A Rose by Whatever Name…..

According to Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. Juliet knew that the character of the boy she loved was more important than his family origin or the surname that he had been given. Labelling, fancy marketing, having a famous name, or presenting a pleasant affect doContinue reading “A Rose by Whatever Name…..”

A Paradox: Different but the Same!

Basically the same but superficially different, these colorful lawn chairs are reminders of both the similarities and the uniqueness of the people who occupy them from time to time. Brown, yellow, black or white, we categorize ourselves by physical characteristics, personal quirkiness, ancestry, social standing , abilities, intellect and other individual differences. However, whether livingContinue reading “A Paradox: Different but the Same!”

Calmness in the Chaos

“Between the dark and the daylight/When the night is beginning to lower/Comes a pause in the day’s occupations/That is known as the Children’s Hour.” (Henry W. Longfellow) The closure of a stress filled day as ” the night is beginning to lower” is often met with a sense of relief and release. The day isContinue reading “Calmness in the Chaos”

Does God have a Budget?

If we are wise, we work, budget, don’t over extend our credit, and live within our means. But our fortunes are tied to more than the money we earn or save. The cost of living changes as the economy fluctuates,  a fact we have recently experienced during the pandemic as the production and supply ofContinue reading “Does God have a Budget?”

On Guard!

These geese are alert and on alert! As a defensive maneuver, they have stationed themselves to observe all points of the compass and seem to be “circling the wagons”, a tactic used by early pioneers to corral their oxen or horses at night and to protect themselves as they travelled West on the Oregon Trail.Continue reading “On Guard!”

Year Around Gardening and Earth Day

 Perhaps the reason so many of us enjoy gardening is because God planted a very “good” garden “eastward in Eden” and turned its stewardship over to humanity ! (Genesis 1:10-12; 2:8,9,15; 3:18)     April 22nd has been observed as “Earth Day” in the United States since 1970.  Although long standing, conflicting ideas about humanity’s responsibilityContinue reading “Year Around Gardening and Earth Day”

Of Sheep and Shepherds

  There is something special about sheep, something both ancient and pastoral! Perhaps it is because Scripture presents beautiful word pictures of how God shepherds his people. Trusting and obeying the Shepherd’s voice lead to “green pastures” and “still waters”, to fulfillment and security. However, the Psalmist sounds a cautionary note about inattentive, straying sheep because they haveContinue reading “Of Sheep and Shepherds”

Swiftly fly the years

  Another day is ending with a glorious display. Most of us don’t ponder mathematical equations or physical principles when we think about sunsets or “time”. However, since our beginning, “time’s” mysteries and brevity have filled the minds of writers, poets and composers, prophets and preachers, philosophers and scientists— and especially old men! God existsContinue reading “Swiftly fly the years”

Wherever the Sun Sets…

No matter what corner of the world in which we reside and despite what has transpired during our “today”, wherever and whenever the sun sets, the day’s end is announced by a fleeting but stunningly beautiful, soul-touching pause. Between the busyness of our day’s events and the “coming to terms with” them, the splendor ofContinue reading “Wherever the Sun Sets…”

I Hope You Dance?

Often when gazing to distant mountains, snippets of Lee Ann Wormack’s popular hit song “I hope you dance” pop into my mind. Of course, the song is typical country music genre and is about chancing love. However, the lyrics speak to a hopeful, enthusiastic approach to life in general! A few of the cherry-picked lyricsContinue reading “I Hope You Dance?”