The Last “1st” Day of 2021
“What do these stones mean” (Joshua 4:6b NIV)? It struck me today–December 1st, 2021. This is the last “1st” day of the year. And here I am, still trying to apply my 2021 New Year’s resolutions, those hopes and dreams, goals and aspirations, created on January…
The 4-Corner Covering of Our Thanksgiving Tables
“Righteousness and justice are the foundations of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, LORD. They rejoice in Your name all day long; they celebrate Your righteousness”…
Unless the Lord Builds the House
“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain…” (Psalm 127a:1 NIV). These are the opening words to Psalm 127, penned by Solomon, son of King David. One of fifteen songs of ascent, it was sung as people climbed the hill to God’s…
Prancer–Our Golden Receiver
“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:8 NIV). We have a dog, the second of this particular kind known by most as a Golden Retriever. We chose this breed…
God of Connections–Part 1
“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth so that He may support those whose heart is completely His…” (II Chronicles 16:9 AMP). I stand amazed. God supports and connects people for His glory and their good, I’m completely convinced…
Just Pray–Remembering Auntie Irene
She was only a mite of a woman. Barely 4’8″, Auntie Irene made up for her small stature with sass. Honestly, she looked very much like a tiny Japanese Josei (lady), as do many who are of 100% Finnish descent, which she was. Irene and…
Lila’s Letter to Her Little Sister
Dear Emory Wren, Welcome to the world! Though I’ve barely been here a year myself, my eyes have been wide open to learn so many wonderful things–several of which, with Mora’s help, I’d love to share with you. First, dogs are wonderful! Like Mora, ‘dog’…
Especially Zinnias
I’d waited. Indeed, all summer I’d been waiting. Watching. Hoping. In April, I’d determined that, after having been a bit late in pulling up the past season’s dried remains from the flower garden atop our root cellar, I was not going to plant seeds. Instead,…
Comfort Across the Coffee Table
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15 NIV). “My husband’s having an affair.” Her words stopped me in my tracks. Returning my mug to the coffee table, our eyes met. “Really? How do you know?” “He told me. Just yesterday….
STAY
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3–ESV). Stayed–v. (past tense) to continue or remain in a place. It’s one of the first commands many dog owners teach their pups– Stay! Among others, like…