(I’ve been in the garden this week – thinning, transplanting, planting anew. God met me there, in my garden, letting me take care of things that need planting right now, things that need extra care and attending to – and me, the plantings, we all have needed the refreshing waters, the resting before the growing. I’ve been reviewing my writing … Continue reading →
. . . and the bradford pear blossom survivedthe bitter winter storm to bloommore beautifullythan she thought possible. . . . “See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not … Continue reading →
One morning, when the sun spilled through the front windows of my grandmother’s house – something happened between the drinking of hot cocoa at her kitchen table and my sockless feet pushing off the porch floor propelling me high and low on my grandmother’s swing. My “Can-I-stay-here-forever” wish which every child asks when it’s time to leave their grandparent’s house … Continue reading →
tent worms nestin apple tree leavesin limbs raisedreaching skywardas if to heavenleaves rustling in thestill quietgreen raiment devouredwithout a sound bagworms dangle fromfamily fur shrubs landscapeby porch steps, garage doorsunder windowsillsleeching nutrientsuntil pine needles devouredlimbs brownedthe high and low siphoned awaypeace, joy stripped how, some ask, in the devouringand leeching – how canGod be goodor true– to let us endurehard … Continue reading →
(I first posted this ten years ago. It seems even more meaningful today. Praying your faith, hope and charity are kindled brighter in your heart with the reading). When Hope Grace was born, great expectations were cast forth, hearts leaping in expectation. Much was expected of Hope. Her sister Faith Grace took to teaching her the facts of their Father … Continue reading →
Maybe it’s the graduation celebration, the birthday season Spring is to our family, maybe it was the walk around Nanny and Papaw’s House, or sitting around and talking much with so many of the grandsons and great-grandsons Papaw and Nanny loved so much – but Father’s Day is coming – and Papaw’s legacy is how he taught through example his … Continue reading →
Father’s Day is bittersweet for me. I rejoice that my son’s have the father I never did – and I realize more keenly what I missed and wonder what I would have been like had I a father like they have. This post is for all the fatherless daughters, whether because their fathers were physically absent or emotionally absent, this … Continue reading →
I’m feeling keenly the contrasts lately. Maybe it has something to do with being a “tween” – living life in between aging family with health challenges and raising children still in the nest or encouraging those outside the nest. One day I’m hugging grandlittles who give whole-hearted hugs or big slurpy smiles – and another day, I’m sitting beside a … Continue reading →
(Today just felt like retelling a story that brings joy to my heart. I’m still here – I’m just in a quiet season right now, where the words are few. It’s like I’m steeping in something new. I can’t put words to it, but I know at the right time, He will give me the words.) The little years seem … Continue reading →
Saturday, I jumped in my canoe and paddled to my garden for dill. The day before, during a lull in the rain, I’d spotted my youngest one, sitting on the raised garden edges, slipping his hand into the tomatoes, chard and peppers to pinch off a few leaves of chocolate-mint and stuff it between his cheek and gum. On Saturday’s … Continue reading →
