Warm desert breezes mingled with the fragrance of citrus blossoms. Normally, I would be standing in our yard inhaling the luxurious scent from our orange and lemon trees but this year, the heat is driving me indoors, robbing me of a springtime joy. My spiritual life mirrored this perplexity in nature as a time of rejoicing in the Lord was clipped by the rising temps in my surrounding circumstances. Evil was making its move to rob me of the joy the Lord … Continue reading →
After a little more than a week of being laid up from one of those old-age illnesses, I ventured into our backyard aching to get my first up-close glimpse of our orange blossoms. They did not disappoint. In abundant array, they crowned nearly every branch stretching its glory into the sky. The closer I approached, the stronger the heady scent of citrus perfumed the air. What a welcome it offered to leaving behind sickness and stepping into health again. Just … Continue reading →
My husband flipped over the month on the calendar this morning and I gaped in shock at how much time had passed since the beginning of the year. The beginning–the time you assess last year’s progress toward your goals, set new goals or measurements for the next 12 months~ and most importantly seek the Lord for that “Word” that speaks to His upcoming work in your life this year. In late December, as our family crossed the Colorado River on … Continue reading →
Yesterday, I was baking cookies for an evening Christmas Sing-Along at our church while trying to create the mood for a heavenly time of rejoicing. Even if I didn’t have the energy. Morning worship had whetted my appetite as we sang some traditional Christmas carols. But when I started baking, the tension to perform began choking my meager enthusiasm. You would think that after making some of these Christmas delights year after year, I could whip them out in my … Continue reading →
We’re halfway through the second week of Advent. A time of preparing our hearts for a renewed focus on the reason Christ became man. In the midst of the busyness we call Christmas, our hearts get tangled up in where to put the focus. Is it on creating a warm and decorative atmosphere in our homes? Or is it on preparing a feast to welcome family both far and near? And if we’re people pleasers, are we caught up in … Continue reading →
“The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” Isaiah 60:19 NIV Fireworks exploded in brilliant colors across the darkened sky scattering not only streaks of light but a sense of joy and exhilaration. As the colors dripped through the sky like melting candle was, another burst of green, gold, and blue lit up … Continue reading →
“Don’t ever say to the Lord that it’s too late–for anything,” the speaker addressed a roomful of women’s hearts eager to grow in God’s grace. “It’s never too late for our Lord. He’s the mercy giver,” (Click to Tweet) said Shirley Suedkamp, author, storyteller, humorist, and lover of the Lord Jesus. The occasion for Shirley’s winsome sharing was our annual Women’s Retreat, the highlight of our year. This year’s theme was “Grow in Grace.” Shirley presented two examples of “Failed … Continue reading →
“It’s what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.” Oscar Wilde Just returning from a prolonged visit to the dentist with a half-numbed face, I picked up a cozy book I had been reading and tucked myself into the corner of our blue tweed sofa. Comfort time and just what the dental assistant had recommended. Actually she had suggested a nap and ibuprofen. I felt woozy but knew a … Continue reading →
Large flakes spaced far apart drifted down from the heavenly night sky creating a sense of newness. The Old Year was passing away. The slate was being purified and created for a New Year. As hubby and I looked at our unusual desert wonderland, we were as excited as little kids. The heart that Jesus wants coming to Him. We joked with our neighbors out in this barren wilderness a little before midnight they engaged in a snowball fight. Then … Continue reading →
As this day winds to a close, I wonder how so many of you have had the ability and perseverance to write for 31 days straight. I applaud you! That is an amazing feat. I only took on 11 days, I think, and I found it difficult to post everyday and work around my schedule. It definitely tells me that I would need some posts planned out ahead (imagine that!) and probably could only post 3 days a week at … Continue reading →
