A Child’s First Steps

A Child’s First Steps Do you remember watching a baby learn to walk? First, he holds Mom’s hand tightly, walking with the reassurance of that grip. Soon he lets go, taking tentative steps on his chubby legs. Back and forth he walks, from Mom to Dad and back to Mom. He has complete confidence; hisContinue reading “A Child’s First Steps”

Mr B’s Records

Let me introduce you to an acquaintance of mine, Beelzebub, Mr. B. for short. Mr. B. is a great accountant. He keeps the ledger for souls, your soul and mine. Meticulously, he records every deed, every selfless, honorable act we’ve ever done, as well as every selfish, unkind word or act anyone has ever committed.Continue reading “Mr B’s Records”

Winter in the Forest

How different the forest is in the winter!  Looking around the deciduous forest, I notice the tall, dark tree trunks with their branches reaching outward and upward.  Without their covering of green finery, the trees stand like silent skeletons, dominating the landscape.  The air is tomb-like, for many birds have flown south for the winter. Continue reading “Winter in the Forest”

Faithfulness

The Old Testament book of Jeremiah uses metaphors to compare Israel to an unfaithful wife. She was unfaithful to God by worshipping idols and forsaking Him. And “…her treacherous sister Judah [had] not turned to [God] with her whole heart, but in pretense” (3:10 NKJ). This book of Jeremiah is surely only Jewish history andContinue reading “Faithfulness”

Hope

Hope is the thing That pushes its head through the earth, Unfurling its pale green For all to see. It’s the expectation of blooms, Unwinding from a tiny bud, Blooms more vibrant and colorful Than imagination. Hope is the realization that dead, shriveled things, long buried in the ground, Will one day rise again toContinue reading “Hope”

A Box of Chocolates

Imagine that someone has given you a big box of chocolates!  What is the first thing you do?  Most would probably say Thank you, open the box, and graciously offer the first piece to the giver of this scrumptious gift.  Would you begrudge giving that first piece of chocolate to the person who gave youContinue reading “A Box of Chocolates”

A Thunderous Voice

The bible tells us that God speaks in a still, small voice.  But sometimes when I enter a still, small state, His voice shouts and thunders:  How can my people be so blind?  How can you be so deaf?  Open your eyes!  Open your ears!  My glory is all around you and you ignore it.Continue reading “A Thunderous Voice”

A Blanket of White

A Blanket of White Light streaming through my window awakened me. Like a child, I jumped out of bed and hurried to the window. Sparkling in my back porch light, snow blanketed the yard. Winter’s drab landscape changed to a fairyland. The dead, brown grass disappeared under the snowy blanket, and the barren trees woreContinue reading “A Blanket of White”

The Rock

I took advantage of the late December 60 degree afternoon by walking along the nature trails in Pawnee Prairie Park.  The ground is soft beneath my feet, and the view is fantastic.  The various paths meander through scenic routes. One can walk through short grass, cedar forests, deciduous trees, or beside the curving Cowskin Creek. Continue reading “The Rock”

Inheriting the Treasure

Inheriting the Treasure When my parents died, they left my brothers and me all their worldly treasures.  Fortunately for us, they had planned well.  They left a will, named an executor, and had their investments and savings earmarked as payable on death to us. Even though they planned carefully, we have waded through rivers ofContinue reading “Inheriting the Treasure”