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the girl on the corner…

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“For there is nothing lost, but may be found, if sought… ”

She stood there, in the heat of the afternoon, at the corner of a busy intersection near Wal Mart.  I watched her briefly from my air-conditioned car.  Hair pulled back, shirt damp, backpack resting at her feet.  Her sign said, “broke, need food, anything helps.”  I couldn’t look too closely without my heart aching for this lost soul.  She was someone’s daughter.  At some point in her life she belonged to someone, belonged somewhere.

How did she end up here?  Is someone searching for her now?

Those are questions that went through my mind as I waited for the light to change.  I don’t know her personal situation, but I’m sure it is similar to mine.  Okay, I wasn’t literally out on the corner near the Wal Mart. Thankfully, no.  But the road I chose, many years ago, led me far from home.  I had wandered off for a while and found myself wondering, “How did I end up here?”

I’ve thought about that young girl on the corner  many times today.  Wondering, will she be found?  Will He find her?  and there is no possible way that I can know the answers.  But I’ll tell you what I do know.

I’ve been found…

from John, the parable of the lost sheep…

10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.
12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Long ago, when I left the fold, the Shepherd mounted a search for me.  I was standing on the corner and He scooped me up in his arms and brought me home.  And, even when I didn’t know I needed it, he rescued me.    It is what He intends to do for any of His own sheep who go astray.  It is what He promises He will do.

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sonnet 116

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Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixèd mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.
Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle’s compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

I heard these words this afternoon while I was working out on my elliptical machine.  Yep.  I was working out and watching Sense and Sensibility.  It is hard to imagine, but this movie keeps me moving and the time flying.  But I always have to stop and take in sonnet 116 when Marianne reads it out loud.

My heart fluttered.  Not from the workout. She finished reading, and I kept on moving, invigorated.  Why?  I know I am loved.  It is still astonishing to me, how well my husband loves me.  Through thick and thin.

Particularly, my thick and thin- which is why I was on the elliptical in the first place.  I have had three children now, and recently decided it was time.  Time to get rid of the extra pounds.  Time to get back in shape and try to keep up with my family.  But, my decision was not out of fear of judgement or ridicule.  No, my husband has loved me in spite of it all.  I have given plenty of reasons for him to change his mind, I assure you.  But, his love for me seems to be an ever-fixed mark. It is an earthly love, imperfect in some ways, but similar to the description in the sonnet…

If I think about the poetry by Shakespeare for long, I am reminded that it is a picture of God’s love.  A heavenly, perfect love.  It is unchanging over time.  It cannot be shaken mid storms; it cannot be removed.  His love cannot fail.  All are amazing, but true statements.

love, described in Song of Solomon 8:

6 Set me as a seal upon your heart,
As a seal upon your arm;
For love isas strong as death,
Jealousy as cruel as the grave;
Its flames are flames of fire,
A most vehement flame.
7 Many waters cannot quench love,
Nor can the floods drown it.

This love that is unquenchable, is hard to understand.  It is difficult to comprehend, until the knowledge is mixed with experience. It seems I find myself at the edge of the vast ocean of His love with just my fingertips dipped in. But, it is here, on the brink that I am coming to know this love.  It is the love of a Heavenly Father who loves regardless of my actions, who forgives again and again and continually draws me to Himself.

my heart flutters again.

friends and loved ones

fireworks hopes and hot dog dreams

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My children sat staring out the living room window, watching the Friday afternoon rain.  Disappointment flooded our home with tears and words of frustration.  “Why is it raining? ” Emily cried.  “I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”  And she had.  We all had.

My heart sank along with our hopes and dreams for a bit of fun…

Friday night we were scheduled to go to the Lookouts’ baseball game, but it was more special than that.  We were supposed to use Unum’s box seats – one of the fun perks from Michael’s job with Unum.  And – there were fireworks on the calendar. Not to mention there were hot dogs to be eaten, which I personally love, but only at a ball game.  Our whole family had been looking forward to the fun.

While Emily and Isaac sat on the couch, watching the droplets run down the window pane, I went back to my room.  And I began to pray as any praying mother would do.  I told the Lord that my children were so frustrated and that they really needed to go to this baseball game tonight, could He please just blow these clouds of rain on through to North Carolina or something?

And He did.

The storm  moved on through and we went to the game.   It was slightly overcast, breezy and a cool 72.  Usually when we go to the Lookouts games it is hot, in the 90’s and sticky, with so much humidity that we don’t manage to stay to the end of the game.  This time we made it all the way to the end of the game and watched the winning pitch.  Yes, miracle of miracles – the Lookouts won, much to my daughter’s pleasure.

