I am a Gingerbread House: A Poem

I am a gingerbread house,
My frame made
From the finest ingredients
Imported from a secret place.[i]

A Rose is Not Just a Rose: Celebrating good things

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

—1 Chronicles 16:34

I approached the kitchen table and caught glance of the single red rose, its stem stuck in a vase and head bowed toward me. Instantly, I wanted to bow my own head in shame. How could I have forgotten? My mind traveled back to the day before when I was shopping for groceries.

If You Were A Decoration: Celebrating the beauty of our differences

 

God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings. Are you called to preach? Then preach as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies so that God will be glorified through Jesus Christ—to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

—1 Peter 4:10-11 

As we were winding down our First Place 4 Health virtual session, our leader Annie explained her idea for our celebration class, “I thought it would be nice to celebrate each other. I’d like to compile statements from each member about each other member to share in our class…thoughts of how you have been touched, inspired, encouraged, what makes them special, or what God given talent you see in them. I thought this would be fun and heartwarming for our group.”

In keeping with our usual discipline, Annie chose a Scripture for us to memorize this final week of the session, 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”

I began typing my thoughts about each of the eleven women when an idea sparked. Could I do something more? What about a poem for each one?

Pumpkin Surprise: Bearing Fruit in Season

 

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

—Galatians 6:9

When my daughter and family came to visit last month, my son-in-law trimmed a bush for me. He discarded the debris at the edge of the yard and returned with two baby pumpkins. Imagine my surprise when I saw them. How did they get there?  

Then I remembered. Last year when preparing for Christmas, I removed my doorstep pumpkins and placed them there, where I normally deposit yard clippings. Apparently, they replanted themselves. 

From their perch on the deck railing, the fun-size gourds seemed to grin at me like one who has successfully pulled off a surprise party. 

Their unexpected appearance spoke, Keep doing what you normally do and when you least expect it, you will reap a harvest. 

I can become weary in my prayer life, having prayed the same prayers for decades without desired results. I can become weary in my weight loss journey when the number on the scale seems stuck. I can become weary in this pandemic-induced new way of teaching—new way of life. But God’s Word encourages me. 

Psalm 1 says, “Blessed is the one…whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season” (vs. 1 – 3a). 

Keep doing what you normally do. Keep praying, meditating, and making wise choices. Continue exercising your faith and doing the good you know to do. God hears your heart; He sees your faithfulness and hard work. In due season, you will reap a bountiful blessing. 

Others see your normal as well. Even though you are unaware, you are spreading seeds of hope. 

At the end of my family’s visit, I passed on the pint-size pumpkins to my grandsons to take home. As they drove away, I prayed they took away more. 

Lord, thank You for all the ways You bless and speak to me. May I too bless others with my words and deeds. May I leave a legacy of faith that, in season, reproduces in the lives of others. Amen.

Like a Rooster: Herald of the Holy Light

 

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

—Colossians 4:3-4 (emphasis mine)

In June I researched my birth surname, St. Clair, and came across historical information about the Sinclair/St. Clair clan, thought to have its origins in Normandy, France (clansinclairusa.org). I discovered a rooster on the family crest, which gave me pause. Why a rooster? A boisterous barnyard critter, not typically a bird of high esteem. Why not the majestic eagle or even a wise ole owl?

I delved further and learned that the rooster is a symbol of courage. According to clan records, in 1066 Richard de St. Clair was awarded “the rooster” for courage in the Battle of Hastings between the Norman-French and the English (sinclair.quarterman.org).

The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Residing on a farm most of my life, I am quite familiar with the ways of the rooster, rising before dawn, crowing incessantly to wake up the sleepyheads. That must take courage, to do what you were made to do, despite your size and any unwelcome feedback you may receive, for not everyone is an early-riser like me. Some folks will immediately dismiss the crack-of-dawn wake-up call, roll over and go back to sleep. But that doesn’t deter the rooster. He continues to chant well into the morning until even I at times want to launch a pillow at him.

Rejection Rescue: Hope for the rejected and abandoned

God is in his holy Temple.

He is a father to orphans,

and he defends the widows.

God gives the lonely a home.

He leads prisoners out with joy,

but those who turn against God will live in a dry land.

—Psalm 68:5-6

If a dam (mother cow) does not bond with her calf immediately after birth, there’s a good chance she will reject it. In the case of twins, it is not uncommon for the dam to reject one twin while bonding with the other. If this occurs, the owner usually rescues the rejected twin, removing it from the herd and placing it in the safety of a barn where the twin is then bottle fed until mature enough to be returned to the pasture.

