Weekly Photo Challenge: Security…the One

It’s hard to believe that a week ago, I was enjoying my last day in Southern California, taking photos, having the most amazing mocha of my life, and visiting Descanso Gardens (photos will appear on the blog soon.)  The thing I most dislike about a vacation (at least a good one), is how quickly on returning home, it seems as if I’d never been gone.   😦

But here I am in rainy, grey NE Illinois, lasagne/a ingredients ready to assemble later, ready for the photo challenge theme, which today is “Security.”   I’m going to get very personal here.  Although there are obvious things that might make me feel secure, as a Christian, there’s one Person who makes me feel secure and that’s God.  As even my elementary French can tell, this is the verse that says, “For me to live is Christ.”  That’s my security. And the photo reminds me that there’s a funny story about getting to see this church that I haven’t told in the 2 1/2 years since I took the photo.  Upcoming post subject!

Happy Wednesday!

The rest of the week

 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.          Genesis 2:2

Wait!  If you don’t believe in God, don’t run off.   This is about resting, not about faith.  If God rested (which we all know He didn’t really need to do, except as an example), surely we mere humans can use a rest as well.  But do we get one?  

Friday Fictioneers–To Be or Not To Be

Interesting in writing or reading flash fiction based on a photo prompt?  You’re in the right place.  You can read the “rules” and join in by going to http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/.   Or you may just read by clicking on the little purple cutie at the end of my story and checking back often to indulge in all the offerings.  The picture is from Friday Fictioneer at the Hawaiian office,  Douglas M. MacIlroy.  The entire shebang, started by Madison Woods, is ably continued by Rochelle Wisoff (no h)-Fields at http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/.  Join our merry band sooner rather than later.  Every day you wait, you’re missing out on the fun.

Almost forgot to mention that I’m scheduled, before bringing our younger daughter back for Christmas, to meet Fictioneers Sharon (newpillowbook) and Rich on Monday in Philly.  Pictures are sure to follow!!  

To Be or Not To Be

There it sat.
Inert.
Inanimate.
Looking real, features in place, calculations done, the detritus of their efforts everywhere.
But…nothing.
It just sat there.

“Why can’t we do it?”
“No idea.  We’ve tried everything, even cloning, and done it right.  It just won’t sustain life.”
“We could email Dr. Joyce for more self-building molecules.”
“Didn’t work before.”
“Maybe it’s climate change. I’ll search online again.”

“Look!  Isn’t that a bit of ice over there?  Maybe there was something just for a minute or two.”

“I still think…”
“Don’t go there again!!”
“It’s Christmas.  Couldn’t we try ‘Let there be…’ just once?”

……………

To read more about Dr. Joyce’s efforts, you may start here:  http://gizmodo.com/5825539/scientists-striving-to-create-life-out-of-nothing.

Out of the mouths of children

I came across these while going through some papers and enjoyed them all over again.  It doesn’t even matter whether you believe in God or not, they’re still funny!  I especially like Joyce’s and Marsha’s comments.

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Friday Fictioneers–Power source

It’s Wednesday, so it must be time for weekly writing fun with the Friday Fictioneers.  Happy birthday to November-born Fictioneers Lora, Charles, Madison (founder and still participant) and Russell.  Many happy returns and copious blessings in the upcoming year.  Rochelle, you’re the current hostess-with-the-mostess and Sean thanks for this week’s picture.  Read more by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  (Yes,  I know it’s not until next week, but it’s never too early for good wishes.  And continued prayers for all those still without power and otherwise impacted by Hurricane Sandy.  We’re so grateful for all those helping during this whole time!)

Copyright Sean Fallon

Power Source

When the redolence of pumpkin pie filled the house and brightly-hued leaves beautified the yard, Mom brought out the jar.  As the spareness of winter approached, she said it reminded her where her power came from.

She somehow remembered what every battery represented: a friend who’d helped when Dad  lost his job, the blessings of a thriving garden, each of us.  Some were more whimsical—one for the flowers Dad gave her each birthday, one for each memorable trip they’d taken, one for libraries.

There was a bigger jar each year.  Mom said the jar reminded her of God.

(If you got this via email, I made a few small changes, changes that came to me while cleaning this morning.  I think they make the story better, but I hope you enjoyed it either way.)

The glory of the Lord

Ever since I was little, pictures of the sun’s rays shining through the clouds have brought to mind the glory of the Lord. These photos are my humble contributions to helping you see that glory or, if it makes you feel more comfortable, the glory of nature (which to me, of course, was created by God and thus glorifies Him in its beauty.)

Being a witness

The best possible news

We interrupt my road trip to bring you the following important message……

Bill’s (my husband’s) blood work came back showing NO CANCER MARKERS!!!

Other than thanking the Lord and thanking all our friends and family for their prayers and support since the end of last year, what more can or needs to be said?  I want to keep seeing that face for many, many more years.