There’s a danger in going back to visit a place you’ve grown up in–a chance for your psyche to experience a bit of a jolt when what you remember doesn’t line up with reality.Actually, much of life is like that.My husband and I recently returned from an 8-day trip to California, the majority of the time in Southern California where I was born and raised, … Continue reading When You Can’t see the Trees
We’ve been informed we are flying at 29,000 feet (approximately) above the face of the Earth, suspended (how? by speed, lift and whatnot) like a moving planet jettisoned in a line moving at the speed of sound (light?). Refreshments are served, secured with invisible payments traveling via plastic and magnets swiped by staff standing still as we travel at 575 miles per hour (approximately). My snack appears … Continue reading Miracle
July 14th is Bastille Day, the French National Day commemorating the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789. (I believe the folks mark the occasion with fireworks.)One hundred eighty four years later, in l973, my husband and I were married. There are still a few fireworks.That was forty-two years ago; by God’s grace alone (and my husband’s persistence and loyalty) we are still married. I wrote … Continue reading When You’re in it for the Long Haul
Doors are like plans. . Sometimes people hold a door open for you when your hands (your life) are full. You also use them to leave and head out into the world. Doors open/close, open/close–traffic comes and goes, we come and go in and out to find pasture. Sometimes they are closed for a reason (it’s just not time). Sometimes there is more than … Continue reading Doors–A Metaphor
Simple Gifts ‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free ‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the place just right, ‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gained, To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed, To turn, turn will be our delight, … Continue reading By Turning, Turning we Come ‘Round Right
The family of goldfinches crest over the roof above my head. Their -V- of flight dismantles as they land branch by branch in the green, bright yellow coloring invisible to my eye.Morning has begun.The world wakes up and it is always the birds’ job to tell me so, messengers flinging notes aloft–I catch their song, hear them say, “He’s here, He’s here, He’s here.”How high … Continue reading When Your God is too Small
We raised our hands and voices again this morning in worship, singing of grace being an ocean…and if it is, we’re all sinking. Then Heaven met earth like a sloppy, wet kiss. And well, after that line in the song, it took me awhile to get my spirit and soul focused on Jesus again. I always think about a cocker spaniel puppy when we sing … Continue reading Grace Isn’t Cheap But It’s Free
My husband and I are embarking on another season of Home Improvements in the Collins Household. We’ve lived here for over 20 years; the house was built in 1979–the maintenance and care are ongoing.The other night we were calculating dimensions of the opening for a new sidelight to go next to our front door. I was to be the recorder while my husband called out … Continue reading The Hurrier I go, the Behind-er I Get
*photo credit There’s a bit of an imperfect storm in my head with several thoughts converging–conversations, blogposts, books I’ve read; bits and pieces I’ll attempt to put together. This is a longish post and I’ve borrowed some words from my daughter (she said I could). Here’s my story, wrapped around hers. ~~~~~~~~~Standing at the sink, rinsing away the softened peels of still-hot beets, the maroon swirls drain … Continue reading Rethinking Church
Golden Gardens Seattle j.l. collins Seattle view j.l. collins A soaring wide-winged bird circles the lemon colored trees on the horizon.My eyes are drawn to the sight of flat-bottomed clouds stacked in the far off blue sky.I’d much rather swoon over the bursting expanse of creation in my view, but paying attention to the road as the asphalt blurs by me like so … Continue reading My Favorite Season