Welcome
HE IS THE POTTER, WE ARE THE CLAY
True life stories to encourage and inspire
PROVIDENCE
SOMETIMES IT POURS 12/7/2025
Two months ago, I sold an old car for $2,000. After removing it from the garage and depositing the nice chunk of change into my savings, I felt euphoric. For a little while, that is, until I sideswiped the passenger’s side of my caddy in an effort to avoid hitting the goose! The insurance company paid the entire car repair bill, except for the deductible. Guess how much that turned out to be? Oh, how I whined, but my wise friends shook their heads and told me to be grateful for God’s provision. After a few days of whining, I straightened up, somewhat.
A DIVINE APPOINTMENT
Hubby and I had tried to sell an outdoor burner for a couple of years, but no one seemed interested. After the car incident, I made a huge “For Sale” sign with all the important details and affixed it to the stove. Two weeks passed with no one responding, until a young man called to set up an appointment. When he arrived, he never quibbled over the price, saying their outdoor burner quit working recently and they were heating the house with an open fireplace, which means the house wasn’t warm. He had been pricing a new outdoor burner, “… and new stoves are super expensive these days,” he concluded. I could sense God had arranged the timing of this sale for this man and his family. We talked on. For some reason, I shared that my husband had died earlier in the year. He responded immediately. “My son died two days ago.” At that point, I knew who he was. He went on to tell me a strange story of how he had installed his burner on the day his son was born. On the day the boy died, the bottom of the stove rusted through. I told him I had been praying for his son for a long time. What should I pray for now? After he answered, I marveled at how indescribable the love of God truly is!
Isaiah 41:10 says, Fear thou not; for I am with thee. Be not dismayed; for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Philippians 4:19 tells us, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
traditions
OLDIES BUT GOODIES 11/27/2025
OLDIES BUT GOODIES
After a scrumptious Thanksgiving meal and light fellowship around the table, Mom, my son, Jamie, and I cleared the clutter to begin washing dishes. We discussed serious issues as Mom emptied pots, pans, and serving dishes, I washed the dishes, and J dried. In fact, conversations like the ones we were having led me to love washing dishes in the first place. That’s right! I said, “I LOVE DOING THE DISHES!” As far back as I can remember, Mom and I shared this chore; she always washed, and I dried, until the time in my adult years when I "graduated," and we switched places.
ANOTHER TRADITION
Later the same day, my granddaughter, Jul and I went to the garage to assemble live pine wreaths. The weather had grown frigid, and the concrete floor felt frozen beneath my feet. I found an empty feed sack with a couple of other sacks inside to stand on. Meanwhile, it grew dark, and the newly remodeled garage had no light switch, so we flipped the garage door opener on to get the overheads to work. I’d rush over, turn on the switch, raise the door a few inches, let it back down, and return to my workstation. At first the lights stayed on for 5 minutes or so, but the longer we were out there, the shorter those minates appeared to be! In the end I felt like a yo-yo as I ran back and forth! But I persevered until we finished, for wreath-making is an old tradition at the farm.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
On a much more serious note, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, On the day Jesus was betrayed, He instituted a tradition as a way for us as believers to remember Him until the day when He returns. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread; And when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me.” After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.
NO WORRIES
HEAR YE! HEAR YE! 11/21/2025
Preparations began two weeks ago to “spruce” up the town’s grand 188-year-old McCook House for the holidays. 20 plus resplendent trees and many festive vignettes are waiting for the guest’s perusal. There will be no admittance fee. People will view the house on Thanksgiving weekend and the following weekend. Our busiest hour will be on the first Saturday evening after the Christmas parade. People will stand outside for well over an hour - and if this year is anything like the last – they will enter the Museum, chilled to the bone where tasty cookies, fruit punch, and warmth await them.
BUSY. BUSY. BUSY.
According to the notepad resting on my kitchen counter, the preparations are not yet finished. The child’s train set and a brass floor lamp are still at the farm. Extra extension cords are at the Church. Antique tree ornaments are stored in my basement. The yard behind the museum needs attention. Cookies and punch and… But in the midst of a busy schedule along with non-museum responsibilities, I choose to be blessed not stressed!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Isaiah 40:31 says, But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Amen!
BROTHERLY LOVE
DO UNTO OTHERS
A good friend of mine has been dealing with serious health issues for months. After a fall, an X-ray revealed a more serious situation than the four fractures in her back. A powerful cocktail of chemotherapy was soon introduced into her system. Her world became a whirl of doctors, treatments, hospital stays, and a dependency on others to get her from point A to point B. Thankfully, the treatments are successfully attacking the cancerous cells. On Wednesday, I had the privilege to transport her to an appointment for a back X-ray and follow-up visit with the doctor. The back is completely healed, and the ever-present brace is no longer necessary. Yeah! We celebrated this great prognosis at a nice sit-down restaurant, her first visit to one in four months.
