Blog

  • Do you consider yourself an Encourager?

    “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today”—Hebrews 3:13.

    We must not give up! Some days and hours are just tougher than others. We all have days when we feel good about ourselves, our family, and the world in general. But there are also those times when we feel the entire world is against us.   purple-white crinkle flower (Copy)

    I get that. I’m with you and have the same types of ups and downs. My ups and downs may not be the same as yours, but nevertheless can be defeating. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us to encourage each other. Daily. That’s a whole lot of encouraging. He knew that as humans we are likely to forget yesterday’s triumphs. For me, a good feeling is easily replaced by a not-so-good feeling. If one person make a comment about my work that I consider negative, my mind lingers on that thought a lot longer than a praise note.

    That’s why we need a lot of cheerleaders in our life to counteract the naysayers…those who think before they speak. I understand the need for people to critique. I’ve been amazed at the great counsel that comes from writer’s groups and friends who work with the English language on a daily basis. Great value comes from another set of eyes to look through my work.

    The problem comes from when one or two negative comments cause me to quit writing or creating all together. Through the years I’ve learned there is something to be learned from every commentary I receive. Asking God what portion of this information I need to take to heart and what part do I need to discard and forget. God is my ultimate source of critique. His wisdom trumps all others.

    Prayer of encouragement: Dear God, may I be the one to communicate hope and light to someone in need. I know that when I share with others the blessings go both ways. Amen.

    How about you? Do you have a resource to filter your writing or creativity mode through? Maybe it’s a writer’s group or group of friends whom you trust their intuition. If not, why not make that a priority this week to find at least one other unbiased person to share your talents?

  • Alone Time

    Precious
    Rare
    Underrated
    Craved        Mums the word (Copy)

  • Visits with Family

    Liberty & Ean time
    Liberty & Ean time

    Together we:

    Talk
    Walk
    Laugh
    Play
    Draw
    Color
    Boat
    Observe
    Remember

     

    Cruising down the river (Copy)

  • Safe and Secure

    Thunder booms in the distance
    Safe & secure from all alarms

    storm is brewing (Copy)
    Storm is a’brewing

    Lightening surrounds
    Rain crashes down

    Fire truck sirens blare
    Secure within my sailboat shell
    No worry; no cares

    My Father says:
    Do not be afraid
    Nor let my heart be troubled

    He gives me Peace
    Freely

  • Sun sets over Lake Michigan

    Sun sets over Lake Michigan
    Sun sets over Lake Michigan

    Free—free at last
    Free to roam, or
    Not to roam

    I only have
    This moment in time
    To do as I feel best

    Swimmers swim
    Sailors sail
    Surfers surf

    I pause
    Like no one else here

    Babies squeal and cry
    Lovers walk
    Athletics run

    I pause
    And wait

    For what, I cannot say
    Oh yes, I know …
    To get nearer God to Thee

     

  • The work of His hand

    “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” – Isaiah 64:8.

    Liberty holding baby Elijah's hand
    Liberty holding baby Elijah’s hand

    I am nothing, He is all. I do nothing of my own. He does it. — Mother Teresa of Calcutta

    Further reading: Isaiah 64:5-10

     

  • Joys of Grandparenting

    Grandparenting

    Questions
    Witty sayings
    Laughable remarks
    More questions

    Inexpressible joy
    Weary muscles
    Unconditional boundless love

    Would I trade for money?
    Not a chance!

     

  • Beauty and Majesty on Mackinac Island

    I just returned from a dream-come-true mini vacation. Three days on Mackinac Island, located in the State of Michigan between the states’s upper and Lower Peninsula.

    The island is a national historic landmark and a motor-free environment since 1898. Only walkers, bicycles, and horses are permitted. The experience is truly stepping back in time. To top it all off, the 3.8 square miles in land (eight miles in circumference), the island is totally surrounded by water accessible only by boat or airplane. In the winter, snowmobiles are allowed if Lake Huron is frozen. More than 80% of the island remains preserved as Mackinac Island State Park.     purple flowers on Mackinaw Island (Copy)

    Whenever I visit the Island, it’s a brand-new experience for me. Riding the ferry over, I still marvel at the majestic landscape, hotels, and homes as we approach the dock. The distinct smell of horses hits my nose first. Followed by sweet smells of fudge, candy, and popcorn. Clothing and trinket shops abound.

    It’s only natural for me to get caught up in the pursuit of finding just the right souvenir. Will it be a shirt, hat, jacket or other item? Would this fit my grandchild? Or, so & so would love this!

    I see this/that and I either say out loud or to myself, Liberty, Elijah, and Ezekiel would have fun riding on a horse-drawn carriage. My daughter, sister, and nieces would love shopping in this jewelry or clothing shop. Look at those beautiful flowers — wouldn’t my Mom love to see those? And, she’d known exactly what they are called.  

    But there’s always a problem. Actually two problems.

    1. I want to bring back some token of the trip for everyone I know! And it’s difficult to know where to draw the line.
    2. I also would like family members and my friends to be there with me. Is that crazy or what?

    Whenever I see beauty or experience something unique or out-of-the-ordinary, this is where my mind goes. If only given enough time and money.

    Am I odd to wish my loved ones were there with me? Does anyone else ever think like this?

    Mackinaw Island Marina
    Mackinaw Island Marina

  • Come away with me

    “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me” — Song of Songs 2:11-13.     tomatoes on the vine v2 (Copy)

    In the book of Song of Songs, King Solomon writes of love & carefree days. He speaks of courtship & consummation of love between a man and a woman.

    This type of pleasure can also be carried over into our relationship with God. God longs for my companionship. He eagerly awaits me to quiet my body and mind. To still my thoughts & drink in His presence, love, and wisdom. He woos me away from the cares of today. Coaxes me to focus on Him; not on my problems or circumstances.

    When life calls me away from contemplation and into disorder, confusion, and strife — I push God further and further from the center of my life. The center of my soul.

    Chaos, fear, doubt, depression, and health problems are symptomatic results.

    I’m sure your days are filled to the brim … just like mine. I feel there is little time to pause, read scripture, and pray. Or maybe it’s that I’m not allowing for that time in my life. When there’s much to do, that’s the day, I need to spend more time on my knees.

    How about you? Did you steal away for some God-time yet?

     

  • Chosen by the Master Gardener

    “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener … I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” — John 15:1, 5.    tomatoes on the vine (Copy)

    The Master Gardener is at work in my life, my actions, and the words that appear on paper. The amount and quality of fruit is in direct correlation to how heavily I lean on the Gardener.

    Much leaning, trust, obedience = much quality product.

    Do you have days where you feel like you’re just going through the motions? Every task feels labor-intense. I cross off two items on my to-do list and add three more. If I go throughout the day in my own strength, my energy wanes before the day is half over. Words and stories spiral around in my head. But if those words do not reach my paper or computer, no one benefits.

    Step back a few steps. Reflect on yesterday … on last week. Can you see a positive pattern in your life when you leaned into the Master Gardener’s plan?    banana peppers on the vine (Copy)

    “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name” — John 15:16.