A couple of times while driving recently I’ve encountered a squirrel running out on the road, right into my lane. As I approached and was only a car-length away, both times the rodent stopped, took a few steps in one direction, then turned in another, at which point the car was almost on top of …
I grew up with a loving mom who made her faith in God central to her life. Once when very young, maybe 6 or 7, I remember seeing her curled up in her prayer chair early in the morning with her Bible. I recall once sitting in a chair opposite her, awkwardly wrapping my arms …
Psalm 65:8 They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. Psalm 19:1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Psalm 46:10 “Cease striving and know that …
After home group recently, I mentioned to my friend, DeeDee, having had some work-related stress and she asked, “Are you remembering to breathe?” (Meaning, was I paying attention to how I was breathing?) Was it unconscious short, shallow breaths of the anxious, busy, and preoccupied, or was it deliberate, deeper breathing— bringing a sense of …
It’s time for March weather: In like a lion and out like a lamb– or so they taught me in elementary school. In line with its predisposition toward unexpected changes, Colorado’s weather always keeps people guessing, and not just in March. One past September, Denver temperatures reached 102 over Labor Day weekend, and we woke …
My wife and I are different, which is a very good thing. She likes a room to have… well, room. While I have often seen space as something to fill with stuff, Carrie finds “open and airy” peaceful and refreshing, and she disdains clutter. In my hurry I sometimes lay an object down in a …
I receive weekly notices from an online neighborhood forum. These include anything from owners searching for lost dogs to people looking for a good dentist. But sometimes neighbors warn others about scams. Examples abound, but scammers often use a recent event (natural disasters, political turmoil, or social causes) to to tug on heart strings. While …
When we were all shut inside for Covid, I took to writing poetry. Here’s a poem I penned in November of 2020, which I’ll use to launch today’s post: The Candle A gift I once opened had a candle inside. With what rich, layered hues was this wax beautified! And it came with a wick …
Last year our trusty, 30-year-old chest freezer finally gave up the ghost. We bought a smaller upright freezer—which came in a large cardboard box. Instead of tossing the box, we decided to rest it on its side and see if our grandson might enjoy playing in it. Sure enough, it was a big hit! At …
My father-in-law was in the Navy, so my wife moved several times growing up. Where we live now is the longest she has ever lived anywhere. And I suppose that’s true for me as well. A former military couple we know moved their family about twenty times in as many years. Apparently one of their …
One day Jesus led his disciples through Samaria, a route these young men would have otherwise avoided. In their generations-old hostility toward Samaritans (half-breeds whose worship practices defied God’s law) the Jews prided themselves on being “right.” While Jesus rested beside a well, He sent the disciples to purchase some food. They returned later, appalled …
One year before Christmas my daughters and I made Christmas cookies–LOTS of cookies! I have no idea what came over me but I felt compelled. For the spritz cookies, we used a cookie press, enabling us to create little shapes and designs with the dough. One nice thing about working with that particular dough was …
