I long for this time of year where once again I steal into our backyard to inhale the aroma of springtime. The orange tree decorated with its pristine white blossoms beckons me to breathe deeply of the hope wafting through the air on the season’s scent. While I linger close enough to be covered in its aroma, I remain a safe distance from the busy, hard-working bees. While hope dances in the promise of these blossoms, hope is also found … Continue reading →
It’s a soul-searching journey. A dive into the heart of the matter. If we are earnest in our seeking, it will take us on uncharted paths to uncover what really matters to our heart.We may discover that “idols” lurk beneath the veneer of our lives and we have fooled even ourselves. What is that one thing or person that I crave to fill my deepest needs? Is it Jesus? As Christians, we will answer quickly that it is He. But … Continue reading →
“My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord my heart and my flesh cry out for the Living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young– a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house they are ever praising you.” Psalm 84:2-4 NIV The sparrow, the swallow, and the little humming bird above … Continue reading →
Just a few months ago, Hubby retired from the company in which he had worked for more than 40 years. It was a time of great anticipation coupled with warnings that the man of this castle would probably be working harder at home than he had at his full-time job. His castle needs much
Continue reading →“Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks to the Holy One Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son And now let the weak say, “I am strong,” Let the poor say, “I am rich Because of what the Lord has done for us.” Lyrics by Don Moen (c) 1986 Hearing the words wash peace and trust over me. I see myself standing shoulder to shoulder with our first Christian community of brothers and sisters. Hands raised in … Continue reading →
His Creation Reflects His Love — squint and you’ll see a heart “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men,” Psalm 107:8 NIV (and recurring throughout the Psalm) The word kept ringing in my ears. It was shouted from the rooftops and whispered from the pastor’s podium. It was tucked in every encouraging note that slipped across my table. It was spoken as wisdom from those closest to me and even … Continue reading →
“and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Col.3:10 Wrapped in snowman throws, hubby and I curled up to watch a 3D version of the movie “Hugo.” Woven into the French tapestry and ambiance was an unexpected New Year’s quote–a theme woven into the fabric of our human DNA. Purpose. We must have purpose. Little Hugo, part urchin, part heart-tugging waif who keeps the clocks running in the train … Continue reading →
A New Year opens up like the budding of a new blossom. Some blossoms are filled with a sweet fragrance. Some blossoms have large, colorful petals. Some blossoms unfurl with spots, scars from pest-infested days. And some blossoms open quickly, announcing their presence to the world, then suddenly the petals fall off in rapid succession. The memory of the flower is gone. We cannot predict how the New Year will unfold anymore than we can predict … Continue reading →
A special friend stopped by today. Unexpectedly. In her hand, she held a Christmas present meant just for us writers. Pencils standing at attention with their points poking up encircled a fashionable holder. Kindred spirits we are. I felt the bond of friendship deepening.Where could she find such a perfect gift? She casually mentioned that it just happened–“while looking in and out of the shops.” I imagined her strolling the aisles, poking in those cutesy boutique … Continue reading →
We stepped onto the small wooden deck extending from our cozy room and gazed in amazement at the scene before us. Autumn trees bursting with colors of burnt orange and golden yellow bordered the glassy creek stretching toward the red rock mountain. Like a bridal aisle bids the beloved, the creek drew our eyes slowly toward the majestic red rock mountain framing the scene with God’s majestic glory. The beginning of a new day, a … Continue reading →
