Watch for my upcoming blog series on the power of a universally available Triune God which can make a difference in your life and give direction to your life.
Illumination from My Rainbow Room
My "Rainbow Room," as I call it, has a window all the way up at the ceiling where a crystal hangs. When I walk into it I am always amazed and refreshed by the beautiful red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet patterns that sparkle on the walls. They have a dream-like quality which … Continue reading Illumination from My Rainbow Room
The Importance of Kindness
As I view my patio garden this morning, I'm reflecting on two 19th century American writers who spoke about the importance of the kindness we extend to those around us and the far-reaching effects of this kindness. Take Care of Your GardenKind hearts are the gardens,Kind thoughts are the roots,Kind words are the flowers,Kind deeds … Continue reading The Importance of Kindness
Nonny, How does your Garden Grow?
Photos of my kitchen garden July 11, 2024...
From Tiny Details to the Larger Landscape
With all the divisions and difference of opinion on so many political and social issues today, I feel we have forgotten how to see THE BIG PICTURE. Simon Sinek, a British/American Author and Motivational Speaker, says “THE BIG PICTURE doesn’t just come from distance; it also comes from time.” In other words, our longer life … Continue reading From Tiny Details to the Larger Landscape
Kentucky Fried Green Tomatoes in Early Summer – Good Recipes from Nonny’s Kitchen
We usually think of Fall as the season for fried green tomatoes–when we know that the tomatoes in our garden won't ripen on the vine. But as an impatient gardener, I think now is a great time, too! My garden has been planted since mid-May. And there are some plants that I'd like to see … Continue reading Kentucky Fried Green Tomatoes in Early Summer – Good Recipes from Nonny’s Kitchen
Magic Chocolate Cake – Good Recipes from Nonny’s Kitchen
Let me wave my magic wand and bedazzle you with a Magic Chocolate Cake--magic because it has no eggs or dairy! And also magic because you mix it, bake it, and serve it from the same pan! In addition to being super easy to make, like all the recipes from Nonny's Kitchen, it has passed … Continue reading Magic Chocolate Cake – Good Recipes from Nonny’s Kitchen
Watch Your Step, Daddy
We should always be mindful that young children want to be like their parents (or other primary caregivers). That's the message of the following lyric especially for dads of boys. Just as little girls like to walk in the high heels of their moms, little boys relish scooting along in their daddies' seemingly gigantic shoes; … Continue reading Watch Your Step, Daddy
DON’T THROW AWAY THE TICKET
As I was searching for a real-life story for my blog series “Looking for Sunshine,” I came across that of Corrie Ten Boom. She was born April 15,1892 in Haarlem in the Netherlands. And died April 15,1983 on her 91st birthday in Placentia, California in the U.S.A. Corrie’s tenacity and resolve helped scores of Jewish … Continue reading DON’T THROW AWAY THE TICKET
Hello Sunshine!
With its soaring height, vibrant yellow color, and undulating pointed petals, what other flower in the plant kingdom is better suited to represent sunshine than the regal Sunflower? Its folklore abounds in many cultures including Greek, Chinese, and Native American. Take a moment now to visualize its beauty and reflect on its symbolism to add … Continue reading Hello Sunshine!
CHANGING THE WORLD AROUND US
As I continue to think about my blog series “Looking for Sunshine,” I realize that instead of hoping or praying that light and warmth will fulfill my needs, how much better it would be to seek ways I can bring light and warmth to others. Mother Teresa, having been born August 26, 1910, and having … Continue reading CHANGING THE WORLD AROUND US
LOOKING FOR THE SUNSHINE
Whether it’s rain pounding down on your head, waters rising at your feet, or a flooded passageway in front of you that can’t be avoided, we all face those times in our lives when we feel frightened and alone. Navigating those waters begins with navigating those thoughts streaming into our brain. This series—Looking for the … Continue reading LOOKING FOR THE SUNSHINE
Tell Mother I’ll Be There . . .
The months of May and June bring with them the celebration of Mother's Day and then Father's Day in the U.S.A. as well as many other countries throughout the world. As my family treated me this past Mother's Day with lots of flowers and foods plus a family get-together at my older daughter’s house, I … Continue reading Tell Mother I’ll Be There . . .
And They’re Off! Racing to the Finish Line!