I REMEMBER
It’s been six years since I fell and broke my leg. Friends and family were so uplifting and dear to me during that painful period. I will never forget their kindness. They visited, sent cards, called, dropped off food, and best of all… they prayed for me.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
In Romans 12:10-13, Paul shares, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing diligently in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
god is my refuge
A SONG OF DELIVERANCE 11/1/2025
During morning devotions one day last week, verses in 2 Samuel chapter 22 clearly touched my soul. King David, lying on his deathbed, reminisced and praised God for keeping him safe even when fear overwhelmed him. King David… afraid? The man who, in his youth, killed a lion, a bear, and even Goliath? I fairly shivered when I realized God wanted me to share these verses in my next blog, because I knew He might lead me through a challenge beyond my control this very week, so that I might empathize with David.
WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?
Sunday, my brother, Mike, sat in the driver’s seat of his pick-up truck as I leaned on the open window, making small talk. That is, until he dropped the bombshell. “Dad left at 5 today.” Since it was 1 p.m., my jaw must have dropped an inch or two. “What are you saying?” “He went to the hospital at 5 this morning.” From then until now, Dad has spent a total of 3 nights at the hospital, with one at home in between. We have faced decisions we never anticipated. Mom and I spent half of the week on the road and at the hospital. Our church's prayer chains have been very busy. But he’s home now. God isn’t finished with him yet.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
In 2 SAMUEL 2b - 7, King David says, “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, The God of my rock; in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my savior; Though savest me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies. When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; The sorrows of sheol compassed me about; the snares of death came upon me; In my distress I called upon the LORD, and He did hear my voice out of His temple, and my cry did enter into His ears”. Why did he deliver David? Verse 20 b says, “He delivered me, because He delighted in me.”
GRIEF
TRIGGERS 10/24/2025
Once again, I clean the crumbs of pie dough off the kitchen floor after a marathon baking frenzy. I recall my hubby would cringe everytime he looked downward at the mess I’d made! After all, it was he who had arranged the tongue and groove hickory boards according to their grain and nailed them into place throughout this house and the old house. Memories serve as triggers that bring thoughts of John to mind. Like when I run the vacuum cleaner, which he liked me to do when he wasn’t around, I smile and think of him. Or I look expectantly at his recliner or at the dining room table, or imagine him laughing with me over a silly scene on the TV.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE
The weather was so frigid on the day of his funeral that we were unable to go to the cemetery. So last Saturday, our family, along with a few close friends, met there for a brief military program. John would have loved the service. But mostly I can imagine him laughing at Marshall’s story about the time they removed a diesel engine from a semi (in the dead of winter) and replaced it with a Caterpillar, or Cat for short. Someone’s motor mount calculations were off by one-half of an inch, but they still accomplished the goal. So, if you happen to see a half-inch wrench resting at the base of his gravestone, let it remind you that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Psalms 34:15 &18 say, The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry. The LORD is near unto those who are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
relationships
A MATE OF GOD'S CHOOSING 9/12/2025
They loved their 90th birthday party! Mom looked classy as usual in tan slacks, a chocolate-brown pullover and a string of pearls. My jovial Dad dressed casual in a blue-striped shirt and jeans. 38 people assembled at the farmhouse to celebrate. Photos were snapped when we gathered in the kitchen to sing “Happy Birthday” and to eat a slice of Holstein cake made by my brother’s daughter, Holly. I took my own pictures, and Mom’s wide-open smile nearly made me cry. You see, in planned photographs, her mouth is always closed, but on this day, her joy could not be contained. Did Dad’s adoring glancnces have anything to do with it?
A BIBLE LOVE STORY
It just so happens that my bible reading on the morning of this birthday occasion came from the book of Ruth. A story of God’s leading to bring a woman (Ruth) out of a foreign country to meet and marry a man (Boaz) who was in the line of Christ. Ruth had put her faith in the God of the Jews, and He phenomenally blessed her.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
When Naomi exits the foreign land to return to Israel, her attempt to prevent her widowed daughter-in-law (Ruth) from following fails. Ruth’s devotion is touching, and in part, her words have been used in countless weddings. Ruth 1:16, And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to turn away from following after thee; for where thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God, my God.
