A green Shoot will sprout from Jesse’s stump, from his roots a budding Branch. The life-giving Spirit of God will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, the Spirit that gives direction and builds strength, the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-God. Fear-of-God will be all his joy and delight. ~Isaiah 11:1-5 […]
Still Saturday: Stopped Still on Lake Abby
Last Sunday it was a lone bufflehead duck on Lake Abby. This week a pair of hooded mergansers! All new to these eyes. Also one mouthy mallard. And a robin with an attitude. God’s artistry on display at “Lake Abby.” A mirror of beauty created by brokenness (a broken drain in […]
In Which I Pin a Bat With a Ragu Jar
(Photo has absolutely nothing to do with this story because… leaking bat) It is loud here. Very. Loud. It all starts when oldest grand girl comes out of her bedroom and begins to scream about the bat swooping over my head and around the living room and into the kitchen and back into the living […]
A Magnificent Yes!
My throat twisted in that familiar knot, and my stomach reached up and pulled it tighter. Why did I always assume I’d done something wrong when someone in authority called? But it turns out my boss only wanted me to take a new project because she felt I could do a dandy job. The mouse […]
Accepting What is and Walking in the Flames
I see it from the kitchen window. The plum tree behind the what-used-to-be-the-chicken-house. It exploded into fragrant bee-laden blooms overnight. And I know those tiny bunches of purple-puckered balloons weren’t there yesterday. Last year I forced forsythia inside because I was so desperate for joy color. But it’s already burst into fire in the shade […]
Staying in the Center
“What is THAT? STOP!” He jerks to a stop right there in the road. I fumble for my camera while I keep my focus on Lake Abby. I snap a couple of pictures of the black and white bird that floats in the center. We have no idea what it is. Pastor talks about the […]
Scripture Sunday: On the Line
I pray to God—my life a prayer— and wait for what he’ll say and do. My life’s on the line before God, my Lord, waiting and watching till morning, waiting and watching till morning. ~Psalm 130:5-6 (Message)
Still Saturday: A Gift From the Sea
The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach–waiting for a gift from the sea. ~Ann Morrow Lindbergh I did not take this photo. It came to me via a text from my dear friend, Melinda Ysaguirre, AKA @JOYFULLTOO.”Thinking of you […]
Are We Crazy?
Absolutely free! But it can cause worse damage yellow lace, age spots from rusting. Drives you a little crazy. Rust–one of the toughest stains, but all you really need is the safer substitute, a splash of something. Swish! A sweeter smelling way, a secret liquid that makes you tight and taut. It’s all you really […]
In Which I’m Tired and Discouraged
“Nama! I wanna ge’ up!” I sigh and roll over. It’s not 4 a.m. like it was yesterday, but it’s still dark. And there will be no quiet time again this morning. I feel around on the bed for my robe, swing legs over side, and scuff the floor until my toes find slippers. I […]
