WHAT IS LOVE?

LOVED…

HE CARES

He calls me on his way home

He cares

He calls up to me from his recliner

He cares

He comes to me with questions

He cares

He seeks me out for a kiss

He cares

He peeks out at me from his office door

He cares

He gets out the mop on Saturday nights

He cares

He talks to my dear mom as she comes out for a snack

He cares

He tiptoes out and noiselessly shuts the door

He cares

He eagerly waits to hear news of each of our kids

He cares

He begins his day in prayer for us all

He cares

He waves goodnight as I read or finish a flick

He cares

He reaches out to see if I made it to bed

He cares

SHE CARES

She reads his message with a smile

She cares

She reaches out to straighten his collar

She cares

She carefully launders and folds his clothes

She cares

She measures the flour and plumps the dough

She cares

She sears the roast and adds produce to the pot

She cares

 

She sweeps the dusty porch before the mop hits it

She cares

She texts the yard boy with his instructions

She cares

She pays bills and works within their means

She cares

She researches and plans special trips just for two

She cares

She follows his passion for souls and finds hers too

She cares

She brings order to the self-inflicted chaos of stuff

She cares

She prays each day for him and their joint offspring

She cares

She thanks God for warm, loving arms around her

She cares

EARTH SHAKING: WARNING

W A R N I N G!!!   E A R T H Q U A K E S!!!

10-22-25; 9:57 pm; Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica; earthquake 6.3

     Last night as I was trying to relax to get to sleep, I stretched out on the couch in our Airbnb with a book. It was working. I was getting sleepy since it had been a full two days with travel from San Antonio to San Jose, then once through customs, we hailed our friend, Kike, and headed for our rental in Grecia.Then grocery runs, and other errands to prepare for our stay.

     All of a sudden, at first I felt the shaking, then when I looked up, the windows were moving eerily and then the building was moving back and forth and up and down. I was frozen in place in unbelief. My next reaction was to wonder if I needed to escape the building with my husband, leaving all that we had behind. I contacted my friend, Francini who also lives in Grecia, and she confirmed that they were all okay but that it had been a very strong quake.

     The next thing I knew, my husband came bounding out of the room and demanded,”What is going on here?”

     I explained, “That was an earthquake. I looked it up and it happened off the coast near Quepos, and it is recorded by the Costa Rican meteorologists at 6.3!”

     “I felt like I was in a washing machine. The bed was bouncing up and down off of the floor!”

     “Wow! That was creepy! I’ve been through many earthquakes, but never any as bad as this one,” I responded.

     Back into the room Jerry went and soon he was fast asleep. Not me. I was looking for more information because the earthquake sites warned of subsequent aftershocks following one this strong. A huge earthquake had been predicted for this year and Quepos is located right where the Cocos and Caribbean plates meet.

     The next day, talking to my friend, Celia, who was up in Heredia, she reported that it was terrible up where she was staying with her daughter. She had them all go downstairs and they started praying.

     Then she said something that really hit me. “You know, just like that earthquake came out of nowhere, here we were having a great time as a family and boom! everything changed just like that! It could have come with fatalities. People gone. Buildings destroyed. This is what it will be like when Jesus comes to take up all of the believers who have been faithful to him.”

     You know, the way I felt at that moment, I knew she was speaking the truth. When I considered that there was no warning. I thought of all of the talk of earthquakes that would bring destruction talked about in Luke and Revelation in the end times.

     Jesus, speaking of the last days before he returned to take up the faithful,  said in Luke 21:11 NIV, “There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.”

     Then Jesus in Matthew 24:40-42 NIV talks about two men working in a field, one is taken up and the other is left. Two women grinding with hand mills, one is taken and the other is left behind. In verse 42 NIV Jesus warns us, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

     As I considered how I was taken by surprise by the sudden movement and thought of all of the possible outcomes that thankfully did not happen this time, I know that if I  realized that the return of Jesus is imminent then why would I not want to be prepared and to be found faithfully living out a life full of God’s purpose for my life?

