The mountain of responsibilities seemed a bit more than I could manage effectively. We had just spent a week with family before, during, and after my father-in-law’s death. We shared memories, grief, and conversations, bringing encouragement through the unplanned reunion of the funeral. Our barnyard had just enjoyed the birth of five baby goats, which […]
OVERCOMING MOUNTAINS Read More »
I had no idea he valued our time together. The hay and feed I brought our donkey Sam twice daily, seemed his only interest. When we returned to TN after a week away, Joel took over the feeding. After a few days, he mentioned Sam must be missing me because his behavior was out of
I DIDN’T KNOW HE MISSED ME Read More »
Nature’s cycle of life is a sight to behold. Piles of dead leaves, once vibrant with golds, oranges, and reds, now lie brown on the ground, muffling the sounds of passing vehicles. Who knew trees boast a natural power, causing a purge? As temperatures cool and autumn approaches, an expanding layer under the leaf’s stem breaks weaker
The four of us siblings always had a place at the family table. Even as adults, we were welcomed, no matter what storms were brewing in the family. This sense of belonging was a truth we could rely on, a testament to our parents’ unconditional love for us. Josh McDowell’s definition of knowing truth is
PLACE AT THE TABLE Read More »
Focusing on trouble tends to cause worry-filled thoughts and words. As this focus becomes pervasive, the atmosphere becomes heavy. The body overflows with unnecessary flight/fight adrenaline, and healing rest becomes elusive. A Moldova memory reminds me of a focus choice that significantly changed the atmosphere. On this mission trip, my friend and I sat at
Have you ever experienced weeks of physical illness, intimidation, financial distress, or relational challenges with only a vague idea of why your troubles were happening or what to do about them? The first four weeks of 2024 brought me a low-grade fever, muscle pain, and weakness, with few answers. Never having experienced long-term dependence on
THYROID CRISIS RESOLVED Read More »
Why does the Christmas story cause such discord? So what a baby was born in a barn, receiving shepherds and gifts from affluent eastern visitors. Jesus grew up in poverty with the stigma of being an illegitimate child of an adulterous woman. His stories were filled with instructions to humbly care for others, forgive, and
Three-week-old kid goats, Maggie and Chocolate, butt heads during the day, but as dusk falls, they warm one another. Separation as they play causes one to cry to the other for protection. Watching them reunite makes me smile. Why does behavior that seems intuitive to baby goats not come naturally to humans? How do we
PEACE OR CONSEQUENCES Read More »
Green-colored chlorophyll cells within the leaves of our favorite shade trees manufacture sugar, feeding the tree all year long. Sunlit days become shorter, and the leaves empty green-colored nourishment into the tree’s circulatory system. Squirrels, along with trees, prepare for needed winter fuel. But did you know red, orange, yellow, and even purple-colored cells hang
WHAT’S THEIR BEAUTY SECRET? Read More »
Relieve respiratory and painful distress with inspiration.
LUNGS, LIFE, AND INSPIRATION Read More »
The subtle roar of the incomplete nags. The imagined barrier to the next step mocks. Lack of personal ability ridicules because of unfinished business. Concrete footers were poured, promising a structure rooted in the earth with solid standing against mountain winds. The greenhouse has metal straps and 4 by 12 headers for cross-bracing. Why the
UNFINISHED BUSINESS Read More »
We do it waking, sleeping, alone, or in a crowd. It’s rarely blank, and the content’s quality determines our brains’ condition. Chronic thoughts of fear, worry, anxiety, hopelessness, unforgiveness, and resentment can shrink the brain’s well-being. These chronic feelings often represent damaged relationships. A brain overloaded with the wrong stuff withers. I can hear the
SHRINK OR GROW YOUR BRAIN? YOUR CHOICE! Read More »
