Frozen Crystalline Water - Just a Little Wintertime Reflection ...magical, scientific, mysterious… Long ago, or should I say, “In the beginning...” on the second and third days, a holy magical scientific phenomena in the form of frozen crystalline water began. Sky, God created on the second day. Dust, God created on the third day. These particles of dust and frozen crystalline water though created in the beginning did not meet and combine, per se, until many years later. Precipitation came to us first when the earth was baptized. You know, when the whole earth was flooded. Before the first rain, springs from deep within the earth provided needed water for all of creation. Back to the dust and crystals… they come together and form hundreds of feet above us so we may be blessed with life sustaining precipitation. That precipitation begins as one of the most magical happenings ever… snow! Yes, SNOW! Like magic a tiny spec of dust and a tiny spec of frozen crystalline water come together and form snow. Before it rains, before it sleets, before it hails and yes even when we have the pleasure of seeing and enjoying the snow, it all starts as dust and crystal. Oxford University Press has a great Infographic, “How is snow formed?” Tracing scientific beginnings back to “In the beginning…” quite amazing, isn’t it? Winter in the southern Ohio River Valley is mild these years of late, generally consisting of infrequent dustings of snow, occasional ice storms but mostly rain. We actually received an accumulation of snow on a few occasions during this winter, much to the chagrin of many members of my family and friends. But, not me, I was delighted! Yes! To me, snow is like a magic fantasy come to life: glistening and swirling, falling gracefully from above in beautifully shaped flakes too innumerable to count and no two identical. Snow reveals the otherwise unknown: who or what has been walking, hopping or scurrying around and through the fields and yards leaving their prints and tracks. Utterly wonderful! And, for those of you who do not really feel the wonder of winter and snow, hang on! Spring is just around the corner! Just look for the crocus, daffodils and tulips. Those wonderful bulbs are usually the first ones to pop their heads through the semi-frozen earth, finding those first rays of sunlight towards the end of winter. ta ta for now
Vi Gene Photo credits: first rain Pixabay photo by Jeff Jacobs “How is snow formed?” Oxford University Press Infographic glistening Pixabay photo by Michal Jarmoluk beautifully shaped flakes Pixabay photo by Benjamin Balazs hopping Pixabay photo by Suomi tracks Pixabay photo by Hans Braxmeier
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Let me introduce you to a couple of friends, Brother Don and Edie Moore. I was reminded of this dear couple while recently visiting the resting place of my sweet partner, Dave. Brother Don wrote a little book a few years back entitled, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Cemetery.” Delightful read, with many anecdotes of antics, some his, some from others. My Dave had several anecdotes and antics on his own, but we will explore those another time. Brother Don and his loving wife of his youth have been tremendous and wonderful servants of our Lord and Savior, truly inspirational. Introduced to the Moores a dozen or so years ago, Dave and I greatly treasured their friendship. Brother Don never failed with a greeting to all. Upon greeting Dave, he usually would say, “…and how are you doing today, my friend?” Truly considering him a friend. Brother Don Moore left this world last summer, going on ahead of the rest of us, to be in the presence of our Lord and Savior. The Savior he served so faithfully for more than sixty years. May the Lord’s peace and comfort be with Sister Edie and the remaining Moore family. Never did Brother Don and Edie fail to be welcoming and refreshing to all within their presence, especially with those delightful and wholesome antics and anecdotes. And, with those antics and anecdotes, this precious couple, faithful instruments of God, helped you to tune into and listen for that still small voice. That still small voice that beckons and draws each of us near – a gentle whisper. ...