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Beginnings
It’s hard to believe the door has officially closed on another year. 2020 was a year full of challenges, that much is certain! The first day of a new year is typically a day to celebrate and perhaps a day of reflection. Many times, it’s also a line in the sand for new beginnings. Diet, exercise, starting new and positive habits are often on people’s “resolutions” list. There is so much to do! I also have my goals set this year. I’ve started another book, which will be number 7, not counting the “strays” that haven’t actually made it to the publisher yet. One thing I usually do every year…
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Unexpected Christmas
Why would He do it? The God of the Universe coming to His creation in such an unusual way? Helpless. Dependent. Into the most humble surroundings imaginable – a stable. Can you imagine the smells, the sounds? No running water…giving birth in such a place. I grew up on a farm, so I can! Why would God choose that? God seldom does things in the manner we expect. He opens a whole new world. In this case, it is both figuratively and literally true. The glorious angel-heralds fired up the sky with their songs and their light. Shepherds, who were basically the outcasts and dregs of society were the first…
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The Season
Andy Williams was singing the classic, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...” As I walked through the grocery store a short time ago, I heard it, immediately followed by Mel Torme. It was so strange… Here I was, picking up some random things to have at home (technically I’m on vacation now). It was almost as if I was completely disconnected. On one hand, I have much to be thankful for. On the other hand, there are some people I really miss – like Mom and Dad. So what am I going to do? Write. And then when I finish that, I will likely write some more. It’s…
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Reminiscent Joy
Music of the Masters streams through my living room, Memories of days gone by harmonize with their melodies, Fragrant and pungent as the pinon wood burning nearby. Rather than leaving ashes, these thoughts bring joy, hope and restoration. Blessings too numerous to count, stacked in random order, Creating a mosaic that is beautiful in my mind’s eye. Kindness, love and a simpler time, When things were truly what they seemed. Today, as another Thanksgiving has passed I stop and thank God for Who He Is, rather than what I have. There is changeless magnificence in Him. It is very easy to bow before such grandeur, How could one not? If…
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So Grateful
Our country is a little anxious just now. There are factions, divisions, suspicion, grief… Do you know there is a common thread to all of this? There is a master manipulator who is not a person. Call him what you like, Lucifer, Nimrod, Satan, the King of Tyre – it matters not. His modus operandi have very specific hallmarks. I do not want to spend time on the negative. This post is all about the OPPOSITE. God is Good. Let’s turn our eyes to Him. Let’s make a joyful noise of thanksgiving. Not just turkey and overeating, rather a heartfelt, sincere, and DNA-deep gratitude. Think about this for a moment.…
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Timing Perfecto
It has been a strange year. I think most people will be in agreement with that statement. Now, as we approach the holidays, what’s next? It feels like there may be another surprise. Will it be welcome? I simply do not know. So as all of us have had our ups and down this year, here is something wonderful that happened yesterday. A dear friend, the creator of the artwork for my first book, painted a beautiful scene. There are three words on it: Trust Me – God That’s it. And it pretty much sums up what’s truly important, at least for me. Now it is hanging on the wall…
