Steadfast in Hope

Yesterday, during church service, Pastor Shawn talked about being steadfast in our faith during life’s trials, and the everlasting hope that it can bring. Whether you are Christian, of a different faith, or not religious at all, there is a message here, one I’ve tried to intertwine in a sonnet. I hope you find its value. We walk this path between hope and despair In life, in trials, our choices not plain Fueled by action, sentiment or prayer Minds veerRead more

Heavenly Music

A recent Facebook post by a friend: “What if, when you get to heaven, you don’t like the music?” My answer: “I think Jesus might like a little Journey and ‘Don’t Stop Believing’.” Or perhaps “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum would be more to his liking. Here’s hoping I get to heaven because I fear hell plays heavy-metal, head-banging music, 24/7. Very loudly. Readers, have a wonderful Wednesday and let me know in the comments what song you’dRead more

#SoCS: Undone

Who am I that I breathe and live upright? Under constellation of blazing stars Staring at the morning’s first rays of light Living in a world filled with mixed bizarre Who am I to be counted in the fold One of his sheep that grazes over time A child from a rib, neither young nor old Waiting for forgiveness of one’s own grime Who am I standing here in pondered pause Faith borne of hope in a fragile abode WhileRead more

Visible in Love

“What if the only example of God’s love your neighbor will ever see is you?” ~Pastor Shawn Whitworth~ For Christians and non-Christians alike, loving a neighbor or another human being can be difficult at times. We are humans, after all, with egos, steadfast opinions, self-righteousness, fearfulness and unwarranted condemnation that allow us to flow along with inappropriate behavior toward others rather than love unconditionally. During Easter week, I am reminded that Christ died for our sins and gave us eternalRead more

Breathless

What do I ask that is not envisioned The heart of my own spirit fails to speak Words that leave the tongue in indecision A desire within the realm of the weak Why do I question what can be conceived By the response of the one called ruler Is boldness permitted in time of need Or possibility found peculiar A spirit groans at the lack of command Intercedes with courage in muted gaze An understanding of the mighty hand ThatRead more

What Lingers Forever

When in grade and high school, I earned “nicknames” from a certain few. Twiggy, Jolly Green Giant, and variations of my last name. At the time, I was thin and tall for my age (5’9″ by 9th grade) and my last name was not a simple “Smith” that everyone knew. I also was picked on for wearing glasses and an overbite, neither of which helped with personal esteem or confidence in self. I was never self-assured in school, never partRead more

Choosing our Words

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 In 2021, let us be kind and compassionate toward our fellow humans. Let us choose our words warmly and wisely. Let us build people up rather than tear them down. Let us move past the hate, the division, the vile words of the past year. Bring anRead more

A Social Media Christmas?

Question… What if the birth of Jesus had been witnessed on social media? What would people have posted on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and elsewhere? Perhaps a picture like the one above with the hashtag #HolyMotherofGod! How about #miracle or #Hehascome Maybe #smellyanimals or #furrybeasts Or #threehandsomewisemen, #aretheysingle There might have been video of a baby crying or donkeys braying. Images of things that we probably should never see. Or Joseph telling the guy with the cell phone, “Hey! GiveRead more

Of This Star

J ingle, jingle O ur hearts full Y uletide joy T insel on tannenbaum O vercome in peace T he world changes H e comes E vermore with grace W ide-eyed wonderment O f this star and gifts R ejoice L oudly sing D ay of joy and lightRead more

Walking in Their Shoes

I haven’t written much about my mother since she died from the effects of age and dementia almost two years ago. I think of her often, but once in awhile I come across something that reminds me of her terrible disease and what we went through together as her mind and health failed. Actor Zach Ward, whom I follow on Twitter, recently posted the following: “Today with Dad broke my heart. I am so sad & angry I want toRead more

Do You Still Have an Issue?

Natasha and I have been discussing technology lately. How our age and lack of IT abilities keeps us frustrated from time to time. Like dealing with the new WordPress block editor. Like not being able to play TV shows on CBS All Access via the cell phone when it worked the day before. Like taking two hours to hook up a TV monitor to a laptop that perhaps should have taken 10 minutes. Like how technology changes at warp speedRead more

Acknowledging Abundance

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”― Eckhart Tolle I blogged about this before, but in case you missed it, I have been keeping a gratitude journal since May of 2019. I acknowledge three things to be grateful for every day, no matter how big or small or weird (rainbow and unicorn hope is a thing). Repetition is okay, especially if it’s near and dear to the heart, like summertime, bacon andRead more