nancyhamiltonsturm

The Ice Storm

On January 4, 2005, the worst ice storm in decades hit my town. Over three quarters of an inch of ice coated the area, downing power lines and plunging more than 60,000 homes and businesses into darkness. The icy outdoors created a surreal fantasy world, with homes, grass, trees, streets, and mailboxes painted with aContinue reading “The Ice Storm”

Returning to Joy

Walking the nature trails, I wander across a large meadow, at least ¼ mile long and just as wide. Everywhere I look across this open countryside, I see dead, dry, native grasses. Deciduous trees dot the landscape. Winter weather has shorn them of their green garments, and their barren branches stretch nakedly toward the wintryContinue reading “Returning to Joy”

Dropping the Stones

She was caught in the act of adultery and dragged into the temple courts. Head down, hands trembling, she avoided the eyes of the angry men surrounding her. They couldn’t wait to pass judgment on her. Their faces turned hard as the stones they longed to throw. After all, that was God’s law. But theContinue reading “Dropping the Stones”

Hear the Crying

Imagine if you will, Christmas day more than 2000 yars ago in the town of Bethlehem. Jesus is born. Do you feel the crisp morning air? Do you smell the animals and the hay? Listen. Do you hear the newborn crying? Can you see Mary, seated on the floor of the stable, holding her tinyContinue reading “Hear the Crying”

Is There Room at the Inn?

For several weeks I’ve busily prepared for the holidays. The house is decked out in Christmas finery: the tree is lit, garlands cover the stairway and windows, and angels and nativities adorn the tabletops. Holiday meals are cooked, and the pantry is stocked. Treats wait for children and grandchildren to indulge. Gifts, wrapped in red,Continue reading “Is There Room at the Inn?”

December Waiting

December Waiting December is a month filled with contrasts. Days are shorter. Nights longer. Clouds fill the sky and darken the sun. Winter’s wind breathes frost on the grass and trees. Once again, we don gloves, scarves, and warm winter coats. But under the darkness, under the cold, lie promises. Promises of longer, warmer days.Continue reading “December Waiting”

First Kiss

Frost has kissed the forest. Dead leaves flutter from the trees, making Autumn’s golden snowfall litter the stream. My feet crunch through the leafy debris as the trees lift barren branches skyward. It’s silent here. No cars roar. No people chatter. High in the treetops the wind blows, roaring past leafless branches. All around meContinue reading “First Kiss”

Flowing Over Obstacles

Flowing Over Obstacles The stream meanders, making its way through fallen leaves, gray, broken branches, and rich, fertile earth. My feet crunch the dried leaves as I approach the stream. Bending and twisting, it flows around rocks and under the narrow walking bridge. Algae flourishes just beneath its green water. I find a large, flatContinue reading “Flowing Over Obstacles”

Safe in His Arms

Today I venture off the usual broad path through the mowed natural grasslands. I wander onto the narrow, curving paths that transport me into a tree filled shadow land, cool and welcoming. I marvel at the quiet calm, broken only by the sound of my footsteps and intermittent bird calls. The shadows provide a welcomeContinue reading “Safe in His Arms”

A Deeper Look

Do you remember how the Pharisees tested Jesus by asking Him which was the greatest commandment in the law? You know, the one where He passed the test with this reply: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is likeContinue reading “A Deeper Look”