A voice says, “Shout!” I said, “What shall I shout?” “These people are nothing but grass, their love fragile as wildflowers. The grass withers, the wildflowers fade, if God so much as puffs on them. Aren’t these people just so much grass? True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God’s Word stands […]
Still Saturday: All Shaken Up
And we did do some talking, but eventually this wise woman said to me, “Ruth, you are like a jar of river water all shaken up. What you need is to sit still long enough that the sediment can settle and the water can become clear.” ~Ruth Haley Barton in Invitation to Solitude and Silence Welcome […]
Guest Post: And So I Stopped Eating (Part 2 of 2) by Emily Wierenga.
I’m out of town this week, so I’ve asked Emily Wierenga to fill in. Emily is an author, artist, freelance journalist, blogger, and beautiful friend from Neerlandia, Alberta. This post originally appeared over at The High Calling in November 2010. I don’t think one can read it too often. She tells her story in her […]
Guest Post: So I Stopped Eating (Part 1) by Emily Wierenga
I’m out of town this week, so I’ve asked Emily Wierenga to fill in. Emily is an author, artist, freelance journalist, blogger, and beautiful friend from Neerlandia, Alberta. This post originally appeared over at The High Calling in November 2010. I don’t think one can read it too often. She tells her story in her book, […]
Drama in the Sky
I’m on the porch again, this time seated at the table with my computer. We’ve had this black wrought iron patio set forever, over thirty years. We sold our 1973 yellow Ford Explorer to the owner of a furniture store. We asked $2400. When he came to inspect the vehicle, he glanced out back and […]
Scripture Sunday: Peace
I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. ~John 16:33 (MSG) With Deidra
Still Saturday: Here I Am, Father
A still morning Because I am loved and I love, I don’t have to worry about my response or lack of it. I don’t have to struggle with my desire to understand. I don’t have to wrestle with my feeling of unworthiness. All I have to do is be still, stay close and let you […]
For When Your To-Do List Looms Large
I brew a cup of Darjeeling, then slather a toasted sourdough English muffin with butter. I spoon on some homemade strawberry freezer jam, enough to drip down my chin when I take a bite. The white wooden porch swing hangs from rusted chains and creak-squeaks as I settle into it. It’s hot already, but it’s […]
You Can Dish it Out, But . . .
My grandparents owned a small restaurant called the Airport Grill in Waters, an eye blink of a town a couple miles up the road. And yes, there was an “airfield” right behind it. “Field” being the key word. I don’t remember any concrete runway nor anything but a small private plane or a National Guard […]
Scripture Sunday: Mouth Open and Panting
Every word you give me is a miracle word– how could I help but obey? Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning. Mouth open and panting, I wanted your commands more than anything. Turn my way, look kindly on me as you always do to those who […]