THE RAPTURE
AN EVENT 9/5/2025
Paper supplies for serving slices of homemade pie. A canopy in the yard for shade or (perish the thought) protection from a cloudburst! Metal chairs, borrowed from the Church in case we need them. Jugs of bottled water, stored beneath a desk for making lemonade and hot drinks. Reenactors setting up camp tonight or tomorrow morning. Guest speakers perusing notes one more time. Eleven ladies rolling out pie crust tonight and baking those luscious pies mentioned above. Tomorrow’s the big day!
A MUCH MORE IMPORTANT EVENT
According to God’s holy word, the rapture will come without warning. Are we ready? Are we anticipating the event and the thought of being with Jesus for all eternity? Do we have concern for the souls who will not be going to the same place? When they look at us, do they see a reflection of Jesus? Do words of His love issue forth from our lips? Do we love the Lord our God with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds? Are we ready?
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
1 Corinthians 15:52 & 1 Thessalonians 4:16 & 17 reveal, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord;
loving others
"SPECIAL" PEOPLE 8/29/2025
On Tuesday, I attended the calling hours for a dear friend, Anita, who had lived in the same nursing facility where I last worked. Being born with special needs, she was reliant on others to manage her care. She loved listening to Elvis and Pat Boone on her phonograph. She adored roomy, red purses for storing her favorite things, such as pens, paper, cards, envelopes, and money to buy more pens, paper, cards and envelopes. Her lovely smile warmed all of our hearts, but it took a while for her to warm up to new employees. Like me, for instance, when I replaced a good friend of hers who had retired. She probably wondered if I’d be patient and kind? Could she trust me? Those concerns and a wary look were one day replaced with a smile of acceptance. I am grateful for having had her as a friend!
A SERVANT’S HEART
My friend’s mother sold her home, and I offered to help with moving. My first task was to remove family photos from one type of storage container (multiple totes, actually) to replace them with more suitable ones. With great difficulty, I refrained from looking at every picture until I noticed a single-spaced typewritten page, a love story of sorts about a grandniece’s affection toward her Father’s sister, Neva. Now, Neva never knew about deadlines or worried about what to prepare for dinner or how to pay the bills. But in her innocence, she gave a young girl a desire to love and help those who could not help themselves. This special tribute to her aunt was written 20 years ago on the day before she graduated from college with a master’s degree in Special Education. Currently, she teaches young children at a special needs school.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
John 13:4&5 shows us, He (Jesus) riseth from supper, and laid aside His garments, and took a towel, and girded Himself. After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. John 13:12-14 adds, So after He had washed their feet, and had taken His garments, and was (seated) again, He said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye say well; for so I am. If I, then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
BLESSINGS
IN AWE OF HIM 7/11/2025
These days, I am overwhelmed by the blessings our great God has showered upon those who love Him, including me! He welcomes us without reserve, then woos us into a sweet fellowship which is more fulfilling than any other we will ever know. His word is all-powerful, and it clearly outlines what He expects of believers and how we are to be witnesses to those who are not. He is so good to us that we can see Him working in and through our lives every single day, including Wednesday of last week, when Jul and I witnessed a miracle.
THAT PESKY CRITTER!
My granddaughter successfully turned the key to unlock the side door of the garage, but even so, the door wouldn’t budge. After a few tries, she enlisted my aid. We guessed correctly that our “culprit” was a groundhog that had taken up residence in the garage, which lacks a cement floor. The critter dug a tunnel on the other side of the door under the hinges, and loose dirt caused the bottom hinge to spread somewhat. After ramming the door a few times with her hip or mine (we looked ridiculous), we discussed our options. The two garage doors were bolted shut on the inside. We had no options. I finally decided to pray. Immediately after, Jul placed her hand on the door, but before she pushed, the door fell open! We looked at each other incredulously. But we shouldn’t have.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Luke 18:1, Jesus says, And He spoke a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. This verse and a few that follow are about retribution for a persistent widow by a nonbelieving judge, and the passage goes on to say our awesome God will surely avenge the elect because of their persistent prayers. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to, Pray without ceasing.
NEW GOALS
"YOU HAVE TO CHANGE" 1/3/2025
Right or wrong, we are alwaysresponsible for reacting in a Christian manner, no matter what. God holds us accountable to a high standard – the life lived by our dear Savior. A long time ago, at the insistence of a close friend, I had to face the facts. Hubby and I were not getting along and if nothing changed, we would remain unhappy forever. I prayed earnestly for a long time until one evening on my way home from work I implored God one more time to intervene. Then something miraculous happened! In an audible man’s soft voice from the direction of the empty seat beside me, I heard the words, “You have to change.” “What do you mean, I have to change?” I retorted with irritation, listing a couple of Hubby’s faults for good measure. When I paused, the voice restated what it said before, “You have to change.” My thoughts? This is either an angel or the Son of God speaking to me! Pay attention! Suddenly I recalled a kind act Hubby did for me every morning and an uncharacteristic softness stole into my heart. Thirty years later, it is still there.
