Life–A Gift From the Creator

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —— These words are in our Declaration of Independence. This morning, I am thinking about that first unalienable Right given to […]

When Blessings Fall Like Raindrops

When Blessings Fall Like Raindrops

Rain is dropping from dark morning skies and tucking away the fall flowers under a blanket of leaves. Blessings fall like raindrops. So many things for which to be thankful. Now, cooler weather will follow, the weatherman says. It’s interesting that each season is slow to let go, as if delaying saying good-bye for another […]

When the Unimaginable Happens

The tragedy of the sudden and violent deaths in Las Vegas left me stunned. It is unimaginable that in the middle of a music venue, someone unknown to those attending would suddenly open fire and kill and maim people who were strangers to him. Why? The people who died and the people who are now […]

Some Place to Go, Something to Do

Some Place to Go, Something to Do

I’ve never seen this before! A group of four doves ambles slowly across the driveway. Do they have some place to go? Do they have a chore in mind? Are they looking for something? I hope they know there are cats in the neighborhood and are watchful. And, I? Do I have some place to […]

The Rampaging River and Life

The Rampaging River and Life

The Illinois River is angry. It overflows its banks and barrels into farms, homes, and businesses. Its swift and churning current carries logs, trees, and animals that couldn’t get out of harm’s way. It’s a deadly enemy without compassion, without remorse, claiming as its own anything in its path. The river has flooded many times […]

A Tattling Tale or What I Learned From Tatting

A Tattling Tale or What I Learned From Tatting

Happy International Tatting Day! You thought it was April Fool’s Day? Well, yes, it is, but it is also a day to celebrate tatting. I love tatting. I like the feel of the smooth shuttle in my hands, the way the thread slips through my fingers and the gentle click, click, as a thing of […]