That Chocolate Chip Cookie, aka: Finding God

         The man had a very scientific mind, cautious yet studious, sincere about his preconceptions, yet stringently forthright. “Today I must find out about God. I must see Him and know the truth.”      
         He set off for an expedition thoroughly prepared, the best microscope, the strongest telescope, compass, a laptop computer to chart his journey and take notes. Heading in a straight line, he went towards the east, the rising sun. He ran across the land, jumped into the ocean and swam for all his might. He came up on land, ran across it to the next ocean. All along, he made careful observations.
        One day the man arrived back at his starting point, stronger for all that physical exertion, more knowledgeable for all that mental effort. He termed his search for God as a waste of time, for alas, he did not see God anywhere below, beyond or above.
        As he recuperated in his easy chair in his cozy house he pondered his pursuit. “God, I really wanted to find out if You are real.”

The Gift I Give Myself

         In a quiet moment of personal honesty you can identify for yourself the one gift you’d like to have, the one gift you’d give yourself. It is something of great benefit, and it’s something that would be a great blessing. What is it?
        Without a lot of explaining or a lot of self-imposed restrictions simply own up to what this gift would be. Then write it down on a slip of paper and put it in a safe place.
        Good for you! Identifying what this gift would be is a great beginning.
        What do you have so far? An idea of a great benefit, a great blessing, a great beginning.

The Good Shepherd

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. . .   

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”  

John 10:11, 14

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, 
and I know them, and they follow Me.  

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; 

neither shall anyone snatch them 
out of My hand.  

My Father, who has given them to Me, 
is greater than all; 

and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” 

John 10: 27-29. 

Carlene Hardt's photos of Peter and his lamb, ©2010  

Sing a Song of Summer

Sing a song of summer,

     A heart full of joy;

No matter what the weather,

     I’ve decided to enjoy.

The Missing Shipment of Perfection

        “When will Perfection arrive?” I asked the man at the counter.
        “Lady, you’re asking me something that I don’t know.”
        We both shrugged our shoulders, and with a sigh I walked away. What a Father’s Day this was going to be. No Perfection could be had, any place, at any price. I knew it would be a perfect present, but now frustration mounted.
        Practically any man wants Perfection, I reminded myself. My own dad worked for years at strenuous jobs, preferring to be his own boss, even though that meant more planning, details, complications, and predictable stress. Growing up, there was no Perfection to be found on Northview Avenue, but we kids did try to make dad’s life easier by behaving ourselves.

Flag Day, 4th of July, etc.

The calendar calls for a patriotic theme!
Some will reminisce with grateful emotions;
Others choose to spend another holiday
occupied with ordinary commotions.

On Memorial Day, We Remember

Proud of our servicemen and women who
Step up to the call of the red, white, and blue;
Duty and honor, hard work, concentration,
Distinguishing themselves and serving our nation.