The plants in my bay window thrive with sunshine and care. Some plants need to be watered twice a week. Recently one of my rosemary plants had a powdery fungus and I treated it with neem oil. I moved it closer to the window for brighter light. I am delighted…
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Benediction
On Sunday mornings we meet in a gymnasium for church. We sing hymns and listen to scripture readings. We greet each other. People share concerns and we pray. Our pastor gives a sermon, a lesson from the Bible. We sing a closing him and then pastor gives a benediction, quoting…
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Wise Words in Three Books
In the books I have read recently, characters have shared bits of wisdom. I enjoy novels and especially if there are good insights about life. Here is an example from each book. The Winds Further West by Alexander McCall Smith. Usually, the books I pick by Alexander McCall Smith are…
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Life is a Gift
Today I am participating in Five Minute Friday. We write for five minutes with a prompt. Kate’s prompt is UNUSUAL. It is unusually cold today. The thermometer outside of my window registers -10 degrees fahrenheit and that is -23 celsius. It reminds me of the year that I went on…
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Why Were the Shepherds First?
Recently I attended a concert that my granddaughter sang in. As I listened to the choir sing Angels from the Realms of Glory, my thoughts lingered on the second verse. Shepherds, in the field abiding,Watching o’er your flocks by night,God with man is now residing;Yonder shines the infant light Why…
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Christmas Gifts and Light
In November I began receiving e-mails for Black Friday sales. Now, in December, the e-mail ads continue. I have spent time scrolling through the catalogue of sale items, looking for gifts. It is good to give gifts at Christmas, but it is more important to receive God’s gift. God sent…
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Advent: From Darkness to Light
From Thanksgiving to Christmas –and everyday–it is good to remember God’s blessings and gifts. It is good to give thanks. We are entering Advent when we can focus on Jesus, the light of the world. In our neighborhood the skeletons and graveyards are gone from front lawns. Instead of dark…
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A Mother’s Faith and Love
Recently our women’s Bible study discussed the role of a loving mother, the mother of Moses. Jochebed had no way of knowing how Moses’ life would turn out but acted to save him during a desperate time. There is a historical background to Jochebed’s situation. Joseph was one of the…
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Coffee on a Fall Morning
As I sip my morning coffee, I can see the autumn leaves of the cherry tree through the kitchen window. The sun is shining and brightens the golden color of the leaves. My husband and I collaborate on making coffee. I set up the coffee in the evening and my…
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A Conversation About Truth and Beauty
My husband, my sister and I spent a week in Upper Michigan, enjoying the brisk breeze bringing the fall season. Each day the color of fluttering leaves became more vibrant. It was a visual treat as we worked—we had chores to do because we were closing the house for the…