• Book Reviews - Faith

    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…

  • Abortion - Children - Faith - Family - Women

    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…

  • Christmas - Faith - Family

    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…

  • Christmas - Faith - Flowers

    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…

  • Christmas - Faith

    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…

  • Faith - Nature

    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…

  • Book Reviews - Children - Faith - Family - Health - Parenting - Women

    Recent Reads: Biography, Historical Fiction and Research

    Standing on High Places is a biography of Hannah Hurnard written by Isabel Anders. Hannah Hurnard wrote the allegory of a Christian’s life titled Hinds’ Feet on High Places. Anders follows Hannah’s life from her choice to follow Jesus and her decision to pursue mission work. She began evangelical outreach in…

  • Faith - Flowers - Gardening - Nature

    Finding Comfort and Inspiration

    Over the past months I have been reading a Psalm each morning before breakfast. The Psalmist speaks plainly about his challenges and his faith in God’s steadfast love. The focus on God brings both comfort and inspiration. By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness,O God of our salvation, the…