This is what happened with a twin born earlier this year on the farm where I live.

When my daughter, Rebekah, and her two sons, my grandsons, came to visit, I told them about the rejected calf, now bottle fed by my sister-in-law Katie. Hoping to get a glimpse of the process, we walked to the barn at the time we thought the calf would be fed. Unfortunately, Katie had finished and was cleaning up, but she called the twin over to the fence so we could see her, “Come here, Terry.”

No Small Potatoes: How it matters where you live

“I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer (1)…Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you (4)… I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant (5)… if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon (7).”—John 15:1 – 8 (MSG)

As my cousin, Debbie, and I were out for our afternoon walk on the farm, a car approached. We stepped to the side of the gravel road; the car stopped beside us. “What’s growing there?” the driver called to us through his open window, gesturing toward the field.

“Potatoes,” we responded in unison.

Staffed for Ministry: Have you been transformed to lead?

Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

“A staff,” he replied.

The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.”

—Exodus 4:2-3a

I have a staff. But I usually call it a walking stick. My friend fashioned it for me from an old tobacco stick.

Many Southern Maryland farmers used to grow tobacco, but twenty years ago they voluntarily accepted funds from Maryland’s Tobacco Buyout program, agreeing to give up tobacco production in lieu of an alternative. Since then, many have turned to produce, flowers, and agro-tourism. I applaud them for giving up the lucrative income of a harmful addictive substance and taking a risk to try something new. And I enjoy the results of their creative efforts—mazes of corn and sunflowers, pick-your-own patches, and petting zoos. I am also impressed with their resourcefulness in using leftover tobacco sticks. Once used for hanging tobacco plants in barns for curing, these sticks have been turned into stars, crosses, and walking sticks.

Seed for Sowing: Entrusting our treasures to the Spirit

He who continually goes forth weeping,

Bearing seed for sowing,

Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,

Bringing his sheaves with him.

—Psalm 126:6

My heart was hurting, my steps heavy when I set out for my morning walk, thoughts centering on hopes that hadn’t come to fruition—hopes for relationships, healings, my work and ministry, even my weight loss. Pained and bowed down, I caught glimpse of spiky seed balls at my feet. I picked one up and examined it closely. I noticed the many openings and sensed the Lord speaking.

Be like the sweetgum tree. By nature, she opens her seed ball to release the seeds to be dispersed on the wings of the wind. Where the seeds land, she does not know. Which ones take root and grow, she does not know. Yet she trusts the wind, and year by year she does it all over again.

Keep doing the good you know to do (Galatians 6:9). Let it pour from your heart, open to the Spirit’s leading (Galatians 5:25). Keep releasing those seeds of prayer, encouragement, wisdom and kindness. Keep pouring out your treasures of time, talent, even your money and your stuff (Luke 6:38). I see it. I see all your hard work, your good deeds and patient endurance (Revelation 2:19). Your prayers and kindness have not gone unnoticed (Acts 10:4). Trust the Spirit with your seeds. Allow Him to disperse them as He sees fit, in the good soil. Even though you can’t see it and don’t know how, your seeds are taking root and growing (Mark 4:27). And in time, you will come this way again rejoicing, carrying your sheaves with you.

Dear God, thank You for Your Spirit’s gentle reminder of the promises in Your Word. May I not become weary in well doing and lose heart, but may I continually bring You my seed for sowing, knowing that after a while I will reap of harvest of blessing. Amen.

Carrying Out Your Mission: Why making your bed is important

Have confidence in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not upon thy own prudence. In all thy ways think on him, and he will direct thy steps.

—Proverbs 3:5-6

“Do you always make your bed?” my niece remarked as she peeked through my open bedroom door.

Taken aback by her unexpected question, I wanted to say, “Why, of course!” Instead, I answered, “Honestly there are days I don’t, especially if I’m in a hurry. But if I’m having company, most definitely. It does make me feel better when I do.”

Since our exchange, I have pondered that question—and my response. Why do I feel better when I make my bed?

Blue Bird: Holding on in every circumstance

You are all around me, behind me and in front of me. You hold me safe in your hand.

—Psalm 139:5

It was time to change out my tabletop décor. I opened the china cabinet and carefully cupped the ceramic bird in the palm of my hand. I dared not drop it, for the pastel “baby blue” bird was special to me. It reminded me of a baby boy—and the story surrounding his birth.

Vision for Life: How do we live a life of purpose?

