The woods are lovely dark and deep But I have promises to keep And miles to go before I sleep And miles to go before I sleep. Robert Frost We had a snow storm way down here in the deep south. We were expecting just a dusting, so we put on our heavy coats and … Continue reading Miles to Go Before I Sleep
Breathing Under Water
Several years ago, OK...twenty to be exact, some friends and I vacationed on St. John in the Virgin Islands. It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. Cruise ships had not yet been approved to dock there, relegated instead to the larger island of St. Thomas. The dearth of tourists allowed … Continue reading Breathing Under Water
The Art of Saying No
Many years ago, when I was a field worker, I had a friend name Della. As a social worker in child protective services, she investigated child abuse and neglect alongside me. She loved the challenge of the job, often expressing that she wouldn't be as happy anywhere else. It was common for us to be … Continue reading The Art of Saying No
Peace like a River
I've got peace like a river I've got peace like a river I've got peace like a river In my soul. Who remembers that old hymn? Peace like a river. But what does it mean? There are multiple rivers in the US. Some, like the Mississippi or the Missouri stretch for hundreds of miles, serving … Continue reading Peace like a River
Cornucopia
The cornucopia. It originated as a goat's horn, filled to overflowing with fruits and vegetables and used in feasts. Today, we typically use a horn shaped basket instead of a goat's horn and place it on the main table as a Thanksgiving centerpiece. However, symbolically, the cornucopia represents an abundance of good things! The … Continue reading Cornucopia
A Servant Heart
Today, I challenge you to develop a servant heart. I know I will get some quizzical looks and some furrowed brows. And yes, I said the word servant. Give me a chance to clarify. It is difficult to imagine willingly putting strangers before ourselves as a general principle. Especially if those strangers dont even want … Continue reading A Servant Heart
Hunger
We all need sustenance. Without it, we would not survive. And within us lives a survival instinct that tells us to eat when we are hungry and drink when we are thirsty. As a matter of fact, the longer we go without food or drink, the stronger the need grows. In the most dire circumstance, … Continue reading Hunger
Believe and Bloom
There is a parable about a sower, who plants seeds on different terrains. The sower planted one set of seeds in rocky soil. Those seeds sprouted quickly, producing small vibrant plants, because of the unprepared and shallow soil. But when the sun reached its apex, bearing down its scorching, unforgiving rays, the plants withered and … Continue reading Believe and Bloom
Who has your ear?
Do you know the children's story, The Emperor's New Clothes? The story tells the tale of a vain king who surrounded himself with people who only agreed with him. Two swindlers, knowing he exclusively wore the finest cloththing, told him of this exquisite magical cloth that only the brightest, most refined and truly regal people … Continue reading Who has your ear?
Derailed
Did you know that a penny placed on the railroad track will derail the entire train? I have heard this nugget of information (and believed it) for most of my youth. After all, if so many people were saying it, it had to be true... right? A very dangerous experiment, Yet kids and even adults … Continue reading Derailed
Water for Camels 