“Be still, and know that I am God; Predominantly, the resting place of those gone on is expectantly quiet. A place where you can serenely enjoy a few life’s simpler pleasures: birds singing among tree limbs, rabbits hopping along the markers and stones, squirrels quickly scurrying up one tree then another and occasionally deer cautiously watching from a stand of trees bordering the perimeter. Dusk approaching, a gentle breeze made its presence known as the waxing moon appears to be watchful of the last rays of the day’s sunlight fading on this mild winter’s eve. Welcoming the sauntering breeze as it whispers through their branches and limbs, the trees are brought to life, appearing to be gracefully dancing as they gracefully sway to and fro. A gleeful whisper, both mysterious and mesmerizing, Do you hear it? – the whisper of the Holy Spirit of God calling. Shh! Be Still. Listen. Whispers… Whispers, used to share secrets. Whispers, softly spoken words; hushed, almost silent, like a mother lures her tired children to restful slumber with endearing whispers. Image via Vi Gene During a time of laryngitis, whispers are thrust upon some unwanted. A most dreaded occurrence for the orator, performer and operatic vocalist. Whispers… Chapters 17, 18 and 19 of the Old Testament book of First Kings share with us an amazing and bazaar chain of events involving the prophet Elijah the Tishbite. His name is Hebrew, Elijah or Elias, actually means “My God Is Yahweh”. Briefly summarized, God calls Elijah to tell the Israelites they are not worshiping as they should. The Israelites should have known God meant business with the very meaning of his prophet’s name meaning “My God Is Yahweh.” Look out! Several amazing events took place through Elijah as he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Yet, there was a time that Elijah feared for his life as others sought to kill him. After calling down fire on Mt. Carmel through God’s divine power, Elijah ran for his life. He hid in a cave at Mt. Horeb. From out of the cave, God called him. But this time it was different. This time there was a whisper…not just any whisper. The whisper from God. “The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.” Rustling of leaves during Spring – soothing billows, from open windows, send whispers of freshness to our senses. Whispers of life.
Let us be ever mindful of the whispers in our lives, as they are easily missed, unheard and disregarded. Whether that of a small child, of who may be ill, of one from a distance or from The One who matters most: Our Heavenly Father. ta ta for now Vi Gene Perspective, a noun is defined as: a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. Synonyms include: position, stance, frame of mind, approach, interpretation. Being an admirer of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis when I came across “A Hobbit, A Wardrobe and A Great War” by Joseph Loconte, I was intrigued. I discovered many historic events of the early 1900s of which I am only vaguely familiar. This work enlightened me to dig a little. As Mr. Loconte’s subtitle reveals, this book is about “How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918.” In case you are unfamiliar with these years, it was during the First World War, also commonly referred to as “The Great War” and “the war to end all wars” or World War I. Image via Vi Gene Looking back to my younger years, one of many of my fondest memories of home were Sunday afternoon conversations and discussions between my father and grandfathers, which were interesting to say the least. My grandfathers, who both served in World War II, referred to The Great War in some of those discussions. Being somewhat interested in and intrigued by history, I listened in earnest and wondered about their analysis and viewpoints, and what amazing and horrible things they were subjected to during their tours of duty. Drawn to history, recently I viewed the movie “1917”. By the way, if you have not had the opportunity to watch this movie, I recommend you do so, especially if you have history interests. Based during the time period and events of the First World War, this picture follows the assignment of two messengers referred to as runners, or “trench runners,” through harrowing circumstances and experiences. Image via Vi Gene There are many productions and publications on the wars of the world, whether it be those of the world wars involving nations against nations, family feuds or those of brother against brother. From the first fatal offense delivered by Cain against his brother Abel to today’s despicable human trafficking, ongoing terrorist attacks, the storming of nations’ capitals and kidnappings of hundreds of students from classrooms, warring and wars against our brothers and sisters seem to be ever ongoing and recurring atrocities. Not to make light of the seriousness of destruction and devastation of lives, land and life-long permanent effects of war-like events, M.A.S.H, Season 3, Episode 19, entitled “Aid Station” reflects the effects on perspective. The episode parallels the chaotic life-and-death situation at the aid station with the relatively calmer atmosphere at the field hospital. At the end of the episode we see a change in perspective. After their harrowing experience near the front line where the chief surgeon and head nurse “pinch-hit” until replacements are assigned to the Aid Station, the day-to-day complacency of the norm back at the field hospital seem welcoming yet inappropriate. Regardless of our current circumstances, reflecting on events of the past, and the current ones taking place sometimes at our front doors, should be humbling, thought-provoking and outrageously yet profoundly eye-opening! Perspective. It changes hearts and thoughts, even beliefs. As citizens of this world, let us awaken to open-mindedness and living outside our own realm of self-centeredness. Christ relates to us with an abundance of compassion, faith, grace, love and mercy. These attributes are mentioned in Scripture numerous times: compassion 82 times, faith 458 times, grace 124 times, mercy 126 times and love 686 times. In the New Testament of the Bible 1st Corinthians 13:13 states, “...faith, hope and love...the greatest of these is love.” Oh that we all would exert these attributes along with understanding as our response to our brothers and sisters around this world; and prayerfully, let their responses be the same to us and that our perspectives would be like that of Christ. ta ta for now
Vi Gene Crisp and exhilarating. Fall or early Winter. Mild enough to venture outside with the hint that colder days are just around the corner. Not quite visible, but the slight chill in the air tells you they are coming. That was the time of year for one of our seasonal walks with Peggy. Peggy was our next-door neighbor, friend and mother of some of my school mates, she loved children, walking and the outdoors. Across the yard, along the grass-covered alley, down the gravel lane to the outskirts of town we would go. A half dozen or so neighborhood children and her own two in tow. We would walk and talk. Enjoying the sunshine, flight and song of birds and possibly catch a glimpse of a few wildlife critters along the way. As this memory came to mind, I was reminded of another place and another time: in the Bible in Genesis 3:8 it mentions God “...walking in the garden in the cool of the day…”. Is that not awesome? God walked in the Garden of Eden. Not only that He walked with Adam and Eve. God was with Adam and Eve in the Garden. Photo by Vi Gene Then, we would come upon a neighboring farmer’s home, ready for a short respite, visit and cool refreshment. We didn’t know it but Peggy had it all pre-arranged with the elderly farmers for us to come for a visit with them so they could visit with us children. Photo by Vi Gene Then we would be off, down their long lane out to the county road to continue on our adventure. We may visit another and then we would be on our way back to the village by a different route, of course. Speaking of different routes, in Genesis 5:24 we are told that Enoch takes a very different route. “Enoch walked faithfully with God, then he was no more, God took him.” Hang on for the ride! With God as our travel guide there is no telling where He will take us if we would just get on board! Image via Vi Gene These seasonal outings with Peggy were always enjoyable adventures for all. Our treks were not necessarily long ones, possibly a mile or round trip, maybe up to three. There was always an expectancy and delight to be a part of these journeys as Peggy talked, shared and gave us her complete attention as we traversed and trod along on our expedition. Peggy is now, and has been for many years, walking on ahead. One day the rest of us will take that walk as well, but our journey will be different as everyone walks at a different pace, in a different place, yet not alone when you walk with Jesus. Leviticus 26:12 and 2 Corinthians 6:16 tells us that God has said, “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.” God walked with us in the beginning.