     The alternative would be to be found acting out in ways not pleasing to God and according to Jesus, Matthew 24:51 NIV, an unfaithful person will be assigned to a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

     That’s a no-brainer. Go to heaven with rewards, mansions, a loving God, and a life of fantastic possibilities forever or go to a horrible place with terrible people who are all in torture and are totally separated from anything good, kind, or lovely. Holy terror that was only ever intended for the fallen angels who rebelled and be stuck there also forever.

     Earthquakes. SIgns like blood moons in the heavens. Plagues. Pestilence. Wars. These are all signals to warn us because God in his mercy does not desire that any should perish. He loves us all too much. He loves you all too much.

     

John 14:6 NIV  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

 

I Wish We’d All Been Ready DC Talk  Click to listen to this song on YouTube. Don’t be left behind!  

HOW DO YOU SEE ME?

     One glance at my reflection in a store window as I passed by gave me a glimpse of who I was right then in that moment and place. My makeup was carefully applied, my outfit was matched with jewelry to complement it, and I'd chosen a purse to match. I looked put together and smiled back at myself.

     After picking through clothing for sale, I walked with a few hopeful items in hand and headed for the changing room to see if they really looked as good on me as I had hoped when I selected them.

     Oh, but the bright fluorescent bulbs of this white painted cubicle sent their unflattering rays to highlight all the imperfections and exaggerate the weight and wrinkles that I have accumulated over the years. On second thought, I might not buy anything today, for I sadly faced the fact of what others see when they look at me.

     In the window reflection, I saw a gentler picture that made me still feel pretty and spry as I quickly walked up to the shop's door. 

     Inside, though, the insidious dressing room mockingly reflected my stark image, leaving nothing to chance. Soft lines defined my cheekbones, but I had no slender waist or legs; instead, there was evidence of a slower metabolism, and my hair had grayed, revealing to the world that I was living the latter part of my life. Maybe I was also less significant?

     But there was the contradiction. I looked closer at the reflection, and my eyes, which are the window to my soul, told me that my soul and spirit were still young and alive. The color of my hazel eyes has not changed. Little tinges of light brown mingled with the dominant green. Only the skin around them gave me away.

     I decided to seek the opinion of another greater One. My Creator. So, when I was alone at home, I wrote in my journal, "How do You see me?"

     God gently replied, "You are worried about the condition of your earth suit? Don't you know that it is temporary? Don't you know that within you is the real you who will go on living forever? And if I go to prepare beautiful mansions and landscapes that will take your breath away, I also have an excellent plan for your appearance throughout eternity. The essence of your spirit is who you are, so do not be concerned about the deterioration of the outer part of you. Life on earth is but a few seconds in comparison to eternity."

     "Remember," he continued, "I am the potter who designed you perfectly with all that you need when you walk with me to fulfill your destiny. Does the clay talk back to the fingers that are molding it?"

     That rang a bell. I looked up that phrase and found where Paul said these very words. Hosea was also quoted there, telling the people God's words, in Romans 9, "I'll call nobodies and make them somebodies; I'll call the unloved and make them beloved; In the place where they yelled out, 'You're nobody!' they're calling you 'God's living children.”

     God does not consider us a number, like the grains of sand, but by our choice, as we come to Him, He embraces us back into His family and calls us by name.

     Do not be like the blind who mock you and only value you as long as you are helpful to their gain. Ignore them. When they mock, know that it is because you are God's living child.

     God continued, “You were designed for a purpose, to reflect my nature and my glorious light on this earth. Your parents were chosen just for you, and you were chosen just for them. Be at peace and do not judge yourself by the world's standards, but know that you are beloved by a merciful, just, and loving God. You are my delight, as are all of my children. You are all my favorite ones.”

     Now, I will not minimize the effectiveness of my mission based on my outward aging appearance. I thank God for creating me with His purpose in mind. I embrace the gifts, His presence, and the molding that has taken place over the years to get to this place. 

     I smile and am glad for this time in my life, when I can share this hope, this forgiveness, and this eternal victory of Jesus, which eludes the view of many who are distracted by chaos, struggle, or a lack of concern for humanity. The gods of this world have minimized the precious value of individuals in the eyes of those who do not share this faith.