As we sat in our box seats, our tummies full of popcorn, peanuts and hotdogs, the fireworks that we had been anticipating began to explode.   I took just a few moments to reflect as they popped and sizzled.  Bombastically they were proclaiming God’s greatness to me again, in a new and refreshing way.  These fireworks were a picture of His love for me – bold, bright and larger than life.

God, my Heavenly Father, in His great love and mercy had allowed the rain; the cool front that it brought eventually created the perfect evening for our family.  Even when we thought all was lost, He was orchestrating His plan for our very best.   Circumstances do not control His ways – Each tiny detail of my life is subject to His will and His direction. Friday night, He knew that our family needed to experience His love and affection, at a great ball game, eating a few hotdogs, and watching some beautiful fireworks.  I thought it was just for my children – but it was truly a wonderful evening that all five of us needed.

How many times will I need Him to demonstrate His love for me? Again and again, until eternity begins. Thankfully, He is prepared to love me forever.  It is this reality that keeps all of the hopes and dreams, for me and my little family afloat.

Here are words from the middle verse of one of my favorite worship songs:

Oh how great Thy loving kindness, vaster, broader than the sea.  

Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness lavished all on me.  

Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved, know what wealth of grace is Thine, 

Know Thy certainty of promise and have made it mine.

Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art,

I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.  

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

Good Night, Sleep Tight…

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(originally written february 19, 2010)

I have a vivid memory from my childhood. Its front and center, like it could have happened last night. Its evening – my sister and I are pajama clad, teeth brushed, cuddled up in our beds – waiting. The master of ceremonies if you will has yet to arrive and perform our bedtime routine. Finally my dad arrives for kisses, hugs and prayers. My sister says – “Snuggle me daddy.” And he does – he kneels down beside the bed and holds her close. He gets up to leave and I call out, “Daddy, snuggle me too!” And as he kneels down and puts his arms around me, he’s barely hit his knees when I say, “Okay daddy that’s good. I’m done now.”

It was just last night.

Since then we have relived that moment, my dad and I. And we chuckle over it. I’m not a snuggly person at all, really. I’m hot, I’m bothered, I’m distracted. I just don’t have it in me. And that’s what makes what I’m about to share a bit unusual.

I’m a mom now – I’m the one giving out kisses, hugging necks and snuggling my children before bed. And I rarely say no when asked – even if we’re on the third round of snuggles, I can always find a reason for one more when they ask. And I can’t tell you how often I push away the thought that all too soon my children will no longer make these requests.

But it happened. My sweet Isaac was ready for bed. I went in for good nights and he said it. As I hugged him, his words were, even at age 3, were swift and to the point. “Okay mommy, that’s good. thank you. night night.” That’s it? Yep – he was done. I left slightly deflated. And I did not chuckle. not at all.

I’m so sorry dad. I had no idea until tonight.

None of this changes the fact that I will give out, without question, any hugs, or kisses or snuggles to my children on request. Because I love them.

I find it comforting to know that in spite of how often I push my Heavenly Father away, he doesn’t leave. He is there to hold me in life’s up and downs – and He loves me without reservation. He is a far better parent than I could ever be – with unlimited affection just for me.

Matthew 7:11 – If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

I hadn’t thought about this verse from this perspective before. I love you, My heavenly Father. Thank you for snuggling me a bit longer tonight. I really needed it.   Good night.

md

in my kitchen · who knows?

don’t be afraid to flash it…

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Nourished kitchen.  That’s where I found myself  today.  It is a food and cooking/ health and wellness sort of website that gives lots of  tips and pointers for the kitchen.  I like that kind of thing.  I really do.  So, I read.

Today was a competition for viewers. Specifically there were photos submitted of the interiors of peoples’ refrigerators. The competition was called “Flash Your Fridge” rewarding people for the beautiful insides of their ice boxes, all sparkly clean and tidy.  And oh my – it was stunning.  You have never seen such spotless, sterile, but used refrigerators.  Mine has not looked like that since, well since the day we purchased it.

At any rate, in the pictures, they were bright white inside.  Not a drop or stain in sight.  Neatly stacked, color coded containers, with pretty and colorful looking left overs inside them, heavenly- fresh produce in the crisper drawers and drinks in matching dispensers and bottles.  Unreal.  My frigidaire looks nothing like those pictures I saw today.

Typically my appliance looks like organized chaos – probably an all too realistic picture of my life these days.  It is a complicated maze of  sippy cups, takeout containers containing  leftovers and mismatched rubbermaid containers and lids.  But, it is not dirty;  I promise it is not a harbor for mold or other grossness. (It is here, at this point that I would love to share a story about moldy pudding that my mom found at the back of the fridge when I was in grade two…  it had green fuzz.  But I will save that anecdote for another time.)

