Crown of the Barrel Cactus~flower and fruit~bloom in the summer Summer in the Desert where pavement sizzles, rivulets of water trickle down the back, the thick air squeezes breath from lungs, and parched lips thirst for a drop of water . Where and when will relief come from the searing heat? The dark clouds roll in, lightning sparks the sky and thunder cracks the muggy silence. Buckets of rain pour from the heavens, temperatures drop 20 degrees, … Continue reading →
Papers multiplied on the kitchen table. Bills, ads, magazines, coupons, articles from the newspaper, a birthday card, that sweet note from a friend, teetered in stacks, and somewhere buried in the piles was a tuition check. I screeched when Hubby announced he was picking up the mail. “No,” I cried. I could not possibly stand another piece of paper in our home. Each night at dinner, the stacks were gathered up neatly and placed on empty chairs, … Continue reading →
In the wee hours of this morning, I recall the blessed weekend spent with family. It’s the first Sunday in a couple of months that we have been together the whole day. It’s the little things that bless our days abundantly. Little things like: 174) the early morning sunlight glinting off the open blinds its welcome to the new day 175) for a friend and sister-in-the-Lord helping with my back at Bible Study, even though I looked silly … Continue reading →
Are you looking for a quick meal that will please the whole family and keep it light for summer? Here’s a salad with some meat in it to make it a hearty meal that even my big guys like. Just remember that if you are making this recipe for man-sized appetites, you will need to at least double it for 4 servings. It’s chock full of yummy veggies–green pepper, tomatoes, green chilies, onions, and lettuce heaped with ground … Continue reading →
Negative thoughts assailed my mind from every angle. At first I did not realize I was under attack because the thoughts made sense. As I pressed my hand on the rug to boost myself up to my feet, I heard the first punch thrown, “Look at how the rug is matted down. You need to be a better housekeeper. What a mess this house is.” “Boy! Was that ever the truth,” I thought. Then the next one … Continue reading →
Trusting in the Lord, placing your confidence in Him, obeying His Word, believing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises, knowing He loves You, telling Him the secrets of your heart, listening for His voice will keep you in perfect peace. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You…Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of … Continue reading →
Early in our marriage, I had learned the value of not turning out the lights until Hubby and I had taken steps to settle our disagreements. Not every detail was resolved before we fell asleep, but we agreed to not be angry with each other before our heads hit the pillows. With the passing of years and the deepening of our love, I have allowed myself to be lulled into a false sense of security that has robbed me … Continue reading →
Thunder rumbled all afternoon as the monsoon unleashed its spellbinding, restful power upon my weary body. Wind chimes rang one loud clang then flailed with the gusts of wind whipping and bending backyard trees and bushes. I sat curled up on my quiet couch, book opened in hands as I watched nature’s dance outside my window. How many days have I longed for this time when I could sit quietly and listen to the music of creation? All … Continue reading →
This light, delicious dinner is perfect for a summer meal. When the temperature skyrockets, and you are too tired to cook, this meal is on the menu. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts a smidgen of barbecue sauce 2 bags of Dole’s Caesar Salad Kits Fire up the BBQ. It’s the only thing that gets hot with this meal. Wash the chicken breasts and pat them dry. Brush a light film of a mild barbecue sauce on … Continue reading →
Lying back flat against the grass, I drift with the clouds across the sky. A soft breeze blows and tiny wisps are stretched thin, blue sky peering through. I want the clouds to stay, softness to caress away the cares crammed within my mind. A filter from the bright sun, the rhythm of the floating clouds like a lullaby soothes and covers me in peace. Three from Here & There is a photography collaboration of three superb … Continue reading →
