The Bible defines humility as “the fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 22:4). In Latin, the word is ‘humus’ or ‘of the earth’. We call it soil that is formed by decomposition of leaves and other plant life. Thus, to be humble is to be face down in the dirt, submitting to the authority of another.… Continue reading Humility – Servanthood
Growing up as a wee child in Wisconsin and other northern states in the spring and summer, I experienced many opportunities not available to youth in some other spots in the USA. My father was a civil engineer, working for the USGS, the mapping department of the federal government. This job required him to be… Continue reading Blueberry Memories
Probably in the late 60’s the Arts Council had a day of performance by the Old State Capitol in Springfield, IL. Seth Leary, a sixth grader, had just finished reading aloud his short story. As reading coordinator for the school district, I had the privilege of interviewing him while tv cameras rolled. Recently I received… Continue reading History in the Making
While eating breakfast recently, my eyes suddenly focused on a strange sight. Several customers were clustering around the next table with their phones pointed to an unusual object. The waitress had just placed a large platter of pancakes before the customer. What was going on? A waitress informed us that there is a special deal.… Continue reading Pancake Challenge
Lonely – Need a Friend? Busy day? Overworked? Occasional tear? Maybe need a pair of listening ears? Do any of these phrases strike a chord with your state of mind, as you read this opening thought? I collect bears, umpteen bears, bears of all sizes. There are fifty, ranging in size from a couple of… Continue reading Snuggle Up – Care Bear Days
Hiking in the mountains on a beautiful day is invigorating, but also a bit exhausting for a senior, or even for a thirty-year-old. You drop on a ledge to catch your breath. Sunscreen has been applied to avoid pain upon your return to flat land. Suddenly a mild breeze ruffles your hair, some clouds darken… Continue reading Rainbows – God’s Reminder Note
Do you know someone who is tired, sad, depressed, over-worked, uncertain, in pain, or basically in need of support? Have you ever experienced any of these mental, emotional, or physical dark moments in your life? My guess is that I am not the Lone Ranger who has quietly shed a tear of sadness or disappointment… Continue reading Be An Encourager
My eyes took a second blink. There on the asphalt was a wee dot. Yes, it was Abraham Lincoln staring up at me from the copper spot by my car door. I started to enter the car, but then stopped and bent over. Somehow, I just could not resist the opportunity to capture a penny.… Continue reading A Lonely Penny
Discouraged, depressed, hurting, or just plain lonely? Do you feel like a crocodile is nibbling on your toes? I recently read a stanza of a poem, written by Annie Johnson Flint, which might be helpful. Annie experienced a life of tribulation, pain, and poverty. Her mother died in childbirth when Annie was three, leaving her… Continue reading The “Red Sea” of Your Life
A strange scene caused me to pause, take a second glance, and then chuckle. Right there on the hall couch was a long-eared rabbit, holding knitting needles and a blue scarf. The yarn trailed to the floor, and a cup of coffee rested at her side. Wow! What a bunny! She can knit and sip… Continue reading A Knitting Bunny!
Kathryn Ransom 