Seeing the Dawn

After an unusually difficult two months—several lingering illnesses that left me constantly fatigued, my father-in-law’s serious stroke, caring for my mother-in-law—I was feeling tired, stressed, and discouraged.  Driving to work, I shed a few tears of self- pity.  As I turned to the east, a gorgeous sunrise greeted me.  Thin clouds created a golden pinkContinue reading “Seeing the Dawn”

Estes Park

I sit at the edge of the amphitheater where the rangers give their nightly talks. Early in the morning I’m the only one here. The sun has just risen above the mountains, and I stare at the beauty all around me. Everywhere I look, the majestic Rocky Mountains raise their granite peaks skyward. Even inContinue reading “Estes Park”

Footprints in the Sand

We walk along the water’s edge, watching the foam from the waves rush up, attempting to capture the sand, then fall back to join the blue ocean water. Our heads down, we look in the sand for shells or coral unbroken by the battering waves. I stoop to examine a piece of elkhorn coral brokenContinue reading “Footprints in the Sand”

Wordless Love

I don’t remember hearing my parents telling me, “I love you,” but I know they do.  They have shown their love in countless ways.  When I was growing up they worked hard to provide a comfortable home, food, and clothing.  They made sure my brothers didn’t pick on me, at least not too much.  EvenContinue reading “Wordless Love”

A Woodland Sanctuary

As I walked the nature trails, I wandered off the beaten path.  Large toadstools nestled under a grove of blue spruce trees attracted my attention. Pushing aside branches, I walked fifteen feet, entering a small clearing.  The ground, carpeted with years of accumulated needles, felt soft beneath my feet.  A chorus of crickets broke theContinue reading “A Woodland Sanctuary”

Dropping the Stones

Caught in the act, they dragged her into the temple courts. Head down, hands trembling, she avoided the eyes of the angry men surrounding her. The men 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 the man whoContinue reading “Dropping the Stones”

The Beckoning Whispers

   As I sit in the kitchen, the sound of the sea beckons me. From the beach house, the waters whisper, calling me to the beach. I grab my sunscreen and my towel and walk across the street and into the soft, dry sand. I sink ankle deep with each step, the gentle waves whooshingContinue reading “The Beckoning Whispers”

At a Snail’s Pace

During a recent walk, I noticed a tiny snail, its shell no bigger than a dime. It appeared motionless, but when I knelt down for a zoomed-in photo, I could see its forward progress. Ever so slowly, it traveled, a millimeter at a time, across the sidewalk. Satisfied with my photo, I continued my walk.Continue reading “At a Snail’s Pace”

Be Still

Be Still When struggling, hopelessly caught In the swirling whirlpool of life, Twisting and turning Tumbled by turbulent waters– Take a deep breath and listen! Hear  God’s   sweet   silent   voice: “Be  still  my  child, be  still.” When all around screams chaos, Jangled nerves pleading for reprieve, Pushing and pulling Myriad demands dividing– Take a deepContinue reading “Be Still”

Glimpses of His Glory

Early in the morning before the phone starts ringing and the demands of the day begin pressing all around, I love to curl up in my favorite glider rocker and just think.  Pre-dawn darkness covers everything, but a soft light gradually steals into the room.  The house is quiet, not yet fully awake.  With myContinue reading “Glimpses of His Glory”