I missed catching the oldest son in the act of wrapping up the food The sound of aluminum foil being tugged is heard upstairs as he pulls the shining covering across the plate. It crinkles quietly as he folds the foil around the edges. The refrigerator door opens gently and the dish of left overs from dinner clinks against the shelf. Quietly, the door closes as he picks up Corning Ware baking dish in which the chicken was … Continue reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
The sign greets you entering and exiting our neighborhood. A clever twist on “Smokey the Bear” commercials. “Only You can prevent Forest fires.” Those were meant to instill a principle with a cuddly bear posing as your friend. This is a warning! If you (the collective you who live in this neighborhood) do not slow down, you will pay a hefty price. Speed bumps to jar your car’s suspension, rattle your brains, and make your morning commute even longer. … Continue reading →
August in the monsoon desert brings a mixture of blessings and stifling heat. I search for godsends round the corner, gasping at the purple profusion of blossoms dripping from roof-high bushes. A gasp that draws in the hot, thick, humid breath fills my lungs. The beauty washes the August air with a refreshing breeze. Swiftly, ominous desert clouds smother the sun-soaked sky, rolling gray clouds cross the horizon. Temperatures drop, humidity rises, hope for rain abounds. … Continue reading →
