This is another thought borrowed from John Eldredge and his book Beautiful Outlaw. In times when hope is repeatedly snatched from our hearts by threats of Covid19, racial unrest and attacks against officers of the law, our source of hope and peace is only Jesus. Eldredge writes these words. May they bless you as they … Continue reading We Must Know It
As the COVID19 pandemic has escalated, followed by social unrest and rioting, I have found myself in need for words to put order to the scary things in my life. I found this post by John Eldredge, from his book, The Epic, to be most encouraging because it changed my perspective. I would like to … Continue reading Your Part in the Story
It was getting late. We had spent the day visiting quaint little villages along the Canadian coastline, made a mad dash through St. John City Market, and noted the exposed roots of ancient oaks in the central park—downed by a recent hurricane. Tired and ready for a hot bath, we scoured the streets named King … Continue reading A THOUSAND MILES AND A FERRYBOAT RIDE
Petals fall from the roses on the runner that tops the fence, green and cream creating an enormous bouquet for the morning sun. The earth below is littered with the evidence of faded flowers, looking like a snowfall. A single petal spins in the breeze hanging on one more moment before surrendering to the pull … Continue reading The Rose Petal
Oh, afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted…Isaiah 54:11a If you have ever suffered a broken leg, strained ankle, or an inflamed sciatic nerve, then you know the pain of walking crippled. In our hurry-up world it is not acceptable to slow down, so we push through the pain and often create greater injury. … Continue reading WALKING CRIPPLED
I was listening to this song recently and began to wonder, “What was the gift?” I believe that God the Father watched as Jesus suffered an excruciating death while sorrow and joy tore at the depths of His heart. The deepest sadness that His son had to suffer such a cruel death The greatest joy … Continue reading My Gift of Holy Love
A friend came to talk with me a few years ago. She was in great pain over the death of her eight-year-old daughter several years earlier. The child had developed a rare, aggressive cancer in her sinuses. Eventually she was unable to eat or breathe and her face became terribly disfigured. She died a horrible … Continue reading He Knows Your Pain
In this world where we live, having joy often feels both crazy and impossible. To have joy in the midst of sorrow—or the current news feed—can seem impossible. And all on our own, it is impossible. But just as the angel Gabriel said after making his outlandish proclamation to Mary that she, a virgin, would … Continue reading Defiant Joy
On a recent visit to the Long Leaf Sawmill and Lumber Museum in South Louisiana, we were able to view the many aspects of felling huge native pines and cutting them into usable lumber. The trees were downed with axes and cross cut saws. Long teams of oxen then pulled wagons filled with logs to … Continue reading They Were Moved
They sat hoovered together around a fire of twigs and leaves, trying to battle the cold and mosquitoes. The moist air mixed with the smoke to leave a fine film of soot on their faces. It was a miserable night, just like many other miserable nights. They were surrounded by a virgin forest of oak … Continue reading Large Trees…Paltry Tools
Looking with New Eyes 