I would never, ever in a million years “flash my fridge” for the whole world wide web to see. Not ever.

As I skimmed through the pictures, my heart began race.  I actually became flushed and embarrassed at the thought of exposing my fridge’s insides.  Why can’t my insides look like everyone else’s?  When the question is applied to my situation regarding my kitchen appliances it sounds silly.  But, really, it is a question I ask a lot about myself, a creation of God’s own hand.   Regularly I wish away my own uniqueness.

I know that there are a lot of things that God is changing in me.  He is at work in my life and I feel it daily. However, there are also things about me that He loves, that He created especially when He made me:  my sense of humor, my likes and dislikes, my personality, my abilities, my very heart and soul. Even though I’ve been told the truth my whole life, so often these are the parts of me that I am quick to try to hide.  I am prepared to keep the doors closed to my heart so that people won’t see who I really am. Trying to be like everyone else, or to hide who I really am is so difficult and ultimately futile….

from the Message, Psalm 139:

13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.

God’s Word is clear; He made me.  I am a beautiful creation, specifically designed to be unlike anyone else. This thought is so refreshing to me.  What a relief! I don’t have to be ashamed.  I am who He wanted me to be. With this knowledge I can live bravely, calmly and more sure of myself, which is what I believe He intended all along.

friends and loved ones

just one thing, mom, just one…

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This is the dinner time mantra chanted by my little boy, Isaac.  “I just want one thing, mommy, just one!”  He’s not specific about what he wants.  But, he’s confident of this:  there should be only one item on his plate.  He can make it through dinner if he only has to focus on one food.

Now, I am a good cook.  I’m not boasting or anything, I just do pretty well in the kitchen.  So, in my head it doesn’t make sense.  He should be able to enjoy whatever I’m putting on his plate.  I try to make it healthy and balanced, veggies, meats; a variety of yummy things.  The process of mealtime shouldn’t be so daunting, but it is for him.

In my mind I don’t understand his request for “just one thing….”

But my heart doesn’t blame him one little bit.  I find myself making the same request.   Recently,  I have found myself amid different trials… all at once.   I won’t go into details here, but complications have come up. Things aren’t going quite the way I planned.  Some are big and seem life changing, some are little, the result minute ; altogether they add up to overwhelming frustration and confusion.  Peace is nowhere to be found.

And I said to my Heavenly Father: “Why can’t we just do these one at a time?  I can trust You much more easily, when it is one thing at a time.”

But He spoke to my heart and said, “My grace is sufficient in your weakness…  If trusting me is easy for you to do “one thing at a time”, you aren’t weak… and that means you aren’t applying my grace to your heart. I don’t want you to overcome on your own.  I want you to experience the joy of my salvation: the widespread, fully consuming relief that comes with my provision and my mercy.”

The scripture memory work I’ve started this summer with a friend, is old to me, but brand new as I think about it…  It’s plural.  Not just one…

James 1: 2-4

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have itsperfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

If I truly desire to be more like Him, I’m going to have to do it on His plan.  I can’t request for Him to mold me as He chooses, and then ask for Him to do it my way, “one thing at a time.”   He knows how to prepare what is very best for me.  The good news is: His will is to produce patience through faith. and He has promised to be my strength in the middle of weakness.

Then, and only then, will I experience the promise from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Heavenly Father,  No matter what you serve up, let me focus on you, rather than my plate.  Help me to draw on the strength that You supply.  I don’t want to be self-sufficient – I want to find all that I need in You.  Thank you for the trials and for drawing me close, even when I’m asking you for the opposite.  amen.

And, as I say to my sweet little boy at dinner, “one is just not enough…”  I hope the two of us can learn this truth together!

friends and loved ones

the new riding mower

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Time is not on my side.  This is the reality that has settled in since Sunday afternoon.  It is not my friend – there will be no alliances formed.  What brought this to my attention?  It was the riding lawn mower.

My father-in-law recently purchased a brand new (to him) beautiful bright orange Husqvarna mower. We spent Sunday afternoon with them recently and he brought it out to show us.  And he said the words I dreaded hearing, “Emily, would you like to drive?”

Say what?

And it happened.  Instructions were given, she hopped up eagerly into the driver’s seat and was off – maneuvering around the yard, with a big grin across her face. However, I had to work up a smile.  I managed to snap a few pictures,  all the while feeling just a bit light headed.

My oldest, still my baby, was driving.  Let’s be clear : she will always be my baby.

