But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16a NIV Have you ever been around Christians who draw you in just by their … Continue reading →
As we finished the last slice of our patriotic Fourth of July desert, oldest said, “We have to think of other ways to make this throughout the summer.” The moist layers of sliced angel food loaf cake, fruit, and fresh whipped cream swirled together into a silky smooth epicurean delight. Using one’s creative juices and summer holiday splashes, numerous ideas for presentation could be concocted. With strawberries and blackberries, the top of the cake could be decorated in a … Continue reading →
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1 NIV My favorite season has arrived in the desert. Monsoon. The clouds roll in dark and ominous.Thunder bowls across the heavens. Lightning zig zags through the clouds like celestial fireworks. Then clouds gush forth their moisture to refresh the patches of drought-ridden soil. In less than an hour, the sky rolls up her show and moves across the vast blue … Continue reading →
When we went on a dog-sled excursion through the mountains of Skagway, the mushers explained to us the extensive training and endurance these dogs are put through before they can run the 9-day-long races in Alaska and Canada. A good temperament, strength, an athletic physique, intelligence, and a hardy appetite are essential. The musher is the dog trainer, the one to raise the dog and the one who races the dog, if only in small races. Our … Continue reading →
Alaskan Sunset over the Pacific, on the ocean between Glacier Bay and Seward “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:11b NIV When we strolled out on the ship’s deck around 10:30 p.m., seeing the ball of orange setting into the Western horizon was a favor indeed. Most days were wrapped in clouds blowing brisk winds … Continue reading →
Chocolate clumps wrapped around golden popcorn nuggets As the bus crawled down the main street, my eye caught the sign begging me to return. Mentally, I made a check list of the shops I wanted to visit after our tour. This was at the top right above the quilt shop and a few other charming hometown stores. Our bus swung a wide turn down a residential street in front of a blue clapboard home decked out in … Continue reading →
The real Alaska State Flower–the Forget-Me-Not Embarrassed in blue because the pretty white flower I had featured here originally is a dogwood. Not the Alaskan Forget-Me-Not. However, it is still a wildflower and you can find it here. This photo was taken by asseabird, courtesy of Flicker Commons License. Blanketing the state of Alaska in riotous colors of pink, blue, and white are the perennial Alpine Forget-Me-Nots. Named the state flower of Alaska, these wildflowers cover slopes and mountainous meadows promising to … Continue reading →
Frigid Arnica “… See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Matthew 6:28-30 NIV I’ve chosen only this portion of the Lord’s words encouraging us not to worry because I wanted to emphasize how God’s creation of wildflowers exceeds anything beautiful that man can create.We just imitate the beauty that we have already witnessed … Continue reading →
All around us we see celebrations of our country’s freedom. From the local grocery store to our neighbor’s home. Yet, the true celebration is found in our hearts. A rejoicing for the freedom we enjoy in our country because so many have given their lives that we might be free. And the gratitude that God has provided freedom for those who are covered in the red of Christ’s blood. Quotes on freedom to ponder while your heart celebrates. “We find freedom when … Continue reading →
Glacier Bay, Alaska The thermometer is sizzling at 113 degrees and the coolest place in the desert is the freezer section of the grocery store. I walk out into the night heat of 97 degrees thinking perhaps it should be nighttime for three months in the summer desert instead of dark for three months in the Alaskan winter. Waterfall into Mendenhall Glacier What would it be like strolling the dimly lit streets of northern Alaska in frigid … Continue reading →