My hometown of Louisville, Kentucky is all abuzz this week getting ready for our Churchill Downs 150th Run for the Roses. Three weeks of Derby events kick off every year with Thunder Over Louisville. In times past, my family would join hundreds of thousands to crane our necks toward the sky to see a dazzling … Continue reading And They’re Off! Racing to the Finish Line!
Still Eager to Jump Back into Music Performance
We all love a good story. And I've got one for you! It's about my son, the oldest of three siblings—the other two being girls—who was always attracted to music and technology. I fostered his love for music. And because of the influence of his engineer dad, even as a child our son would take … Continue reading Still Eager to Jump Back into Music Performance
Hit the Refresh Button with Moroccan-Style Mint Tea!
A few years ago my daughter Eve and I were fortunate enough to be able to travel to Spain and Portugal and have in our itinerary an added excursion by ferry to Morocco. To this day I can still envision the tea house in Tangier where we sat at a low table sipping hot sweet … Continue reading Hit the Refresh Button with Moroccan-Style Mint Tea!
Spring Cleaning the Fun Way
Below you'll find a fun version of the interactive song that's a part of one of my children's books. In this video my sweet grandgals perform the song, with the hand signs (and some giggles!) along with one of my daughters, their mom, accompanying on piano. "Higgledy-Piggledy" is a word you can find in your … Continue reading Spring Cleaning the Fun Way
Holy Ground: Hope & Encouragement on this Easter weekend
The Easter season for me every year is a time of serious reflection as it was on Easter Sunday in 1999 that my husband at age fifty-two passed from this life into the next. Our three young adult children and I didn't see his death coming until there was a crisis moment when he ended … Continue reading Holy Ground: Hope & Encouragement on this Easter weekend
Finding Our Way Out of Darkness
We all find ourselves suddenly thrust into darkness at some point: the home electricity goes out, our road trip is taking longer than anticipated, or more seriously, our close friend or family member has been snatched by death. A physical source of light can brighten the darkness in many instances. However, when a shroud covers … Continue reading Finding Our Way Out of Darkness
A Timely Stitch
In sewing if you have a garment, household item, or something else made of a sewable material and it develops a hole--you'd better mend it quickly before the hole gets any bigger! You may have heard the saying, "A stitch in time saves nine." Beyond its literal meaning this quote advises us that our delay … Continue reading A Timely Stitch
Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water
For someone needing comfort from pain or for someone needing a friend, the words and music of American folk-rock artists Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel in Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water evoke calmness and a soothing balm. "When you're weary" . . . "like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down." … Continue reading Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water
The Hole in My Heart — a poem by Connie Carlisle Polley
"The Hole in My Heart" Poem by Connie Carlisle Polley The hole in my heart will never be filled Yet someday will be not so deep, not so fresh. Someday my body’s shivering deep chill With returning embrace and kiss will be met. So I’ll not lose hope even though I weep. Goodness will help … Continue reading The Hole in My Heart — a poem by Connie Carlisle Polley
Exploring What Happens Next
We are living in such a rapidly changing world, with change occurring at warp speed. What if you were having lunch with a friend at a popular outdoor café and your dining partner vanished right before your eyes? What would be your explanation? “Maybe I’m not really having lunch; this must be a dream.” “I … Continue reading Exploring What Happens Next
Fake Gold
We are living in a time of scammers. These are persons who derive their livelihood through lies and deception. We need to be on guard to distinguish real opportunities for advancement from those which are schemes to rob from us. It's easy to get caught up in the attractiveness of a perceived opportunity. Pause to … Continue reading Fake Gold
Coping With Life’s Circumstances
It seems that when a bad or unfortunate event occurs, another happens. And perhaps even more than one. We need to remember we can't always control what comes into our lives. However, when we find ourselves the recipient of these downpours let's not be completely washed out. Instead let's accept help and strength from caring … Continue reading Coping With Life’s Circumstances
February Greetings
We made it to February, and I am feeling closer to springtime! Maybe you are too. Let's enjoy and share Valentine cards, candies, and cookies. Let's see if we can be a positive ray of warm sunshine as we shake off blustery January days. I'm going to close my eyes and sip my Chamomile tea. … Continue reading February Greetings
Using What You’ve Got
Do you ever look in your refrigerator or the shelves where you keep your grocery staples and say, “I just don’t have anything that I can use to make something good to eat.” I guess I’ll have to go out to a restaurant. Or maybe I’ll go to a fast-food drive-through. Or I could get … Continue reading Using What You’ve Got
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