This delicate, beautiful, isolated plant shines brightly in an unlikely environment. Somehow it has managed to grow and blossom mostly unnoticed in unfriendly, non nourishing, stark surroundings. Some people are like that. Despite adversity, lack of opportunity, and restrictive circumstances, they shine. They seize the day and “bloom where they are planted.” But that isContinue reading “Blooming”
Tag Archives: purpose
Why should I Rejoice and be Glad in this Day?
One day the Psalmist awoke feeling good! With gratitude in his heart and a song on his lips, he lifted his voice in praise: “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) That may not have been the attitude of the lobsterman who ownedContinue reading “Why should I Rejoice and be Glad in this Day?”
Christmas Light
A Light in the Storm, Prospect Harbor, Maine Christmas is a season of lights. Flickering candles brighten darkened windows and warm mantels. Artificial lights decorate trees and yards and parks with colorful displays. Brilliantly lit stars are everywhere. The world seems warmer, kinder, and brighter as goodwill, generosity, and cheerful expressions of love reflect theContinue reading “Christmas Light”
Joy All the Time?
Sunset, Sorrento, Maine, We all experience brief times when words cannot do justice to what we internally experience. A breathtaking mountain summit vista, the monotonous crashing of surf, a whip-o-will’s twilight call, a warm fire shared with a friend or book, a beautiful symphony, the weird laughter of loons echoing through a still, dark night,Continue reading “Joy All the Time?”
Change
Most of us no longer work the family farm or commute to work in the mills. Our society is no longer primarily agrarian or industrial. However, a strange, pandemic induced twist has sent many workers back to work on “the farm” where trade tools are now computers rather than hay rakes and garden hoes. SocialContinue reading “Change”
Whose Pleasure?
Hidden behind these beautiful mountains ranges, expansive heavens, flowing rivers, color filled, forested valleys, and rolling hills lie ages of unraveled mysteries which challenge us to consider the unique design of our planet and how this vast universe transcends understanding while hinting that it is the place where we have always belonged. Scripture’s statements aboutContinue reading “Whose Pleasure?”
Good Beginnings…Good Endings…
Whether it is the dawning of a new day or the emergence of a beautiful, new life, a good beginning may increase the chance for a full, meaningful day or purposeful life but does not guarantee either. One fragile moment or one wrong step may change the trajectory of life forever. Country music star RoyContinue reading “Good Beginnings…Good Endings…”
An Oasis of Words
Words are important and powerful. They may be a sword or a lullaby depending upon the user’s intention or whim. Strung together, words create stories, poems, lyrics and conversations. They can break hearts or cheer souls. Used wisely, they may encourage and refresh needy spirits and nurture good character. Contemptuous or gossipy words diminish andContinue reading “An Oasis of Words”
Are Our Villages Disappearing?
Once, villages were the repositories of cultural values. Families, neighbors, home grown school teachers, community leaders, small churches and their pastors, or other worship centers and their religious leaders were the most important “influencers” in a child’s life. Over time, the number of “influencers” competing for the minds of our children has significantly increased. TheContinue reading “Are Our Villages Disappearing?”
Do Mountains Move?
(Moving Mountains 2) Since mountains don’t move unless some external force is exerted upon them, Jesus’ teaching about moving mountains is puzzling: “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what heContinue reading “Do Mountains Move?”
Sweet Words from Maine 