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

—Ephesians 2:10

I am 58 years old and just created my first vision board. Months ago, while introducing vision boards as a project for my students, I clipped images from magazines and slipped them inside an envelope, with the intention of later gluing them to a foam board. It wasn’t until school was closed due to the pandemic that I actually had time to revisit and complete my project.

It's interesting that I would clip the image of lush green land and the
word "healing" without knowing that the onset of the pandemic was just ahead.

Maybe you’re wondering, What is a vision board?

Clear Vision: How will you remember the spring of 2020?

In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Don’t be conceited, sure of your own wisdom. Instead, trust and reverence the Lord, and turn your back on evil; when you do that, then you will be given renewed health and vitality.

—Proverbs 3:6-8 TLB

Yesterday I heard a radio show host ask, “How will you remember the spring of 2020?”

As I listened to his co-host respond, I thought how I would formulate my own answer. I was struck by the host’s phrasing, how he used the term “spring of 2020,” rather than the “coronavirus pandemic.” I thought about the way many of us use 20/20 to mean clear vision. I wondered how clearly we view the events happening around us. Do we focus on the negative aspects? Or can we see the good things that have come from this pandemic?

As for me, I choose to focus on the good. Don’t get me wrong. I have had some bad days, shed a lot of tears. But I know the difference it can make when I shift my focus to the positive. This is what I want to remember most, and maybe God wants this as well. So if you will oblige me, let me count the good in this season. Perhaps, if you have been down, it will change your outlook too.

Let Down Your Nets: Trusting in times of financial difficulty

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

—Luke 5:5-6

Have you ever worked so hard that you gave it your all, all your physical and mental strength, yet in the end the results were paltry, if anything? Maybe you didn’t get the raise. Your new business didn’t turn a profit. Or the balance on your debt didn’t go down after a string of payments.

Does God care?

Now that coronavirus has changed our society, you may be out of work or have had to close your business that you worked so hard to establish.

Does God care?

Down to the River: An unconventional Easter sunrise service

Then the women went away quickly from the tomb, their hearts filled with awe and great joy, and ran to give the news to his disciples.

—Matthew 28:8 PHILLIPS

I arose early on Easter morning and decided to take a walk. As I started out, something stirred in me and I took off running. I am not a runner, so this was odd, but it felt good to run even for a little while, freeing and exhilarating.

My goal was to worship at the water’s edge, but making it to the beach could be a problem. As I had expected, I came upon an obstacle in my path—electrified barbed wire. Normally used to contain cattle in pastures for grazing, it was keeping me from venturing farther. I could see the river in the distance but couldn’t get to my desired sanctuary. I longed to see the sunlight dance like diamonds on the surface, hear the waves lap upon the shore, the rhythm of the river lulling my spirit to a place of peace.

Perhaps I could unhook the three strands that blocked my passage. Carefully, I removed the lower wire and placed it on the ground while it snapped and cracked at me, boasting its powerful punch. Then I attempted to remove the middle strand but found I didn’t have the strength to maneuver the hook out of the wired eye. Now what?

Making Easter Story Cookies: A devotional story for children

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

—Matthew 28:5-6 NKJV

When Grandma came to visit, she and Layla made Easter Story Cookies.

Grandma placed pecans in a zipper baggie, then Layla beat the nuts with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. While Layla worked, Grandma said, “I love you so much, Layla. It’s hard to imagine that anyone could love you any more than I do, but God does. He wants you—and me and everyone—to live in heaven with Him forever, but our sin keeps us separated from Him. So He came up with a plan. God sent Jesus to die for our sins. When Jesus came, He taught and showed the love of God. This made some people angry and jealous. They had Him arrested. Beating the nuts reminds us that Jesus was beaten by the Roman soldiers” (John 19:1-3).

Next, Grandma put a teaspoon of vinegar into a mixing bowl. “The Roman soldiers nailed Jesus to a cross. When Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink” (John 19:28-30).

Layla tasted the vinegar. “Yuck!”

Acquainted with Grief: How do we overcome sorrow and disappointment?

He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.

—Isaiah 53:3 NLT

When I realized I had to cancel my spring break trip to visit my family in Texas, I was overcome with deep sorrow. I had longed for this trip for months. I hadn’t seen my grandchildren, Layla and Zion, since August, and their father, my son-in-law, as well. While my daughter, Emma, had brought their newborn, Tiago, to Maryland in October, it still seemed too much time had separated us. But I had no choice as the pandemic pushed through.

Across the globe, we are practicing social distancing and suffering the disappointment of cancellations. Weddings, graduations, milestone birthday celebrations. We are sad, but we do it for the greater good.

