Every Shell Has a Story
I have this little drawer that, to me, is a treasure chest. Opening it, one will find a plethora of seashells in a variety of sizes and shapes and colors. No two are, in fact, alike, and no living thing remains–though each one once held…
His Umbrella Over Me Is Love
“… His banner over me is love” (Song of Songs 2:4b–NIV). The other day, my dear husband purchased something for me. It was a dreary, wet and rainy western North Carolina day–the sort that makes me grumble, “It’s February. Shouldn’t it be snowing instead?” Dodging raindrops…
Daisy the Circus Dog (Part 2)
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:1–NIV). Just a couple months prior to Dad Denny’s passing, I asked him a question concerning the goodness of God–wondering how to rectify all the ugly, seemingly bad and broken in…
Daisy The Circus Dog (Part 1)
Happy 1st Valentine’s Day in Heaven, dear Dad Denny! ~~~~~~~~ Two months ago, my dear father-in-law Denny passed into Eternity after a brief battle with bladder cancer. I’d known him since I was a child. Our hometown is small, and Mr. Dennis Miller worked at…
When Living With Eyes and Ears Wide Open Hurts
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your [Word]” (Psalm 119:18–NIV). I’ve prayed this often, adding– Oh, and Lord–open my ears, too. And while You’re at it, open them not just to Your Word but also to Your created world. Thank You!…
For All Those Experiencing Hot Flashes and Other Imperfections of Life
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter…
Tis the End of the Season
My heart’s been heavy. Even looking at the cheerful rainbow lights of our pre-lit tree has only brought unsettled emotions. Are they the sneers of inadequacy–hearing the snide inner voice telling me it’s high time to take it down, for cryin’ out loud. I know,…
Anna’s Gift
This story was inspired by the devotional reading from Oswald Chamber’s My Utmost for His Highest, for January 6th (Epiphany). The idea that one’s worship, waiting, and work are to be so intertwined that they are one gift to Jesus–and, thus, a gift to you and…
Mary’s Song
Sweet Mother Mary– Labored Life for all the world, Rose daughter to Son. My name is Mary. Not yet fifteen, I’ve given birth to my firstborn son. Though there will be others, no doubt, there can never again be a firstborn. Joseph–he’s a good husband. He works…
A Place at the Manger
What can I give Him, poor as I am?– If I were a Shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man I would do my part,– Yet, what can I give Him, — Give my heart. (From Christina Rossetti’s In the Bleak…