God walked with us before he was crucified. God walked with us after he was crucified. God is still walking with us today. Take a walk. Invite God to come along. Enjoy the journey. ta ta for now Vi Gene Some days put us in a daze. Recently, while chatting with my daughter, I was reminded of just how some of our days can sometimes leave dazed. The busyness of her day-to-day routine. As a wife, mother of two very busy boys, part-time caretaker of her aging father and working full time, deep breaths and counting to ten are a must. There are chickens and the family dogs to tend. Then, there is the house work, which looms in the background like a childhood nightmare. Her days are all consuming and at times put her in a combination of auto pilot, head spins and a semi state of delirium. Our little chat reminded me of a children’s book, Mrs. Bunny’s Day Off by Teddy Gautier, Illustrated by Katy Brautun, ©1988 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. In this storybook, there are several baby bunnies (rabbits) or kits as they are called. Needless to say all of Mrs. Bunny’s cute, rambunctious bunnies are a busy handful. Sketch via Vi Gene Many Mommas today feel the same, like we need semi-permanent, retractable, dog harnesses attached to each child so they do not wander too far and are within reach and protection. There is so much to do that mommas and daddies have little or no time for themselves to really rest and relax. In years past, the extensive at-home-family units were a huge help. Today the at-home family network rarely exist since families spread their wings and scatter to all areas of the country or even the globe. We all need a day off, sometimes more, for our mental, physical and spiritual health. Relaxing, slowing down, taking a walk, figuratively or literally - either will work, are very important to our well-being. We need to rest. Rest, defined: Verb 1) to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength; 2) to be placed or supported so as to stay in a specified position. Noun an instance or period of relaxing or ceasing to engage in strenuous or stressful activity; Music an interval of silence of [instruments or voice] for a specified duration. Grab a cuppa tea or a mug of coffee. Stay with me for a bit… Wondering, do we have it all wrong? Let’s take a look. We find and learn in Genesis that God created our atmosphere, earth, creatures and all living things in six days. Then, God rested on the seventh. Rest has a deeper meaning in the original Hebrew. Actually, the word is shabbat which I believe translates to stop. Like to stop working or stop doing work; a state of rest. Personally, I prefer the Music definition of a rest: an interval of silence [of instruments or of voice] for a specified duration. Further, the shabbat for God’s people was from sundown of the sixth day to sundown of the seventh day, a full day of rest. Do we do that? What if... ...we rested in the Lord as he fully intended? Genesis 2:3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because of it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. What if... ...we keep God at the forefront of everything? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-20 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. What if... ...we seek “the promise of entering His rest” as we are told in Hebrews 3:7 - 4:13? Since we are chasing bunnies... What if... ...we worshipped and praised God while we worked? Can we worship while we work? Yes. Yes, we can. Not to make fun or ridicule worship in any way; but, just do it. Like, “whistling while we work.” Be happy with where we are. Be happy with doing what we do. Be happy to be and do as if we are doing it for Jesus. Colossians 3:23-24: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Every minute. Every hour. Every day. What if…? Image via Vi Gene Back to Mrs. Bunny: Naturally, when Mrs. Bunny has a day of relaxation to herself, the little bunnies get into all sorts of mischief and trouble attempting to do things while she is gone. As the story moves through the day, things turn into a mess and the mess gets messier. The bunnies are overwhelmed with the problems and messes. They really do not want Momma Bunny to find home so topsy-turvy. Then, it is time for Mrs. Bunny to be on her way home. Having a day to relax does not sound like it is going to be worth it. Familiar? Well, the bunnies work out a plan. A few of the younger bunnies are sent to keep Mrs. Bunny outside. The older bunnies hop into action, work together and manage to get everything in order and tidy. Grab that cuppa tea or a cuppa coffee and take time to be with God and rest! ta ta for now
