path. “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15 NIV Our Pastor was making a point about what causes … Continue reading →
A Rose from Aunt Mary’s garden that graced the podium in Church Last weekend, those privileged to be part of Aunt Mary’s heritage packed the center aisle of the church in which Hubby’s aunt had been involved for more than 30 years. Bound closely together by her love, we all processed down the aisle where her footsteps had entered every morning for daily Mass. Her children, 5 still living, and their spouses led the honor walk to the … Continue reading →
Flower of a prickly pear plant “Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;” Psalm 98:4 NIV As I look around me, the desert seems to be bursting forth in song to the Lord, God its creator. Prickly pear cactus shout in brilliant yellow, while giant saguaros trumpet forth in white bursts that carefully quiet within at night. Strawberry hedgehogs and scraggly chollas display splashes of God’s pallete in … Continue reading →
Dear Amy, When the latest blow of pain sliced through my heart like a knife, you stood beside me with your ever-present gift of comfort and tender sensitivity to my words and hurt. But your face registered a look I’d never seen before, and it sent a wave of tremors through my insides. You looked Stunned. Shocked. Incredulous. Twenty minutes later as you moved around the room, you said, “Wow. I’m just having a hard time comprehending this. Two … Continue reading →