     I thank God for my husband who has been given the eyes of God for me. He tells me how beautiful I am. He sees me when I have no makeup. He listens, values, and considers my thoughts. 

     To him, I am not obsolete or an antique to be discarded. God has given him eyes to see who I am inside, and the gray hairs, the wrinkles, and my imperfect body mass do not take away from my worth.

     

     

     

     

     

SOUL SEARCH

    

     The biggest obstacles in my life reside in the soul. During my earthly residence, harm has visited me and mine. Fear knocked and wanted to barge in along with hopelessness, despair, and depression. Even death lingered in the background at times, hoping for a chance to trigger my demise. 

     All because I allowed abandonment to dictate and blur my vision in the midst of circumstances. I struggled to overcome the adversity on my own. The peace and beauty of waking up to a fresh, clean slate each day, which I had previously cherished, were shattered while I remained in this funk.
     Why did I let a small chink and then another portion of my soul break away, leaving me unsure whether I could depend on God? Was it due to the extent of my emotional pain and the bewildering circumstances I faced? Why God?
     Finally, when I was honest and admitted to myself that things were beyond my control, I realized that it was I, not God, who pulled away. As I reached out for His power and courage, I also asked my heavenly Father to make some sense of all the turmoil and to please take over. I admitted that I needed help with this.
     You can fill in the blanks with your own challenges here. We have all been there. 

     I had to trust again. I know from experience that God and His ways are good. He has mended my broken heart, calmed my screaming emotions, and reshaped my thinking many times. He has restored my soul and helped me to trust others again. Fears have been defeated, and faith revived.  
     It is a joy when I face the day with a mindset like that—to abandon the doubts and limitations and allow Jesus' words and actions to become my own. But I won’t deny the fact that every day is filled with decisions to follow my true north, and to apply His wisdom.
     Now, when I choose to walk against the grain of this culture, instead of feeling inferior, I know His promises are true. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. 

     God will never leave or forsake me. All of creation around me demonstrates what a marvelous, all-knowing mind thought out every remarkable detail and the diversity of creatures, their habitat, their needs, and provisions for it all. It is good.
     Man-made bombs, poisons, garbage, war, chaos, and destruction of life might break down and ruin parts of this creation for a time. Still, we can look toward a vast expanse of mountains, prairies, woodlands, oceans, and waterways. Their beauty shouts to all who will stop and gaze in wonder at the great mind, imagination, and execution of the higher power, the Creator, who spoke them into existence. 

     Life abounds and thrives within territories that are free of highways, traffic noise, and skyscrapers, as well as housing developments. Man indeed is not God. God is over all.
     I sense the order and the enormity of the Creator’s abilities each time I watch the timing of the leaves that fall from deciduous trees, and in the springtime, I watch as the tender bright green leaves push through the tough bark. Amazing!
      In late spring, due to some inner clock or a knowing instinct, birds flew farther north to other fields and nesting areas. Only a few remained in this area.

     Just two weeks ago, our backyard was again bustling with lesser goldfinches perched, chirping, and flitting back and forth, impatient for their turn to get at the millet seeds in our bird feeder.
     Swallows return each year to raise their brood under the cover of our front porch, then leave for other places once their offspring are grown. Millions of butterflies fly hundreds of miles south of the US border. This could not all be by chance.
     Mayflies are a wonder. Living underwater as larvae until they burst out as an adult for 24 hours or less, just long enough to reproduce, then they expire without even a mouth since their job is done. A food source for fish, frogs, lizards, and others, this cycle facilitates the reproduction of their species to initiate the process and maintain the supply. How amazing.
     Who placed those tiny hairs so perfectly in our ears so that the vibrations and frequencies could be sent and interpreted by the brain as either music notes played by various instruments?  Human dialogue at varying paces, languages, and tones that could be construed for millions of meanings, back and forth, sending communications to declare love, hatred, indifference, or sounds of worship.
     The enemy comes in like a flood to diminish the complexity of the processes it takes to focus and solve problems, to write a sonnet, or to fashion an orchestral composition that soothes or thrills. 