Vi Gene Recently I delved into "The Bible Project" by Timothy Mackie and Jonathon Collins To me, this is nothing short of amazing! Eye-opening! Thought-provoking! As Timothy Mackie say, "...grab a cuppa tea, take a long walk and think on this... " Even though I have been a reader and studier of the Bible for years, these are definitely "Ah-Ha" moments for me. And, specifically, Mr. Mackie's extensive sessions on the Gospel According to John. You see it came together, even more so than I have ever understood before. The Word of God has the complexity of being intertwined like a web of a spider or spokes of a wheel with many, many more avenues and connections, synapses. Yet, remarkably and unexplainably clear. Pondering one thread of thought which leads to another and then two more and maybe seven. After that, to the exponential yet seamless Holy creation. The Holy Bible: A beautifully designed and woven tapestry beyond description! Word upon word, theme upon theme. Connection after connection from the first page to the last. Yet! Not covering or layering, hiding or hindering what is already revealed, but moving awareness and understanding in a direction, down a path, upon a plateau of clarification and then - pure awe. The Holy Scriptures. God's Word - Jesus! Alive and Living. The scriptures have so much stored within them. And they were written for us! The scriptures are a letter from Jesus to us! Jesus, who: Created Us. Is With Us. Is For Us. Is In Us. Start reading! Dig into the scriptures! Turn the page!! Dig a little deeper!!! ta ta for now
Vi Gene One afternoon, many years ago, Granny gathered items for a special project. It was quite a gathering: a needle, scissors, section of an old blanket and thread. Busying herself, she cut various colored pieces of cotton fabric, resembling patches. Granny patiently assembled the patches into a patterned design. After a bit of concentration, arranging and rearranging, stitch by stitch and piece by piece, the patches of fabric began to take shape. The project was not a large one, But indeed a work of love from an accomplished seamstress. As we set to the many tasks of our days, whether they may be large, small, simple or complex, they may not seem important. Some may not even be noticed. But our daily projects, task by task, completed with love and compassion, these are the things we should focus on and contemplate. Also kindness. Joy. Peace. Patience. Endurance. Gentleness. We are not perfect, but we are important and we are miraculous. Let’s take a look, and listen as well, in how God speaks to us through David in Psalm 139:13 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Then David goes on to say in verse 14, “we are fearfully and wonderfully made…”
Just as my Granny intertwined the patches of fabric, one by one, to carefully and lovingly stitch together a simple small quilt for my doll crib when I was a young lass, God carefully and lovingly “knit us together in our mothers’ wombs” creating us. Image via Vi Gene How miraculous! In Psalm 8:1-5 David majestically gives us a glimpse of God’s glory with a humbling question at the end of verse 4: “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.” Dust of your reflection! Let Him create the tapestry of your life, patch by patch and stitch by stitch. God is calling. God is knocking. God is waiting. Let me introduce you to my friend! He is my savior. He is my shepherd. He is my shield. He is my strength. Read His Words. Hear His Voice. “I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6 His name is Jesus! ta ta for now
Vi Gene Recently, I met my newly-born, great-niece. She is small, fragile and much loved. Her parents, grandparents and many family members exploded with excitement upon wee one’s arrival. What an extra special gift. And, especially since she arrived near Christmas, what a gift indeed! A joyous season is beginning in the lives of my nephew and niece! Memories abound and jump to the surface recalling the youngest days of my own precious little ones when they arrived many years ago. The newness. The expectancy. The holding. The cuddling and never wanting to let go! Seasons of life how they come and go, like the seasons of our earthly home. In Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 we read of many seasons that affect lives: 1 To every thing there is a season... As we begin a new season in our lives, by entering the year of 2021, for some it is a welcome season. possibly it’s like that of my nephew and niece, of new life, new family and new love. Others not so much. Possibly new trials, new tribulations, new challenges, or new adversaries. Through it all, there is a continued, consistent hope on which we can depend. Hope, you ask? Hope definitions include, "expect with confidence" and "to cherish a desire with anticipation." The hope, expectancy in, and of Christ! We are to hope in Christ alone--optimistically, expectantly, positively; with confidence and a desire of anticipation! This makes the seasons of life livable, endurable, enjoyable and delightful! A blog post in the Billy Graham Library referred to the following verses for eternal hope: 1st John 5:13-14 ¹³I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ¹⁴This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1st Peter 1:3-6 ³Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, ⁵who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. Ephesians 2:8-10 ⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 2nd Corinthians 4:16-18 ¹⁶Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. John 4:13-14 ¹³Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” If you are in one of those seasons, which attempts to consume the best of us, by wreaking havoc with your emotions, ambitions, choices and day-to-day challenges, then I beseech you to seek, grasp and take hold of the hope of Christ and claim it as your own.
