I sat on the deck this afternoon after church with a plate of leftovers. I started to eat, and then remembered to thank God, to “say grace” for the meal. Sometimes “saying grace” is perfunctory. Sometimes it’s seen as a duty. Today– it just flowed out of what was flowing in. And out came the poem between bites of spaghetti. Blessings to you and yours this day! “Saying Grace…” For the fresh gentle breeze on this warm November day ForRead more
reminders of hope
This sweet little bouquet of buds was a gentle reminder of hope for me today. I didn’t expect to see it on the old, neglected apple tree that has appeared lifeless since well before last Winter. As you can see, these tree branches have seen better days. But these branches are from the same tree with the bud bouquet and the photo is taken on the same day that I took the first photo. What is seen depends on theRead more
Before they come
The table is set, there’s a place for each one The oven is full and the preps are all done There’s a quiet here now, but it soon will be gone As the house fills with family, from near and from far Oh Lord in this moment, I pray that we’d see Your grace, your redemption on this ThanksGiving For who do we thank for the gifts big and small? Oh God you have Given, you’ve given it ALL! HelpRead more
done
Sometimes “done” means “toast”, fini, over it, give up, surrender. Sometimes “done” means finished, completed, accomplished. Sometimes it might mean both. For me anyway. Maybe sometimes God waits for me to say, I’m done. I can’t. It’s too big. I release it to you. And then…(sometimes only then…) He steps in to complete the work He had begun…and then the beautiful work is truly done, fini, complete, accomplished. Just my two cents for today ❤ Blessings~ Heather “For I am confident ofRead more
Finding the Familiar
Finding the familiar in the fog and new terrain where vision blurs These my heart stirs- familiar things that remain Familiar things you ask? What could these sweet gifts be? Bare feet in the blades of grass Dew drops on peonies Washing dishes in the sink Doing laundry, pulling weeds Singing the words to a favorite song My hair blowing in the breeze Yes, I’m Finding the familiar in the fog and new terrain thankful for the daily gifts tasksRead more
…a few thoughts on hurting and healing…
Hurts Deep hurts that aren’t dealt with Can turn into Hate deep hate that infects and infests hearts deep deep into the heart And the healing? Deep healing? It takes ReOpening the hurts, those deep hurts, and feeling and reeling and dealing- then…healing and forgiving …and then living with hearts that hurt and heal and love and feel and in time HOPE Oh my friend– feel, forgive, heal… the hurt is worth the healing Hope is a reality when ourRead more
the road
I’ve heard of ‘the road less traveled’ I’ve walked it a mile or two I’ve seen my own road unravel Horizon so not blue but oh the grace that’s met me On this unchartered course My Savior never leaves me Hope overrides remorse For there have been such blessings some in disguise, some clearly seen….. I know that He is with me- what peace that brings to me Peace comes amidst the trials It comes amidst the storm It comesRead more
…a few thoughts on forgiveness…
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” ~ Lewis Smedes Question: Seriously? Even when the offense is so deep and horrific and impactful? Thought: Forgiveness is only necessary when there has been an offense. Sometimes that offense has been incredibly great. Question: But doesn’t forgiveness mean you’re making light of what is done? You’re allowing the person to be ‘off the hook’? Thought: Nope. It’s an acknowledgement that there was indeed anRead more
amen.
There’s a stretch of trees between where I live and where I used to live. If you’re driving in the late afternoon, early evening, you’ll see a beautiful show of shadows– darkness and light all over the field. It’s such a visual for me of light shining through the dark. The silhouettes of the trees only add to the beauty of this scene, and they can even make the light seem brighter when compared to the darkness. I love that.Read more
a hallelujah
So a few days ago I told my husband I was tired of being brave. Yep. Tired of it. I wanted a nap, a respite, and chocolate. I wanted to yell a bit too. And cry. And maybe even tantrum. I did eat chocolate. And I drove pretty fast with the windows down. And I lifted my voice and sang pretty loud and didn’t care who heard. And the cool thing is, I know who heard. He always does. AndRead more
soletusknow 