Wild Life

May 19, 2026

Today while on our usual walk at the cabin we were almost attacked by a bear. Or at least that’s Terry’s version of the story.

We were almost home after spending some time watching the geese families on the lake. While passing by a thicket of bushes and oak trees Terry suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. Since we walk hand in hand, I also stopped. His eyes intently searched the brush on his side of the gravel road.

“What is it?” I asked in a loud whisper.

“I heard something!”

“Was it that?” I asked as his stomach rumbled again.

“Yes! What is that?!” he asked, cautiously stepping away from the brush, pulling me with him.

“It’s just your belly talking!” I giggled.

Proverbs 15:13, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.”

Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Thank you, Terry, for always protecting me and giving me something to laugh about.

 

The Worst Place

May 15, 2026

Three years ago this week, this was my best friend. . . my only friend. My big cat, Frank.

Three years ago this week, I escaped an abusive relationship.

When this photo was taken that week, I had just received an order from Chewy, his favorite catnip flavored Temptations treats. Frank was always cramming himself into spaces that were too small for him. He didn’t care if he didn’t fit.

It was a really difficult time. . . obtaining the Order of Protection, changing my locks, securing my credit, dealing with the fear that the man who said he loved me would hurt me again.

But Frank stayed close to me, curling up next to me whenever I sat down. Even if there wasn’t room for him. It was as though he knew he couldn’t physically protect me, but he wanted me to know he was there for me.

I was fortunate, I survived.

If you are living in a violent environment,

Call 911 or

Contact https://www.thehotline.org/   Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline 

Or call 1-800-799-SAFE

In St. Louis, contact https://alivestl.org/  ALIVE – Alternatives to Living In Violent Environments

Or call 314-993-2777

Experience and statistics prove that it will most likely not be just a one-time occurrence.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5, 7 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. . .It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

1 John 3:18, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

 

A Time of Healing

May 12, 2026

As we take some time to really rest and decompress, we spent some time in nature yesterday.

I’m learning that it’s okay to just sit and breathe. To appreciate little things like bird songs and little lizards on the porch. To feel the breeze on my skin and hear it whisper in the pine trees.

Psalms 8:3-4, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them?”

Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.”

 

Depression sucks. . . literally sucks the life out of me.

May 9, 2026

 

This bottomless pit of utter despair envelopes me and I cannot imagine a way out.

At this moment, I have found a precarious little ledge I’m resting on. Hoping it holds for just a bit while I gasp for air.

And yet I realize that the dark is still surrounding me.

The pit is still there, waiting to suck me down even further.

And I look up, way up. I see a teeny tiny pinprick of light.

I hear a voice, faint at first but growing louder.

I feel a presence. . . there’s someone there!

I squint, using the last little bit of my energy.

It’s a friend, calling my name!

Tears stream down my face. I collapse in a heap on the ledge, weeping.

Someone heard me.

Someone cares.

 

Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

 

It’s a Celebration!

April 26, 2026

This week Terry and I are celebrating a couple of very special anniversaries, each with their own significance.

Two years ago, we declared our love and commitment to each other in a Promise Ceremony held at the nursing home where my parents resided at the time. It was a small intimate gathering of only a handful of people, and it allowed us to include my parents as we knew they would most likely not physically be able to attend our wedding. My dad passed away just five months later.

And one year ago today, we were married in our church with our closest friends and family surrounding us.

As I look back on these two events and how our relationship has flourished, I can’t help but give God the glory. His immense love for both of us, His impeccable timing in bringing us together, and the amazing way He continues to bless us is all so amazing!

1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Psalm 126:3, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

Thank you, God, for bringing Terry into my life. Amen.

 April 15, 2026

Terry sent this to me two years ago today.

Thank you God, for bringing us together.

Thank you Terry, for continuing to love me!

 

Life Ain’t Easy

April 15, 2026

Although we had planned on being with Mom this week, we’re home instead. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. It’s hard but we just have to accept that we are not in control.

It is my nature to rant and rave when things don’t go as I planned. Especially when I feel like I’m in the wrong place, not doing what I should be doing. . . spending this time with Mom.

But I know she loves me, even if right now she doesn’t always know who I am. And I know she would want me to take care of myself right now. And as soon as I feel better, we will see her again.

My message for you today is to never pass up a chance to say, “I love you”, to hug your loved ones, to be thankful for all the blessings God has provided.

James 4:14, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

Psalms 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

One more thing, always take the time to enjoy the flowers!