ta ta for now Vi Gene Mary of Magdala. Fishermen of the Sea of Galilee. Pharisees of the synagogue. Village of Capernaum. The Word of God. Jesus. Do these people and places sound familiar? Do they bring memories to you? Thoughts of stories from The Bible? The message in The Chosen, brings these stories to life! They penetrate, causing one to think deeper, differently, more open. Bringing God's holy scriptures out of the box, where we tend to keep them allows us to see the possibilities. The simple story of Jesus calling James and John: the sons of thunder immediately left their father Zebedee, "holding the nets" so to speak. Jesus called them to follow Him and they left. This has always been a bit disconcerting to me. Why would Jesus ask such a thing? Why would Jesus ask two sons to leave their family, possibly putting their parent's livelihood and welfare in danger. Even He had worked as a carpenter with His own earthly father. Surely Jesus knew what a burden this may cause to Zebedee! Image via Vi Gene You see? My mind was closed, limited to thinking selfishly on behalf of the elder fisherman. I imagined that when Zebedee's sons followed Jesus, he was left to fend for himself. I'm usually a, but, what if? thinker, however, regarding this event, other possibilities never occurred to me. I just accepted it, as it was written, without question. Putting my mind at ease by believing whatever He commanded worked because I definitely do not know God’s plan. After watching Episode 4, I realized there could have been more. Because God's people had been... “waiting for so long,” for the Messiah. James and John were more than anxious to follow Jesus. Zebedee was delighted, and even encouraged his sons to follow Jesus, to wherever He may have taken them to be part of changing the world! The Chosen is about the life of Jesus, uniquely yet authentically, presented. Jenkins and his team also produced a Chosen-related, Christmas Special. Please take the time to watch this beautiful gift from them. It may open boxes, windows or doors for you. In this talent-packed music and spoken-word presentation, His Word, the holy scriptures, are moving and vibrant! Dust off your Bible, open the pages and breathe in His life-giving words! Open our eyes, Lord, and help us glean and see what you intend for our lives. Whether we are to follow to the extent that James and John followed or whether you would have us stay where we are, putting our talents and gifts to work on the home front. Open our eyes, hearts and spirits to Your calling so we may follow. Thank you Dallas Jenkins, The Chosen TV Series crew and VidAngel for all your hard work and using your God-given talents and vision for this earth and soul-shaking presentation of the Word. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. John 1:1-2 ta ta for now
Vi Gene Waking in the pre-dawn hours on a chilly winter morning at Granny and Papa’s house, the first thing I would see was the light1 from the kitchen where Granny was brewing coffee or tea. Finding my way from the corner bedroom by following the light, I would climb in a chair at the kitchen table, feet dangling above the floor, and anxiously wait for that hot cup of sweet tea Granny readily had in front of me... Memories of a time not quite forgotten are refreshed in my thoughts, especially this time of year. Indeed, my memories take me back to a time and place of my early childhood spent at my grandparents’ home. They lived in a small country village in rural Southern Illinois. Their home was one with a welcoming spirit. The kitchen was the heart of their home with it’s knotty-pine paneled walls and cabinets. A Warm Morning® stove just around the corner keeping everything cozy. Steaming hot coffee or hot tea with just the right amount of sugar warmed us in those early hours as we sipped from Granny's treasured Blue Willow® mugs alongside a fresh batch of hot, just out-of-the-oven, melt in your mouth, old-fashioned cinnamon rolls. I can still taste them, mmm… mouth-watering with a pat of melting butter atop for good measure. Image via Vi Gene Time sweetens these long ago memories as I long to go back and enjoy them again and again. “Memories, precious to some; yet to others only angst. Time only sweetens the precious; praying it is soothing to the harsh. Blessings from Jesus' grace - bring smiles to each face. As life's journey abounds, praising Him is where real joy is found.” -Vi G. Ritzert, November 2020 1Light, we gravitate to it, even as children. Warmth and love we crave it with undying desire. That is what Christ, your Saviour and mine, offer to each of us: the gift2 of light and life everlasting. The gift is freely offered, there for the taking, to each and every person. Let us share this incredible gift with all and embrace the love Jesus so dearly desires for us all. Just reach out and grasp it!
2“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! - Matthew 7:11” ta ta for now… Vi Gene |
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