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 »
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
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 »
The study was done, and the evidence conclusive. In the early 1960s, heart disease in the community of Roseto, PA, was almost non-existent. Researchers converged on the town, studying each person. Blood samples were collected, interviews were done, social and religious patterns observed, and high cholesterol dietary habits noted. Despite toxic fumes inhaled in the
This Road Leads To Healing Heart Disease Read More »
We learned to avoid curfew by signing out in the evening and then showing up in the morning for class. Those nighttime escapes made by my college friend and myself became more frequent, and her grades began to slide. I suggested she might need to focus on school more. She responded angrily, and our friendship
Mental Freedom Without Shame and Blame Read More »
Let’s be honest. At the bottom of all this isolation is the fear of suffering and death. That’s an honest fear. Most humans have a strong drive to live. But, I’m sensing God’s leading not to fear but to be a messenger of hope. At 68, I’m considered elderly with gray hair and wrinkles to
Afraid To Die? Want Answers? Part 1 Read More »
My neighbor walks every day, and we often wave at each other and share a few words. He’s an ex-marine with COPD and not in the greatest of health. Today he admitted he’s becoming a hermit of sorts because of the virus. He shared that his great-grandparents and their families lived through the Spanish flu,
Afraid To Die? Want Answers? Part 2 Read More »
