Monhegan Island Poppies These beautiful poppies delight us. Fortunately, the wonderful ability to replicate their beauty is tightly wrapped inside them. However, if those tiny seeds are inappropriately used, there is potential for harm, addiction, destruction, and death lurking within them. With that in mind, the poppy seed becomes an example of what is soContinue reading “Beauty Within the Seeds…”
Tag Archives: New Testament
the wings of healing…
“The day is coming!” That pronouncement draws our attention! Predictions intrigue and sometimes unsettle us whether they are speculations about the stock market, actuarial tables, prognostications associated with diseases, habits and medical treatments, or discussions about political outcomes, Some of us even resort to tarot cards and fortune tellers to garner what might be comingContinue reading “the wings of healing…”
Burdened but Beautiful
Winter in Sullivan, Maine The way these trees and chairs have successfully held up under a heavy snowfall remind us that courage and strength withstanding the whims, burdens, and trials that life tosses at us are “beautiful”. Difficulties (whether self-inflicted, other-inflicted, or the complications of a broken universe) are the crucibles which reveal our coreContinue reading “Burdened but Beautiful”
Getting a Grip
These roots are reminders of the phrase to “ get a grip,” which can have various meanings such as securing a physical hold on some item, exhibiting emotional control in an intense situation, or rethinking one’s position during a heated discussion! However, it also raises other considerations. We attach ourselves to relationships, “things,” actions, orContinue reading “Getting a Grip”
The Light that broke the darkness…
Sunrise, Sullivan Harbor, Maine What will come with the rising sun? Aggravation or happiness? Dispair or hope? Disaster or blessing? Or even a long desired but barely noted and unexpected miracle? Who could have known? When the sun rose that morning “the light of the world,” the “true light that lighteth everyone” was arriving toContinue reading “The Light that broke the darkness…”
The Last Leaf
King Solomon wrote that “There is a time for every purpose under heaven.” Although heaven has plenty of “time,” we live in increments and stages which have beginnings and endings. Darkness recedes in dawn’s early light. The sun sets. Transitions eventually complete. Projects are finished. A final page is turned. The last leaf falls. YearsContinue reading “The Last Leaf”
Roaring Waters, Quiet Pools
Mariaville Falls, Mariaville, Maine (photo, Laura Mace Rand) Prior to and after these falls, peaceful streams flow into tranquil pools where heron fish and beavers build their houses. They are pleasant reminders of the 23rd Psalm’s assurances that God shepherds His people to green pastures and still waters where they are spiritualy safe, satisfied, andContinue reading “Roaring Waters, Quiet Pools”
Heads UP!
At first, I thought these ducks were “nodding off,” but they were paddling their way through the early morning mist fishing with their heads down. Interestingly, there were no apparent “lookouts” to warn of predators. Their vulnerability reminded me of the Bible story of Gideon, who watched his potential army recruits quench their thirst inContinue reading “Heads UP!”
Identifying a Good Tree
Some can tell the nature of this tree by its shape, bark, and leaves. Appearances can be deceptive, but all questions and doubts dissipate when this it produces apples. In Maine that occurs in August and is followed by apple picking and delicious pies in September. Like a tree, a person’s true nature may beContinue reading “Identifying a Good Tree”
Navigating the journey
Navigating life is like navigating the Stonington thoroughfare. It requires certain skills, awareness of potential hazards, and alertness to the dynamics of the moment as we weave our way through life’s challenges. Although our lives hold the possibility for much happiness and joy, these can be siderailed by complicated relationships, misplaced priorities, personal weaknesses, theContinue reading “Navigating the journey”
Sweet Words from Maine 