Stuck: How do we make the switch?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

—2 Corinthians 5:17

It was 1:35—for years. The hands of that old clock were stuck. It was time for a change. And Easter was the perfect season to make the switch.

I removed the clock from my living room wall and replaced it with a beautiful handcrafted cross. I received the cross in exchange for a donation to Teen Challenge, a program which “provides successful recovery for women, children, young men and families with destructive, abusive and addictive lifestyles through mentoring, education, training and spiritual direction.”

The wood for these crosses is handpicked from old, discarded horse fencing from the Teen Challenge Northern Virginia farm. Cut and stained by the students, the crosses are a reflection of what happens in their lives. They come into the program broken, but as a result of Christ’s work in their lives, they become new.

Is it time for a change in your life? Have you found yourself in a cycle of destructive behavior? Have you been repeating the same mistakes, going ‘round and ‘round again like the hands of a clock?

The Crown of Life: Persevering in Unprecedented Times

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

—James 1:12

When I think of a crown, I think of a beautiful gem-studded head ornament. I do not think of a deadly virus. However, the coronavirus was given its name because its crown reminded scientists of the corona of the sun. While I first thought the name was ill-fitting, I now see how appropriate it is. A crown worn by a ruler signifies power. In comparison, the coronavirus has been ruling our world, exerting its power over our physical bodies, our businesses, schools, even the doors of our homes. For many of us, it has taken authority over our heart and mind, inciting fear, anxiety, and worry.

Note my perpetual calendar's verse for March 16th,
the day that President Trump launched Slow the Spread

Falling Axheads: What do you do when your tool falls into the water?

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

—Matthew 6:31-33

This morning during my quiet time with God I read two devotions back to back, both of them including a story about an axhead falling into water. That got my attention. Then I remembered that yesterday I recovered the misplaced rusty head of an iron tool that I usually display on my deck. That really made me ponder.

Beyond the Door

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

—Matthew 7:7-8

I cried when my closest colleague told me she was retiring. They should have been tears of joy for her, but honestly they were tears of sorrow for myself. Roz and I had worked together for 10 years, both of us high school CTE (Career and Technology Education) teachers. At least seven of those years, we occupied adjoining classrooms. I don’t know why the rooms were designed with a shared door, nor do I know of any similar setups in the building, but I do know it was designed just right for us. Being next to each other in our secluded wing of the building gave us the opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper level. Early communication revealed that we shared the Christian faith. Soon we were praying together in the mornings before school began. While at first we prayed for our school, our students, and the day before us, in time our petitions evolved to personal matters. Roz and I learned we had so much more in common than our faith. We were both career changers, each of us having worked in the world of business before becoming teachers. Each of us had also dabbled in the dramatic arts in our younger days. We were both faithful churchgoers and at the time we were both church treasurers, collaborating even on church accounting software. We had granddaughters born within weeks of each other. Later our daughters gave birth to preemies, each early delivery a result of the same condition. Together, we rejoiced; together we cried. I shared private concerns with Roz that I have shared with no other, except the Lord. I knew I could trust Roz to keep everything in confidence. I also knew I could rely on her to give wise advice. No matter the situation, Roz would come through for me, whether an idea for an assignment, a prayer, advice, or her comforting presence. All I had to do was knock. Help was just beyond the door.

Valentines for the Soul: Nothing will come between us

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

—Romans 8:38-39

How many times have you attended a wedding and witnessed the happy couple, pledging their love to each other? Perhaps they recited vows they wrote themselves or the traditional wedding vows as follows:

"I, ___, take thee, ___, to be my wedded husband/wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith [or] pledge myself to you."

How many times have you heard a love-stricken couple declare, “Nothing will come between us?” Perhaps you have been the subject of that declaration or maybe you made that statement yourself.

Valentines for the Soul: They're playing our song

And you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the Lord God.

—Psalm 40:3

Have you ever been in love and couldn’t help but sing? You sing along to every love song you hear. You make up your own silly little songs. You sing with and to your sweetheart. You and your love even have your own song, one that commemorates a special moment in your relationship. Perhaps the song was playing on the radio on your first date or when you shared a meal at a restaurant. Maybe it marked your first kiss. Now when you hear it, all you have to do is look at your love and your eyes convey the message, “They’re playing our song.”

Valentines for the Soul: Will you accept this rose?

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

—Song of Solomon 2:1 KJV

If you’ve ever watched The Bachelor, a dating and relationship reality television series, you are familiar with the phrase, “Will you accept this rose?”

