“That the aged men be sober…The aged women likewise… Titus 2:2a-3a Sobriety is a difficult topic of discussion for me. I’ve never tasted an intoxicating beverage and my parents didn’t drink. Yet, I have heartfelt compassion for those who have succumbed to the tragic consequences of intoxication. While my limited knowledge hinders my ability to relate to the addictive attraction to drinking or ...
Continue ReadingRegarding the Life of Our Beast
“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast…” Proverbs 12:10 There is something quite unique, enjoyable, and special about a critter becoming a family member and friend. It was hard for us not to regard the life our little, Min Pin “beast,” Red. He slept, ate, sat, walked, talked, and played with us every day. He demanded our attention and got it. He pestered and worried us. He set the ...
Continue ReadingHoping for a Lush Harvest
“For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down,that it will sprout again,and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.”Job 14:7 Every year the wisteria, tangled in the brush on the other side of the railroad tracks, disappears into its winter dormancy and sprouts again in spring. And, every year, I forget and wonder how it can survive the cold, stark dreariness of winter to make it ...
Continue ReadingFinding a Smile in the Hard Places
“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance:but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13 Sometimes, if you’re persistent and look diligently and deeply into a person’s eyes, you might find a smile behind what appears to be a rock solid, hardened heart. Everyone has a smile in them, but they’re often hard to see. After the last few years, I thought smiles might be going ...
Continue ReadingResting in Nature’s Nurturing
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:he leadeth me beside the still waters.He restoreth my soul;he leadeth me in the paths of righteousnessfor his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3 There is something quite restful and tranquil about being in nature and it’s such a joy to be able to stop and soak in its nurturing qualities this season. I’m so thankful ...
Continue Reading