But, watching her, sitting proudly, steering the mower, I realized something.  She is not little anymore.  She is a budding, beautiful, young lady, almost 10 years old.  I don’t think it had really dawned on me this way before.

ALMOST TEN YEARS OLD.

Where has the time gone?  I just don’t know.  Honestly.  I feel like she was just born a few months ago.  I like to think that I have used the hours and days wisely that the Heavenly Father has given us – but when moments of this magnitude sink in, I begin to wonder.  Have I done what I need to do? More importantly, have I, as Emily’s mother, done what He wants me to do?

These questions have brought me to a new place.  I know there is limited time left – none to waste. And so, I’ve been asking Him even more pertinent questions.   Lord, what do you want me to do as Emily’s mother? How can I fulfill this calling?   All that I have heard Him whisper in my ears is this:  “Teach her to love me.  Show her how to do what is right.”

Oh, is that all?

Well, that seems like an impossible task to me.  But, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and the fruit that He is growing in my own life, it is not totally a loss.  As I live my life in front of her, it is my prayer that she will see how to follow Him.  I don’t even remotely think I’m good at it – but it is a day by day consistent persevering.

Ecclesiastes 3: 11-12 says something encouraging for my heart today:

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.  12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 

As I use each day, one at a time, I know that I can not lose time because He has ordained my days with this precious girl.  I can be sure that as I continue in love, just being her mama- we will have just the right amount of days and weeks together.  Time may not be on my side, but thankfully the God of this Universe is!

It is my prayer that she will be beautiful in His time. and, I believe it’s happening, even if it’s when she’s riding a lawn mower!

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

firefly summer

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At the age of nine, I had one of the most memorable summers of my life.  I can still remember how it felt, staying with my grandparents for a few weeks in Ottumwa, Iowa.  Hot, humid, hazy days gave way to only slightly cooler evenings.  The sunsets were deeply golden and purple, so much so that I, a nine year old little person wondered if the sky was permanently dyed through and through, never returning to the old faithful shades of blue.  You might catch a lightening storm in the distance, always a dazzling display no matter how regularly it occurred.

And then there were the fireflies.

Sitting outside on the davenport, (that was what my great grandmother (GG) called the rocking couch that was on the porch) we would watch quietly, waiting for that first flicker.  And there it was, one, two, three and another and another, their lights gently, lazily blinking when they felt like it; never on cue.  The discovery was followed by my sister, my cousins and I clammering around, begging GG for a jar, so that we could catch a few.

Nothing so simple, yet so satisfying can compare to those beautiful summer evenings, surrounded by God’s beauty and my loved ones.   The memory of it even now brings a unique peace and contentment to my heart, which is a good thing.  I find I’m in need of a firefly summer.

At nine, I didn’t remember thinking I was missing anything.  No pools or beaches, except maybe one or two trips to the city pool.  No shopping sprees for new toys or a new summer wardrobe.  Although, I did earn a Pretty in Pink Barbie Doll for completing all of my chores during the month long visit to my GG’s house.  Funny how that summer, with its simple means,  is the one that lives on in my memory.

I’m rehearsing all of this because today I find myself in a state of disappointment.  I was feeling disgraceful as a parent because this summer we will not be providing for our children a pool membership, a summer camp experience, the coolest new summer gear from Target or anything else that might be expected.  Acknowledging this reality put me in a funk.

So, I slinked around the house pouting for a while, doing the dishes, doing the laundry.  Even as the day rolled along, I heard Him saying it.  two simple words. He whispered it first in the laundry room. Later He said it while I was picking up some of Mackenzie’s toys.  He clearly reminded me again while I was making dinner preparations.   When we ran a few errands,  His words seemed to waft into the van on a breeze through my sun roof.   “Be content.”

It seems easier these days, at thirty five to notice the “haves” and “have-nots.”  Being content never seems to be the first thing to cross my mind.

How well He knows that He needs to ask me the hard questions, “Why can’t you live like it is a firefly summer all over again?  Why can’t you find joy here, in the simple things- in the gifts I’ve given you?”

As I stopped to consider, I found this one thing to be true:  I had forgotten the real source of my joy, my contentment.  Its not my stuff.  Its not my children or my husband.  Its not my work.

It is my Redeemer.