     I look again to my true north, the truth teller. I reflect and soak in His presence to clear my mind of the clutter and the din of the voices clambering to warp my affections.
     Just as a good night’s sleep is necessary to reset and clear the brain so that it can function at its best the next day, each morning, our purpose and focus on God’s truth; our calling to this world must be a starting point to reset our mind, heart, and will. Under God's divine tutelage, we accomplish our unique purpose. 

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him,” the Apostle Paul declared to the Corinthians. (1 Corinthians 2:9) 

BLOWING IN THE WIND

"The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind

The answer is blowin' in the wind."  -Bob Dylan

      In September 2025, we drove north from Pensacola, Florida, to the area west of Asheville, North Carolina, to visit my daughter and son-in-law. This video shows the low visibility during the ten-hour trip. The winds were blowing, the traffic was thick with people fleeing big cities in the path of Hurricane Helene, and as I kept an eye on my weather app, I could see that rather than evading the hurricane as we believed, we were right in the path of the storm coming inland.

     Days later, in Maggie Valley, after the wind and rain subsided, we could see the damage done by the wind and the rushing waters. Men were out volunteering to cut trees that blocked roads and driveways. Neighbors rushed to help the less fortunate whose houses flooded, taking furniture, pictures off the walls, valuables, and memorable treasures to pile outside in the sunshine.

     Even now, almost a year later, my kids in that area have only recently received help for the foundation failure they repaired due to the extreme amount of precipitation. Their mountain road is finally being resurfaced this week.

     The natural winds can be so destructive when they suddenly wreak havoc on us as tornadoes, hurricanes, wind shears, and typhoons. 

     Yet in life, there are favorable winds that can empower us and that can blow into our lives to fulfill our purpose. We can be people driven by the mighty rushing wind of the Spirit of God. Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord. 

     We are commissioned to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to persuade and win hearts and lives so that many can be forgiven, embrace Jesus as the Son of God, accept His gift of salvation, so that through eternity they may enjoy the blessed life eternal with God rather than being sent to eternal separation from the Father to the recesses of the Abyss, Hell, and an eternity of suffering for their rejection of God.

     I heard somewhere, "the heir force will dismantle all the ungodly structures on this earth." The Son of God, legally, took care of that and eventually will completely restore the earth to its intended Eden. It is our responsibility as joint-heirs to follow the example of Jesus Christ. In love, to share the message far and wide and watch as God frees them one by one from the curse of sin and darkness, and rejoice as they walk and become the light.

     

The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind. Do you hear it?

     Jesus said, "If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31b, 32 NIV

   

     I love the expression of the First Nations Version of the New Testament: John 8:31-32 "so Creator Sets Free (Jesus) said to the Tribal Members who believed in him, "If you walk in my footsteps and follow my teachings, you will truly be my followers. Then you will see and understand the truth that sets all people free."

     When I was in high school, there were many folk songs sung about the Vietnam War, troubles and violence in our nation, and the questions that many were asking about our lives. I heard this first sung by Peter, Paul, and Mary. 

     With the help of a friend and neighbor who accompanied me on guitar, I sang this woeful song of the 1960s for my semester grade in my concert choir class at Marion High School in Marion, Indiana. The words of the refrain kept running through my mind as I wrote this article about the Wind.

The Presence

 

     There has never been a day since my father died that I sat and thought, "I wish that Dad would still give me presents. I miss those."

No, I miss him.

     I sat ready at my computer to reread and edit a book I am finishing, and all I could do was stare at this photo of my father walking down the street with three of Audrey's children when her family went to visit my parents. 

     My mother and father loved spending time with family and traveled quite a bit themselves across state lines, east, west, north, and south to visit their precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

     My sister and I learned at an early age from our parents that we were not just going to look at the mountains, glaciers, lakes, and mighty rivers in picture books; no, our folks planned adventures across this country and even into Canada to view up close the beauty and grandeur of this part of the earth. Sitting around campfires. Hiking up and down mountain trails. Going through caverns.

