Our hearts are are so full and grateful as we reflect on 2022 and greatly anticipate 2023. God has been so good to us. We are so grateful for the privilege of serving our Savior at home and abroad. Looking to the future without fear is only possible with the saving grace of God and…
Tag: Culture
At the Nail Salon
Although everyone I know loves the luxuries of a manicure/pedicure or facial, I do not. The truth is that I never had a pedicure or facial without the scolding of the professional offering her skills. According to them, I’ve done a terrible job managing my feet and face on my own. They hope they can…
Cloistered
Cloistered I barely see you across the green meadow, feeding, lingering in morning’s silvery misty veil and awaiting the sun’s bright clarity that brings sure revelation of up and downhill turnings. Day’s beginning and ending remain in mystery. Cloistered in daybreak’s sheltering haze, hidden but not hiding, you quiet your soul to rest and wait…
The next time you want to shake your fist at God…
It is essential in our walk with God to understand him as a consuming fire. Most consider our Creator and his acts toward humankind to center around judgment or discipline. That he is ever-watching from heaven to smash our plans or even our lives. But the consuming fire of the Holy One of Israel and…
Maybe
The holy mystery of Christmas is not hidden. It shouts in the streets like a vendor and blocks the highway like a barricade. It’s the crazy unexplainable that flashes with bright clarity for a second and collapses in the warm arms of hope that yearn for home. It’s the beauty of heaven that falls with…
Slow-Smoked Meat
Outside the barbecue smokehouse, a tattered flag waves, “Tr*mp W0n.” Apparently this theory does not effect the good eats inside. “It takes time to get the flavor just right—you can’t hurry,” said the smokehouse owner with a slow southern drawl. People flock from miles around to tickle their palates with southern barbecue favorites. Not a…
The Last Chapters
As a young student of English and literature, it was not permitted to read the last chapter first—not officially—but unofficially. Who wants to spoil the fun of traveling through the intrepid chugging and cascading roller-coaster plot and twists brought to you by perfect words placed in perfect order? The compounding mystery is the journey leading…
Pond Real Estate
I’m envying the sunbathing turtles across the pond, flippers splayed upon the muddy beach and heads raised to the sunshine. Most days they come and settle in for hours—the mud on the edges of their shells and skin drying to charcoal grit. Oh the luxury, the decadent extravagance—to sink deeply into the earthen shoreline and…
A Deeper Solace
Faith is a daily consolation, but it takeson an active, deeper solace when we awaken to know the lion share of what and to whom we anchor in a storm is developed through heartfelt gratitude. In the embracing of thankfulness upon the mountain and in the valley, an incandescent joy and strength burns a consuming…
Vespers
Amidst autumn’s burnished copper leaf mirrored across the pond, lighted houses are pressed into dusk against chilly November winds. In this moment at day’s end, let me tell you of my gratefulness. Let me say thank you. The leaves I raked today are resting on the shoulder of the road—bagged and still warm with life….
Bonnie Saul Wilks 