Beyond Repair?

This old, deserted place appears to have deteriorated beyond repair. Full restoration might be possible but would require the knowledge and skills of a devoted, courageous, visionary craftsman with deep pockets and much patience. There is little hope that will happen. Sometimes it seems civilization has degenerated into total moral rebellion and has reached thatContinue reading “Beyond Repair?”

“Dooryard” Treasures

A Maine “dooryard” is often the source of surprises and treasures! Scrap lumber? Junk cars? Old buggies? Clotheslines? Free ranging chickens? Weeds? Goats? Playgrounds? Cast off toilets? Whirligigs? Beautiful lilacs? Callous chaos? A lovely, sculpted lawn? Or some combination with a dog or two thrown in! Maybe even sheep and a lobster boat and gear!Continue reading ““Dooryard” Treasures”

A Father’s Love

I don’t know him, but I love this guy. It may be cold outside, but it warms my heart to see him huddled and enjoying life with his little family while sharing his knowledge about what he values. He is a good Dad. He has even prepared a picnic and reminds me of our HeavenlyContinue reading “A Father’s Love”

Skating on Thin Ice

“By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast” (Job 37:10). As kids, we loved to skate on a frog pond beside railroad tracks that ran through the middle of our village. While we skated, we warmed ourselves beside, or cooked an occasional hotdog over, a fire of scavengedContinue reading “Skating on Thin Ice”

Prepared?

The awaited time is now, and “Tide Strider” is ready. After much hard work and heavy lifting, the lobster traps have been stacked onto the wharf. Buoys and gear are on board. The weather is changing. Let the fishing season begin! I wonder how much of life is spent “preparing.” We plan meals, social events,Continue reading “Prepared?”

Rejected?

This bull moose is bellowing disappointment. His amorous advances have just been rejected. We all know how painful and devastating rejection can be. In fact, imaging studies have shown that rejection activates the same area in the brain activated by physical pain. Rejection rears its head in various forms: misunderstandings, criticism, bullying, unreciprocated love, emotionalContinue reading “Rejected?”

Feeling rejected?

This bull moose is bellowing disappointment. His amorous advances have just been rejected. We all know how painful and devastating rejection can be. In fact, imaging studies have shown that rejection activates the same area in the brain activated by physical pain. Rejection rears its head in various forms: misunderstandings, criticism, bullying, unreciprocated love, emotionalContinue reading “Feeling rejected?”

The Best Knowledge…

Although not everyone enjoys school, most people want to learn interesting and useful information or skills. Whether intentional or incidental, learning is a life long endeavor which may come from formal education and/or by practical, purposeful “hands on” experience and the benefits of “hard knocks.” Either way, we realize that there is always more toContinue reading “The Best Knowledge…”

When the Mist Rolls Away

Faith is like lobster fishing before GPS technology. Fishermen used compasses, running times, buoy colors, fog horns, visible land marks, and knowledge of the fishing grounds to find their lobster pots. With that knowledge, they had confidence they would locate their gear even in low visibility. Our belief systems unfold as we weave through foggyContinue reading “When the Mist Rolls Away”

Planning for Harvest…

Although it is still winter here in Maine, gardeners are looking at seed catalogues, and farmers are thinking ahead to spring planting and dreaming about the fruits of their labor. Some Aroostook farmer sowed (and most importantly painstakingly cultivated) this beautiful field of blossoming potato plants shown in the photo. Knowledge of seed types, bestContinue reading “Planning for Harvest…”