     In person, there is no comparison, even if it is the most excellent painting or photograph, to replace seeing these sights in person. The haze out in front of the sunrise, or the misty rain across a rainbow, or the sounds of the birds, insects, and calls of animals out in the wild, away from the automotive sounds of our inventions.

     My fondest memories are not of things, but of the people who have populated my days. My mother at the stove, getting ready to serve up something wholesome and delicious. My father was out propelling his rototiller, directing Diana and me on how we should space seeds in the garden. My sister and I, weeks later, plucked ripe tomatoes from the vines and sneaked in a few bites with a salt shaker in hand as we worked.

     Visiting sons who traveled afar. Weddings here and there. Soothing daughters as they went through labor. Holding those tender bundles after so much anticipation. Rocking and singing and burping for years and years until, before I knew it, these little grands turned into adults ready to be out on their own.

     No, Dad, what I miss about you is your presence. Not stuff: I miss you. Your sincere interest in whoever was near. Your contagious laughter that started us all smiling. Your heartfelt apology when you had been too sharp with me. The time you gave just to hear me out. 

      I ran to get the tools that you asked for when you were building and remodeling. I watched in awe as you transformed a cement basement into a dorm room for students and could not wait to see the cement pour into the frame you made for the sidewalk and steps to the back door.

     Singing, oh how I miss you bursting out in song early in the morning! It annoyed me as a teen, and yet I would give anything to hear it now. Your opera arias and tenor solos made me swell with pride. You led congregations in song with such love and tenderness, and I saw how precious God was to you. I saw how you sought him every morning. I wanted to know God like you.

     You didn't know that I watched how intent you were when you read from your Bible, but I knew what made you so special. I knew Who spoke wisdom into you. I understand where those fruits of the Spirit in your life came from: that love, joy, peace, faithfulness, patience (most of the time), gentleness, goodness, kindness, and self-control. 

     Even today, I want to imitate you wholeheartedly, yet for myself. I loved being in the presence of my earthly father as a child, and now I understand the quiet time you spent each morning with your heavenly Father. Nothing compares. I enjoy it too. 

     I miss my earthly father's voice, embrace, and affirmation these days, but to honor him, I will pass on his secret to any who cares to listen. The keys to my father's essence are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are waiting to embrace us all.

     

Bear Tracks

 

     Walking along the Firehole River at Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone Park, I scrutinized the shore to locate fresh bear tracks along the way. 

     Earlier, standing in a long line for the primitive toilets, I saw that the man in front of me held a can of bear spray ready for use in his hands. When I inquired why he had it out, he told me he was a guide and had seen bear tracks near the river earlier in the day, before his hike. 

     With that in mind, I carefully made my way along the river to take some quick photos of the steaming geysers. No sign of any tracks so far. But my adrenaline was up just thinking about possibilities.

  

     A Native American proverb attributed to the Sioux Nation says, "We will forever be known by the tracks we leave." Those bear tracks sent a message to the guide to take precautions as he led hikers along the trail. 

     My brain immediately was stimulated, associating stories and images from my memory, and with apprehension, I was on the alert for a possible dangerous encounter. 

     Fear emanates when encountering traces of these powerful predators. Yet, the opposite of this strong emotion is what humans were originally created to leave.  

     Love is the fragrance that dispels fear. Love tracks can be what we choose to leave behind in the minds and emotions of the people we encounter. Love speaks loudly without the accompaniment of words.

     Joyful laughter, thoughtfully expressed observations, humble responses and mannerisms discharged change the atmosphere. 

     As Philippians 2:3-4 says, rather than walking in conceit or selfish ambition, value others even more than yourself. Observe and listen. Seek to understand the others around you: value them. 

     Verse 15 says, then you will shine among them like stars. No, not so you can stand out like somebody special, but to bring light into a dark space of someone's life. Comforting with hope, and drawing them into a more peaceful place.

      I sat on a bench near the river listening to the calls and songs of robins, sparrows, and cowbirds. The sky above was blue with billowy clouds sailing lazily by. How could a place so lovely be so close to danger and death? 

     This day in Yellowstone, I was momentarily affected when I heard about bear tracks that I personally never saw. Beauty soothed my soul and dissolved my anxious thoughts.

