by Carole Duff | Jul 24, 2023 | Faith, Family, Writing and Reading |
Before waking, I dream about being part of a team tasked to visit a rich family who say they want to help a poor community. It soon becomes apparent that the family only wants to show off their wealth, especially the dad, and gain prestige, especially the mom, while...
by Carole Duff | Jul 10, 2023 | Faith, Writing and Reading |
I am not a person of sudden, unreflective impulse, except when my granddaughter or other children are in danger. Then instinct kicks in. I am a person of impulse or impetus when there are positive motivating forces, such as joy, inspiration, and hope. Verna Kast, a...
by Carole Duff | Jun 26, 2023 | Faith, Nature, Writing and Reading |
I aspire to be a good gardener, growing herbs, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and flowers—but often fall short. Plants die or out-compete others, are overtaken by weeds, and suffer from heat, cold, lack of rain or too much. Although the forces of nature are out of our...
by Carole Duff | Jun 19, 2023 | Faith, Nature, Writing and Reading |
We’ve had a lot of sunshine for the past several weeks here at Vanaprastha. Though the days have been pleasant, we pray for rain. Metaphorically speaking, it might seem strange to wish for something that can cause gloom or pour down destruction. But without the grace...
by Carole Duff | Jun 5, 2023 | Faith, Nature, Writing and Reading |
A quick glance at the pictures our landscaper sent, and I knew I’d be moving wood for at least a month. One log per day. Chores are not quick The logs were from a tree that went down over the trail up the mountain behind our house and from trees that were also in...
by Carole Duff | Apr 17, 2023 | Faith, Writing and Reading |
It’s not difficult to realize—to become fully aware of the fact—that the Lord is causing something desired or anticipated to happen. Last week’s manifestations have spread to cranberry viburnum, fleabane, and phlox. Seeing trees and flowers realize their true selves...