The series revolves around a single bachelor, seeking a wife. He is matched with a selection of suitresses. During the course of the season, the bachelor narrows down his choices at the rose ceremonies. If he sees potential in a candidate and wants to continue pursuing the relationship, he will extend toward her a long stem red rose, asking, “Will you accept this rose?”

Valentines for the Soul: I am praying for you

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

—Romans 8:34

Have you ever had the privilege of praying out loud with a mate just before drifting off to sleep at night? There are not many things more comforting than that, hearing your name brought before the King of the universe by your beloved, beseeching the throne of grace on your behalf.

Valentines for the Soul: I AM Here

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.

—Genesis 28:15a

“I am in your corner” is a saying that means “I’m here and I support you.” Some might say it means “I’ve got your back.”

“I am in your corner” originated in the sport of boxing, where a fighter’s trainer and assistant are in his corner, there to provide advice between rounds. A trainer can also call off a fight that has potentially life-threatening consequences. 

Valentines for the Soul: Call Me

My dove in the clefts of the rock,

    in the hiding places on the mountainside,

show me your face,

    let me hear your voice;

for your voice is sweet,

    and your face is lovely.

—Song of Songs 2:14

Have you ever been so in love that your breath catches in your throat when your sweetheart calls? Seeing their name light up your cell phone screen sets off butterflies in your stomach, and the bonus of seeing their face through video chat sends you over the moon.

Valentines for the Soul: You Are Beautiful

You are altogether beautiful, my darling;

there is no flaw in you.

—Song of Songs 4:7

Do you stand in front of the mirror and scrutinize your appearance? Do you pick out flaws, your crooked smile, the one earlobe larger than the other, the way your nose wrinkles when you talk? 

Valentines for the Soul: May I Have This Dance?

“The Lord your God in your midst,

The Mighty One, will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.”

—Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV

Some of the best times of my life have been celebrations—wedding receptions, birthday parties, and anniversaries. Joining together with family and friends to commemorate a milestone with lots of music, dancing, and laughter. How I have enjoyed kicking up my heals on the dance floor, spinning freely to an upbeat song, singing out the lyrics as I went!

Did you know that God likes to dance too? Did you know that He dances over you?

Valentines for the Soul: I See You

Lord, you have seen what is in my heart.
You know all about me.

—Psalm 139:1 NIRV

If you have ever seen the movie Avatar, you are familiar with the greeting used on Pandora: “I see you.” These simple words mean I see your love, your feelings, your true essence, and you mean everything to me.

“I see you” is also a tribal greeting in South Africa. Being greeted this way brings you into existence. You are acknowledged and you matter.

In the book of Genesis, we read the story of Hagar, the slave of Sarai (Sarah). When mistreated by her mistress, Hagar fled to the desert. There the angel of the Lord met her and revealed to her God’s promised blessing. In return, Hagar gave this name to the Lord, “You are the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13).

God sees you. He sees when you’re happy, when you’re sad, when you’re anxious or have been mistreated. He recognizes what is bothering you when no one else does. Just like He sent an angel to acknowledge and bless Hagar, He is working out all the details in your life too, because you matter. God sees your heart, your true essence, and you mean everything to Him.

Thank You, God, for seeing me. Help me to see You and recognize the infinite depth of Your love for me. May I trust You, as You work in my life the way You see fit. 

Valentines for the Soul: Can't Stop Thinking About You!

How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!

—Psalm 139:17 TLB

Have you ever had such an enjoyable first date that you didn’t want it to end? The two of you seemed to connect on so many levels, and the chemistry was undeniable. You went to bed that night and tossed and turned. You couldn’t sleep because you kept replaying your conversation over and over again. The next morning you couldn’t stop thinking about your love interest. You could hardly wait to hear from them again.

That’s how God feels about you. About me. He never stops thinking about us. His thoughts toward us are precious and immeasurable. They are “thoughts of peace,” says the Lord, “and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Dear Lord, How precious and wonderful to consider that you cherish me constantly in your every thought! O God, your desires toward me are more than the grains of sand on every shore! When I awake each morning, you’re still with me (Psalm 139:17 TPT). Thank You, Lord.

Shifting Shadows

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

—James 1:17

Having seen no shadow this morning, Punxsutawney Phil predicts an early spring. That is good news for me, as the winter months are lonely months. Cold weather and short-changed sunlight can hold me hostage inside my home, isolated from family and friends. I check my cell phone countless times to see if a loved one has texted. Has anyone wished me a good morning? Is anyone praying for me? Does anyone care how my day was?