Joyous praise lifted as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” He (Jesus) replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:39-40). Jesus affirms for us here that all of creation praises Him. Rocks praising. People praising. Pharisees complaining, … Continue reading Beach in the Storms: Part 3 Seashells
For most of June and July, Jason and I talked about canceling this beach trip. Between Covid and the protests in Ocean City, MD, we did not want to do anything that would add stress considering one of the reasons we get away is to relax. By late July, Ocean City protests were over, and … Continue reading Beach in the Storms: Part 2
As I lay my weary head directly upon the mattress, switching sides as though I was a flapjack, rest seemed untouchable. Landing on my back with eyes wide, the room filled with three, yes three, flashes. The third strike from heaven’s army … if lightening could hang, that’s what it did, filling the entire tiny … Continue reading Beach in the Storms: Part 1
Clouds speak of His power: Do you know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge .. (Job 37:16). As the East coast is still in the midst of a hurricane like storm, Nahum’s words are somewhat comforting: The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; … Continue reading Clouds Speak
Retreating from social media is one way to manage stress. Taking breaks from Facebook in particular has become a necessity in my life, though I will be honest I probably didn’t do it soon enough this time: The age old: I don’t want to miss interacting with so and so People look for encouragement in … Continue reading When Stress Surrounds, His Grace Abounds
Ever been asked a question that pushes you into the deep? It was an innocent enough question. It just poked me in a tender place. In a class I am taking, the professor asked, Who are your mentors in the faith? Both professors recounted certain family members in their formative years as having a great impact … Continue reading Reaching Deep
My husband and I hiked a couple weeks back (those who read here often know we love hiking) and found a tree down on the trail. We hiked at that same park last week. The tree was still down. Late last week, I sat on our humble porch (which has become my watchtower). I hadn’t … Continue reading When Branches Break
I can’t explain it. There are many days I have to push myself to walk in the neighborhood. Between the recent rising temps and the droning hum-drum of this virus … more time at home than recent years. Benefits? Yes many, some expected and some not. There is a spirit of discouragement lingering, dragging, weighing. … Continue reading The Mountains: Where My Help Comes From
Here in PA, we are expected to hover in the high 90’s all week. In this region, that temperature comes with a damp, rank humidity. On a walk yesterday morning at 8:30am, taking deep breaths seemed counterproductive. I observed birds, sluggishly flying as if their wings absorbed the moisture in the air. You can imagine … Continue reading In This Heat, Plant Your Feet
“If you hang out with chickens, you’re going to cluck and if you hang out with eagles, you’re going to fly.” (Steve Maraboli from Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience) Seems to me there’s a whole lotta clucking going on. Facebook and news reporters continue to spew their own spin on social … Continue reading This is the Way, Walk in It
