One month from today. The pitter-patter of rain on the tin, porch roof greets me. I walk from our bedroom and stand in the door way. Soon the coffee pot joins the cadence with its perking. I breathe in the fresh scent of rain. Vermont is so beautiful. We need rain. Just not too much. It's been 5 years since we had too much rain and roads washed out and a whole summer began that washed away so much of my life. It's June 28. I had one month left with my beloved red head, farm boy and I didn't know it. One month. He'd graduated from High School, had the opportunity to go on a ... View Post
Stepping into the Hope Promised, When All I Really Want to do is Throw a Tantrum
"May we cherish a grateful and cheerful disposition, not murmuring and repining if our wishes are not indulged, or because some sorrows are blended with our enjoyments, But, sensible of our desert, and impressed with the number and greatness of thy benefits, may we bless and praise thee at all times." My friend sends me this quote. I am so grateful for her. A book of Puritan prayers. The apostle Paul says it this way, Phillipians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in ... View Post
Great is Thy Faithfulness Day #9 of Thankfulness
A few months ago I lost something that was dear to me. It was just a material possession so, I let it go. I've lost so much more. Then tonight as I put on a jacket and reached in the pocket. My lost item had been found. A sweet sensation spilled over my being. An unexpected surprise. In gratitude I shared my find. Sometimes we are lost. Looking and searching for that which we can not find. This year has been full of continuing changes. My dad getting new digs in a nursing home, Clarissa graduating and leaving for college, ... View Post
Conquer The Clutter
We clean up that farm boys room; because it is a mess. Really. All the rooms are a mess. Clothes, papers. Clutter. Everywhere. My cluttered home has seeped into my soul. The clutter of grief and loss. Daily consuming. I fold a shirt. It belongs to the son who has left this earth. I can feel the ache. It has threatened to spill over all day. The loss. Another in the community has lost too. Another accident. One so young with 3 children. And I just can't bear the ... View Post
Waking From A Dream
I woke from the dream. Wracking sobs as I fell to my knees in the kitchen. Sobs that came during the first days as we learned of Elijah's homegoing. The same gut wrenching realization. Piercing. Ache. Reality. Harsh. My pysche must only be able to handle this in my dreams. For when I woke. Truth confronted me. Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. The power of knowing that we are His ... View Post
What Our Sick Souls Need
She's sick in the night. The 5th to succumb to this stomach bug that is making it's way through the family. The birthday girl. Sick. Physically. Weak and in need. I have been up for long hours each night. It's been years since we've had a stomach bug. Now the youngest. Aren't we all sick? Spiritually sick? Our bodies inching towards death each day? Our weary souls sick with sin? The deep dark place. In need of redemption. Cleansing. A daily walk to the cross. Being washed anew. Psalm ... View Post