Christmas and the Gift

“And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans–and all that lives and move upon them. He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms and bears fruit and all that we quarrel about and all that we have misused–and to save us from our foolishness, from all our sins,Read more

We Ask that Life be Kind

“Guide us with your graceTo a place where we’ll be safe.” From “The Prayer,” written by David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager, Alberto Testa and Tony Renis. You may know the original by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, but I’ve been obsessing over the latest recording of “The Prayer” by Pentatonix. It’s on their latest Christmas CD, Evergreen. In this holiday season, whether you find yourself religious or not, celebrate Christmas or not, my wish (and prayer) for you is oneRead more

Blessings and Boxing Day

“Hey buddy, what are you doing?” “What do you mean what am I doing?” Can’t you see I’m requesting a belly rub through trust and the lure of cuteness.” “Well, you certainly are adorable, Gibbs. A lover, not a fighter.” “I don’t fight, I play. And sleep. And kindly request food. And let you loudly know when I left something in the litter box.” “Yeah, that last one. You are a blessing to me, buddy, but I don’t need thatRead more

Good Question!

I don’t know that any of us could answer that question other than with the easy answer: Wine. Wine was not in that cup, but perhaps Jesus was also a fan of tea. Hmmm…I wonder. I am 100% sure he didn’t know what pumpkin pie/chocolate chip baked oatmeal was in his time. His loss. Yum. Anyhow…this is not a religious one-liner post, but more about what’s brewing in my cup of life. I’ll be somewhat off the grid as ofRead more

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