Not long ago my sweet daughter gave me a blank coffee mug, with a pen that I could use to decorate it, and then bake on the design.  She made a suggestion that I put one of my favorite scripture verses on the mug and I followed her smart advice.  Standing there in my kitchen today, holding my work of art, I stared at my mug.  and this is what I saw:

“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You, I whom you have redeemed.”  Psalm 71:23

I am able to find real peace and joy when I dwell on The One who has redeemed me.  From this place of rest, true contentment settles in and all of my cares and worries drift away.  I can enjoy the simplicity of the season, God’s best gifts to me: my loved ones and His creation.  especially the fireflies.

who knows?

sand

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There’s a rekindled love in my heart for the beach.  I’ve been sitting, toes and fingers submerged in the sand.  It is the loveliest kind of exfoliator, gently rubbing away the rough places.  As I sat in the sun today, digging my digits deeper and deeper I felt a sort of energy…  The sand, thick and dark was almost vibrating, a living and breathing organism.

This vacation has come at just the right time for me.  I have been looking forward to the much needed moments of quiet and space.  Pressure has been brought to bare for me in some of the most uncomfortable ways and I find myself searching, looking for answers to questions.  How often will I ask him,  “Lord, is this it?  Because this is the hard road and everyone else seems to be on a completely different path…”

So, it was in this frame of mind, I sat in the middle of my natural spa treatment.  I began to think about sand, this natural wonder, created by God,  and how it is infinite… grain by grain it can not be counted.  And, more specifically, it is the symbol of a promise made by God.

Genesis 22 recounts the story of Abraham and his son Isaac’s journey to Mount Moriah.   It was on this trip that God asked Abraham to offer his only son as a sacrifice.  Talk about pressure being brought to bear… and there they were at the intersection of trust and self preservation…  Which way is best?

I can only identify with Abraham in the very smallest of ways.  By comparison God is asking me to trust Him in such tiny baby steps…  He hasn’t asked me to give up anything of significance.  He’s asking me to live sacrificially in one way.  just one.  and still, I consider my own desires.

The rehabilitation of the sand in this Genesis story, softens and renews my heart as I remember the ending.   Abraham put Isaac on the altar and as he set about to obey God, another animal became apparent and Abraham did not have to sacrifice his only child.  Then the angel of the Lord relays these words to Abraham:

16 “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

In a nutshell, God promised blessings to Abraham.  And not just a few: the blessings would be innumerable, like the sand on the seashore because of his choice to obey, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Blessed because of obedience.  These words are working, gently sanding away the rough places of doubt and indecision in my heart.  There truly is blessing when I choose to obey.    How these covenant words have life and breath all their own, whispering hope at a time when I need to hear them most.

Thank you Heavenly Father for these promises You have given us in Your Word.  Soften my heart and my mind; mold me with sand or whatever You choose…  May Your will be done.  amen.

friends and loved ones

scout

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Scout, the turtle lives in the woods behind my in-laws home. The creek in the woods has been his home for quite some time now.  But once in a while, he comes up into the yard, probably once or twice a summer, and hangs out with Emily. He is a beloved animal; fiercely loved by my sweet girl.

On his most recent visit, over Memorial Day weekend,  Emily put him into a cage.  She tried to feed him and give him water.  But, he did not eat or drink. Rather, he made effort to escape.  It was devastating for Em; she had big plans for Scout, most of which did not involve letting him go back down to the creek in the woods.

We had an interesting conversation on the way home from grandaddy’s house, where we had left Scout in the cage.  Our talking was laced with tears and sadness.  I asked her if she thought she should let Scout head back home.  She wasn’t sure.  What if something happened to him?  What if another animal attacked him?  What if he couldn’t find food to eat?

I couldn’t press her too hard…I have my own issues with letting go of my own beloveds, my three precious children. Tightly I hold on, as if they belong to me.   I talk it  over with my Heavenly Father regularly because my questions are similar to Emily’s…

But, what if something happens to them?  What if they are in danger?  What if they can’t survive on their own?  What if there is no one to bake them brownies?  and my questions sound ridiculous, but, surely no one can care for them as well as I do, right?

wrong.  so wrong.

Well, Emily and I have come a long way.  Together we prayed over all of it.  We talked about how God created Scout and that He can care for Scout far better than she can.  As she acknowledged these truths, I had to come to grips with my own reality. After all, it is only a matter of time.  My children will not be caged here at home forever.  As their estimated time of departure approaches, all too rapidly, only these truths can comfort me:  The creator of the universe, designed and knows my children far better than I do.   Anyone with designs for their harm, He can disarm.  And, all that they need His hand is able to provide.

Job 12:7-10 says this:

7 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish in the sea inform you.
9 Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
10 In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.

Thank you Heavenly Father that the whole creation is yours and that you promise to care for each one of us.  Help me to live settled in the palm of Your hand.  Give me the grace to remember and trust that You alone are able to care for those I hold dear.  amen.

PS:  Scout is a free turtle.  He has most likely returned to his home, down in the woods.  We like to think he’ll be back for another visit soon.