How can I ever begin to thank the people who are my parents? From them I learned so many things – too many to begin to mention. As I begin another year, I give thanks. So grateful they taught me strong. What I mean by that is they did not waver in their values. They lived their life by the same words they taught us. Always. Consistently. Their beliefs were built on a sure foundation. Because it was strong, they could be, too. And God, You chose to send me to them. How can I begin to thank You? I miss them fiercely, although I am glad they are not here to see some…

It’s been a crazy few weeks. Our country and many across the globe have been in an uproar over COVID 19. Sadly, many people have fallen victim to it, whether physically, emotionally, financially or spiritually. Or yeah, all of the above. Where did it come from? Where is it going? Why is it here? When will it stop? The questions keep coming. The answers vary from day to day. Mixed signals. Confusion. Fear. Let’s get off the merry-go-round for a moment. This I know. Very early on, God said, “it is not good for Man to be alone…” And he wasn’t just talking about Adam and Eve in my opinion.…

It’s that time of shifting shadows, walking dreams and whispers of the heart. Not fully awake. Not really asleep. That’s where I was…with the kind of awareness that gets blotted out by too much noise, devices or the duties and demands of the day. There were fragments of regret, suspended and suppressed longings. Mostly there was a sense of trust and gratitude. I know there are times that the presence of God is “very present“. Early, early this morning was one of those times. In a world that revolves on its axis and now swirls with fear and anxiety, these moments put all of those things on pause. There have…

I had thought to write more consistently at the beginning of this year, and then several things happened to alter my plans. It is sobering to think how life can seem so grueling on some days, and then the next thing you know it might be over. Strange, isn’t it? Such was January 3rd. Now today, here I am on a Sunday afternoon watching the rain drops spattering on the sidewalk. Our lives are a bit like that, aren’t they? I mean, we may have grandiose ideas, big plans, hopes and desires that are glorious. Do we fade like a simple splash, melting into obscurity? Oh no! I don’t think…

It’s time once again to bid another year adieu. It’s hard to believe! The last 12 months have certainly been an adventure. That much is certain! As I sit typing this in the comfort of my favorite chair, I think back on the seen and unseen things that have shaped my life this past year. Reflection can be a good thing. I’ve decided to embrace the word “Create” this year. It certainly seems appropriate as I look at my calendar for the first quarter of 2020! Already I can see that I will be traveling to various parts of the country – many of which I’ve never been, or haven’t…

When I was a child, Christmas was magic. There was expectation in the air. The smell of cookies baking, the crackle of the fire in the fireplace and the lights were twinkling on the tree. I especially liked it when the lights were turned off and the only lights in the living room were the lights on the tree and the glow of the fire. Ah…the memories! And now, as I look forward to celebrating the miracle of Jesus’ birth with my friends, I realize even though I’m much older that Christmas is still magic. People are nicer in the grocery line. They talk with their neighbors. There seem to…