It’s an unlikely place to spend the final hours of the Christmas holidays. The planet twinkles in the glow of lit trees circled with family. And this family works in the barn. Sows grunt, piglets root and nuzzle udders for milky warm. Snow falls soundlessly out there in the dark. I am supposed to be [...]
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I lose it two weeks before Christmas Day in the morning. The kids string popcorn by the fire, untangle lights for the tree, curl sprays of shimmering ribbons, and I wildly dismantle the house. Losing a ring, a gift that had been sent to me from Iona Abbey, makes me lose it. Centuries of pilgrims had [...]
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Later I would learn that Uccello painted the Battle of San Romano with tempera on wood panel in 1435, a scene recounting the victory of the Florentines over the Sienese. But walking through the Louvre that day I didn’t know any of that. Frankly, the painting’s spirited clash of metal, charging horses, flapping banners appealed [...]
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“It’ll get better if you get closer.” John’s mom laughs as she untangles five-year-old John and Malakai, two boys practicing for a three-legged-race at a community gathering. But our Malakai’s close to tears as I unknot him from a snarl of arms and legs and feet. “Really, if you’ll get closer, put your arms around [...]
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Young hands celebrate September with posies of pink erasers budding on the end of slim yellow stems and hours dressed smartly in routines. It’s the rite of back-to-school days: the folding open of fresh notebooks, the lacing up of maiden shoes, the packing of new lunch bags. It’s the ceremony of new school days. We [...]
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I have flailed and I have failed. Too many days I have meted out grating cacophony, loose and disordered. There’s a time to stir porridge, but someone howls, “I can’t find socks!” and I’m digging about for two purple ones the same size, preferably holeless, to soothe teary angst, while oatmeal burns black. There’s a [...]
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"I love you, LORD. You are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my protection, my Savior. My God is my rock. I can run to Him for safety. He is my shield and my saving strength, my defender. I will call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I will be saved from my enemies." Psalm 18:1-3
There have been times in my life when I wondered if You were listening to me. Yet lately there is no doubt. I see You answer so concisely, Father. Can I ever praise You enough?! My words seem so insignificant at this moment. I thank You, O Lord, with what little I can offer. I am overwhelmed with Your tender grace. My heart overflows with joy and sweet peace because I sense Your great love for me. How could I ever live without You, God? I could not!
You are Life, You are Love, You are Listener. There is no other god but You. Thank You, Jesus, that when I came to the well seeking Your living water You freely gave and You continue giving every day. And now I will rest in knowing You have me and mine safe in Your hands. In Jesus Precious Name, amen.
This is my prayer for today,
Julie
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