The evening sunset filtered through dry, stick-like trees painted a picture reminiscent of the Sahara Desert. The thermometer hovered around 82 degrees today. In February. The record for today~85. Just two weeks ago, the temperature plummeted to 18 degrees at night~one degree away from the recorded low in the 1800s. With extreme cold and high temperatures and no rain, we are dry. Yet in the midst of this desert, the Lord God has given us a reason to … Continue reading →
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV A heart-shaped wreath wrapped in love and twined with flowers of variegated pinks and white graces our front door. But does this symbol of love grace the door to my heart each day? It is a thought I am pondering each day. Does wholesome talk come out of my mouth at every circumstance and situation? Do I … Continue reading →
When Bonnie at “Faith Barista” decided to ask us to write on, “What I wish someone told me about Marriage” or “Thoughts on Love and Marriage,” I recalled the hard lessons I’ve learned throughout our 34 years of marriage and the ones I still keep learning. I’m an independent thinker who usually believes she has the right answer for most situations. I’m also an only child who went to college, has a stubborn streak, wasn’t afraid … Continue reading →
Norther Arizona University’s Lumberjack Mascot Like the gigantic lumber jack towering above our youngest son’s basketball team during a summer camp, the Lord hovers over us and looms larger than life aainst the enemy of our souls. Because our son attended a Christian High School, every game began with young men huddled in a circle, heads bowed. Prayers were lifted up for safety, strength, wisdom, godly character, and for the well being of their opponent. Yet, every young man … Continue reading →
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…In him was life, and that life was the LIGHT of men. The LIGHT shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood (overcome, used in the margin) it.” John 1, 4 and 5a NIV (capitalization mine) Last week our community called upon the LIGHT of the world to dispel the darkness that had shrouded us. At first the dark … Continue reading →
“‘I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand–I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.’” Isaiah 51:16 NIV I’m really not an early morning riser. However, here I was, again, driving the freeway at “o’dark thirty” in the morning. It was the day after Christmas and our youngest son had to fly back to Arizona for … Continue reading →
Music provided the backdrop as people gathered in a parking lot to bring light where there once was horror and dark. Songs of hope and encouragement filled the air where gun shots had rung out earlier this month. Words of prayer and comfort brought hope and healing to this still grieving community. Holy words straight from God’s only book were spoken in this public place for all ears to hear. The air was electrified with the presence of … Continue reading →
The sweet flavor of fresh-squeezed orange juice is still flowing at our home. Youngest harvests the fruit while oldest presses the orange pulp against the white-coned juicer yielding the life juice we crave. The flavor far exceeds anything in a carton or can from a market shelf. However, it will last only for this season. So we treasure it like rare wine matured for years in oak barrels. We sip, rather than gulp, this orange gold, savoring every drop. … Continue reading →
His face wags from side to side with delight as his fluffy, feathered-like tail swishes heart-stirring greetings to you at the door. Could there be any doubt that he adores you? He is Chip. Lovingly referred to as the “Wonder Dog” and the third bear cub in this almost-all-male household. Enthusiastically, he leaps and bounds across the family room to bring you his treasured toy. Just waiting for you to throw it again as he dances air-bound … Continue reading →
Events of this past week in our state have punctuated the brevity of life and the unpredictability of when our lives here will end. My grandmother had a saying in Italian that translated into English said, “Life is glance out the window.” Grandma was not alone in her observation. Scripture tells us that our lives are a vapor or mist that appear for a short time and then vanish (James 4:14). However, I do not believe that these words … Continue reading →