     Listening to the stories of several people I traveled with over meals and during rest stops. Taking photos of one man who traveled alone so he could have memories of his visit. 

     Laughter and fun as 'Jerry jokes' and the tour director's Dad jokes spilled out throughout the day. Bowed heads as we held hands with others to speak our gratitude before we ate.

     Later, hugs were shared at the end with many with whom I felt a kinship after this nine-day tour. Refreshed and alive, we all waved after exchanging numbers and cards. So many places represented by each one who took home a bit more joy and peace from the time spent together. 

     This is what life is all about. This is who we are meant to be. Leave love tracks wherever you go each day. This will change the world for someone.

A great song... we are seen by the unseen Creator, no matter what. We are not alone. (click the link to listen)

I See You, Martin Smith

 

     

     

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

 

     For many years, I was unable to cry. When I faced difficult situations, I tried to maintain my composure in front of my children. “Gotta stay strong so I don’t scare them,” I thought. I did not want to upset their peace. But after this season in my life, I found it hard to release my pain through tears, crying it out. 

     For decades, no tears came to release the emotions I felt. The years numbed me from this simple expression that would help to empty my soul of the sadness and hurt. I prayed. I forgave. I stayed connected to God and truly believed in his goodness. God gave me a reason to go on, especially when I looked into the faces of my six children—these uniquely fashioned gifts from God gave me multiple reasons for joy and peace. 

     One weekend, years later, I read a book, How to Heal a Broken Heart in 30 Days, by Howard Bronson and Mike Riley. On day two, the tip was: Cry Till You’re Dry. They proceeded to share the benefits of crying, which is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of healing. I sat, thinking of all the sad things, a few tears left my eyes, but it was pretty manufactured, not like it should be. Maybe because I stopped the flow so long ago and for so long. Reading this revelation changed my whole outlook and gave me permission.

     Many children of Israel returned to Jerusalem after 900 years of captivity in Babylon. Generations of their people came and went. Their books of the Torah, which hold the law passed down from God to Moses, waited to be rediscovered upon their return. 

     The first day of the seventh month after their return to rebuild Jerusalem, Ezra stood on a scaffold, high above the people, so his voice could project to them all. He began by reading the books of the Law. He read from early morning until noon.

     When the people heard the holy scriptures written down for their remembrance and the truth set down to guide their godly living, they began to weep. 

     Unashamedly, they cried and cried hard as they realized how far off from God’s standard they had fallen. They cried at how sweet the words sounded. They wept for the hard years that cost them dearly and for the revelation and the beauty of the holy words. This moment in time changed them. They knew God’s commands were for their good, to provide them with a healthy community, for justice, for order, and safety.

     One day, I broke down and let out a howl of agony. Alone in my house, I spoke out loud those disappointments, my distress, my failures, and my longings. Then there was a stillness and silence. A calm warmth surrounded me like one of the softest blankets. A sort of change in the atmosphere, and I felt cleansed inside. So to a degree, I understand the reaction of the Jews when, after 900 years of bondage in Babylon, they release unto God their pain and grief over their shortcomings due to their ignorance.

     The story does not end there. Nehemiah, who led them in rebuilding the walls and restoring Jerusalem and the Temple, encouraged the people to eat and enjoy the good food and sweet drinks. Share with those who have nothing. Do not grieve anymore. “For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

     Yes, the joy of the Lord is my strength. I find that I can persevere when I focus on and trust God daily. He is justice. He is goodness. He is my reason to sing. He is my best friend. He is faithful. He knows what is best for me. When I struggle or have a good cry, he doesn't judge me; instead, he loves me unconditionally. No matter what, when I repent, he forgives. I have a future with him, and so do all who believe in Jesus. 

Nehemiah 8:1-10 is the reference for Ezra's reading of the law and Nehemiah's encouragement to eat and rejoice.

The song below by Martin Smith and the band will get you going in the right direction if you ever find yourself in a slump and need reminding that the joy of the Lord is your strength. Click the link below to lift your spirits!

Garment of Praise (London) Martin Smith