Today is a very special day! Twenty years ago today, I married the love of my life, my knight-in-shining-armor, Ted. It was a gorgeous fall day full of joy and laughter and stunningly blue skies and sunshine that transformed everything it touched into sparkling diamonds. There are very few times that I can pinpoint and say, “THAT moment changed my …
Book Review – Petra
Petra, City in Stone by T. L. Higley Cassia is a young mother thrown into a desperate situation when her abusive and secretive husband is killed. She journeys to Petra, a breathtaking city literally carved into the rocky cliffs, hoping to find the boy’s relatives. She does, but they’re not what she expected – and they’re not happy to discover …
Praying Psalm 85 for my Country
My Bible reading this morning stirred a longing inside me that surprised me. I do pray for my country, but the words of Psalm 85 give voice to such a deep longing for God’s presence in the land. I want that for my country, too! Take a look: “I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises …
A Good Day for a Ride
What a beautiful day in the mountains! The perfect day for a motorcycle ride with friends. Ted and I hopped on the ST1100 and took a trip up Big Cottonwood Canyon with some of our friends. (We had the only Honda in the group — everyone else rode Harleys.) Up at the top we paused to take a couple of …
Book Review – Queen of Hearts
Queen of Hearts(an eBook) by K. Dawn Byrd During World War II, Daphne wants desperately to do something that will help the war effort and bring the boys home safely. She follows in her older friend Anya’s footsteps and becomes a spy for a covert group called Twelve-Seven. Her code name is the Queen of Hearts, an ill-fitting title for …
Book Review – A Friend in the Storm
A Friend in the Stormby Cheryl Ricker Soothing quotes, Scripture and poetry combine to point the reader to Heaven’s healing arms. The first time I met Cheryl Ricker I experienced one of those instances of immediate friendship that don’t happen very often. She’s such a sweet, genuine lady, with a beautiful smile and ready laugh – the kind of person …
Book Review – Nightshade
Nightshade by Ronie Kendig Soldiers all across the globe are returning home to their families after brutal tours of duty. They are discharged from the service. . .and on their own. Meet Max Jacobs, one of these discarded heroes, as he faces a wall of failure—in his career, his friendships, and his marriage. Failing again—this time to end his life—he …
Praying Psalm 77 – Unseen Footprints
This morning I was treated to another enlightening session during my exercise of praying through the Psalms. Psalm 77 begins with the cries of someone who feels that the Lord has abandoned him. He wonders if God has turned away from him, and doubts if God loves him anymore. I can identify with the Psalmist. At times in my life, …
Symphony of Rain
I sit in my prayer chair and experience the quiet, intense joy of a cold morning rain. Drops fall steadily against the tree leaves outside my open window. Each drop strikes a leaf with a rhythm all its own, some as light as a newborn’s sleepy coo, others firmly, as a drummer strikes the tightly stretched surface of his instrument. …
Praying Psalm 71 – A Life With God
Though I’ve enjoyed daily Bible study and prayer for many years, my morning devotional time has taken on a new depth during my latest exercise of praying through the psalms. I’m constantly amazed at the treasures I find in words penned thousands of years ago — inspiration, deep worship, relevance for the situations in which I find myself, comfort, wisdom. …