It’s right about now that many of you shoppers out there are thinking one of two things: ONE: “I really, really, really NEED to get started on my Christmas shopping!” or, TWO: “I really, really SHOULD have simplified and done LESS!” I am happy to say that after hearing about Four SImple Gifts, and implementing this…
It’s only my personal opinion, but cedar trees are not the most beautiful of trees… My husband-with-a-memory-bank-that-never-runs-out is stashed with all kinds of treasure. He has been trying to teach me to recognize different types of trees for a long time, but is especially persistent on this adventure to the lake. It is just beyond…
Vacationing in our old stomping grounds, I couldn’t help but get snapshots of the things that brought back a flood of memories… See how many you can relate to as I take you on a photographic trip down memory lane! I could sit in the field forever, looking for four-leafed clovers, making necklaces and bracelets…
We live in a country like no other in the world. My travels around the globe have only solidified and confirmed in my heart and mind that America truly is the land of opportunity. You can choose to be critical of our leaders, our government, our taxes, or any number of things, but the reality…
This is a flat-out WARNING: A heads up. This one’s been brewing in my cup a long time, and it’s kinda overflowing… so, umm, it’s gonna be a long one. I just can’t get away from Jeremiah. The book. The person. The Old Testament prophet. Known as the weeping prophet. He weeps for GOD’S PEOPLE.…
The groomsmen’s tuxes were too long, too short, too tight. [They all deserved it, after kidnapping the groom and driving him around in the trunk of a car the night before!] The hairdresser took twice as long as expected. The green flowers were supposed to be white. The white snow meant no-shows. Grandparents showed up…
Some of you have read and followed my blog since the beginning (and I thank you!). If you remember how it all started, it was during the time that my father-in-law was in the hospital and we weren’t sure if he was going to live. See https://wateringcanblog.com/2012/05/29/may-the-words-of-my-mouth/ AND https://wateringcanblog.com/2012/07/12/lifes-a-puzzle/ This week marks 2 years since he went…
“In the ancient world, a city without walls was helpless before it’s enemies… to have it’s walls complete was evidence of divine favor and meant that the inhabitants could carry on life with a measure of security.” HCSB Study Bible, Introduction to Nehemiah In the modern world, very few cities look to walls of brick…
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are just around the corner, and so today I want to share part of a letter that I wrote to my parents several years ago at Christmas: Sometimes we wait until someone is gone to talk about the impact they’ve had on our lives, but not me. I want them to…
I am so grateful that I learned about God at a young age. I’m especially thankful that God, who wants His creation to know HIm, provided a way for us to learn HIStory. He inspired men to write it down for future generations and preserved it for our benefit. I’m a realist, and I know…
I was buying donuts for my class this morning and chatting with the clerk about how much money I’ve spent on donuts. Her next question sent me down memory lane: “Have you ever made donuts from canned biscuits?” Have I?!! I haven’t in a very long time, but on occasion I’d make them for my…
Okay. Wow. I admit I am shaking. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so strongly the urge to lash out, but thank goodness a verse I read in Proverbs this morning flashed in my mind. I have taken the time to calm down, pray, and ask for the wisdom I need to respond…
We all have a story. From Parents and grandparents, siblings and friends–to places we’ve been and things we have done–we all have stories that have molded the person we are today. Our past can describe us, but doesn’t have to define us. I want to learn from my past and make choices that reflect the…
It’s not a new concept, only new to me. I’d never heard it before, but wish that I had heard the idea when I was a young mother. My daughter shared with me that this year she is using the idea of Four Simple Gifts for Christmas this year with plans to continue it as a…
You really don’t get it until it happens to you… They (who is they?) say you really don’t get it until— –you have kids of your own –you have grandkids …and it’s SO true. Almost twenty-nine years ago we had our first child and everything changed. We were young and in love… and naive! We soon realized…
