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”

Whose Footprints?

This is the time of year in Maine when one is more likely to see footprints in the snow rather than in the sand. However, any footprint is a reminder of Henry W. Longfellow’s words: “ We can make our lives sublime/ And, departing, leave behind us/Footprints on the sands of time.” (from A PsalmContinue reading “Whose Footprints?”

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?”

Living in Awe

…‘Let us live in awe of the Lord our God, for he gives us rain each spring and fall, assuring us of a harvest when the time is right.’ Jeremiah 5:24 With advanced farming methods, techniques, and technologies, we have figured out ways to assist God with crop production. So, it is easy to missContinue reading “Living in Awe”

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”

The Wideness of the Sea…

It’s breezing up, and these day sailors are heading out where nothing but ocean waters and vast skies stretch from horizon to horizon; out where human insignificance and fragility become a reality; out where our imaginations reach to God’s greatness. “There’s a wideness in God’s mercy/like the wideness of the sea…,” are words from aContinue reading “The Wideness of the Sea…”

Spring ‘s Hope

Spring is glorious in Maine. Flowering shrubs and trees beautify formal landscapes and gardens. Wild cherry and crab apple blossoms line roadsides, blueberry blossoms flood fields, and apple orchards show off their pinks and whites. The smells of fresh beauty are everywhere. But the farmer’s mind quickly turns to thoughts of the harvest heralded byContinue reading “Spring ‘s Hope”

Doing the “Heron Walk”

The Great Blue Heron arrived at dusk. It was fascinating to watch its delicate, unrushed, almost elegant walk as it lifted its long, thin legs before gently and quietly placing its feet between long pauses of listening and peering intently into the cold water. This heron’s intentional hesitancy was a reminder of the immediacy inContinue reading “Doing the “Heron Walk””

Mountain Movers

In Mark 11:22-25, Jesus made the interesting claim that it is possible to move a mountain if one has faith! He provided context to that statement by saying belief (in God’s good character and sovereign will) and prayer are two critical factors in this amazing power of faith. Then Jesus tossed another crucial ingredient intoContinue reading “Mountain Movers”