GREAT ADVICE
Today the memory of that night came to light when I considered the three goals I made for myself for the new year: to be less critical, be a better wife, and humble myself before the Lord. “You have to change.” The words once turned my life around, and if I apply them to other circumstances today, who knows what will be the outcome? After all, I can use some tweaking!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY? I always believed those words would not be audible to anyone else in the car, had I not been alone. In Acts 22:7-9 we read in part about Paul’s conversion. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, “Saul, Saul, why persecutes thou me?” And I answered, “Who art Thou, Lord?” And he said unto me, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.” And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of Him that spoke to me.
DESPAIR
PART TWO OF "YOU HAVE TO CHANGE" 1/10/2025
Last week I shared a personal story about how the Lord miraculously intervened to heal my broken marriage. He could have chosen a different method, like conviction through His powerful word or directing us to the right godly counsellor. Why a miracle? I don’t know. It was His choice. A valuable lesson I learned that night is that I am not responsible for the behavior of others, only my own. In short, we can’t fix them we can only fix us. But the good news is, when we change, they change too.
SPECIAL MUSIC
My favorite place to practice singing is in the basement. I set my CD player on the chest freezer, like it’s my desk, and plug in the cord before setting CDs in an array in front of me. (CD’s? I know. I’m old school.) I start by singing with the artist until I can remember the prompts and go it alone. This reminds me not to handle anything alone without first seeking the original Artist’s help. I love these lines from Lauren Daigle’s song, Trust in You. “I’ve tried to win this war I confess, My hands are weary I need your rest, Mighty Warrior King of the fight, No matter what I face You’re by my side.”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Psalms 145:18&19 tells us, The LORD is near unto all those who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will save them.
MARRIAGE
PART THREE OF "YOU HAVE TO CHANGE" 3/14/2025
Someday I planned to write about the miracle God used to heal my marriage, but the truth was, I didn’t want to hurt or embarrass the other person involved, John. But God. God knew how badly I wanted to share my husband’s and my story, so on the second Friday in January, when I settled down to write this weekly blog, out of the blue, a strong impression changed my mind about the subject matter I planned to use. Now, I must add that at this time I had no idea my husband would be passing away in less than a week! There were no signs of decline – although he was a bit depressed about leaving the Cardiac Therapy class he attended for a few weeks. What we hoped would strengthen his heart had to be discontinued because his blood pressure wouldn’t cooperate. Once I finished writing the blog I asked John to read it and to give me his honest opinion. His face showed no expression until the very end when he smiled, and advised, “Yes. Go ahead and use it.”
A NIGHT OUT
Twenty-seven years earlier, two months after the marriage miracle, we were returning home from a “date night.” Sitting as close to each other as humanly possible, we were sublimely happy. However, John knew nothing about the miracle as yet. I asked, “Have you noticed a difference in our relationship?” “You bet I have! What happened?” My reply? “God gave me the kind of love for you, that I should have already had.” I filled him in on all the details (a few I did not share here). When I finished, he cried. He knew everything I said was true because of the change in me.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Genesis 2:24 says, Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh. (Like being glued together). Ephesians 5:33 adds, Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife, see that she reverence her husband.
GRIEVING
WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE? 2/28/2025
Will we sit at the feet of Jesus, see his nail-pierced hands and feet, and watch His shining face when He speaks of the kingdom to come? Do we eat food because we want to and not because we have to? Do we need any sleep at all? Will the angels sing? Will we?
GRIEF IS A PROCESS
Looking back these six weeks to the days when l first lost John, I must admit, after the shock of his passing, my thoughts raced to list all the things we could no longer do together, like plant a garden, work in the yard, watch movies, go thrifting or out to eat or hang out with family and friends. Poor, pitiful me, I thought, the one left behind picks up the pieces, alone. After these self-centered moments passed, I stared at the places in the house where he normally could be found. Although he wasn’t present anymore, I could conjure up a mental picture of him at the drop of a hat, and I did. I wanted to share my thoughts with him about this or that and found myself doing so, often. Most recently though, I am finally connecting the dots, considering his lengthy hospital stays (which he hated) and the painful issues he suffered in between. It’s over now, dear one. Rest easy.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
In I Thessalonians 5:17&18, Paul advises, Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. In EVERYTHING give thanks. Even while grieving.
I HAVE LOST HIM TO A BETTER PLACE 1/17/2026
This is not my typical blog, but a declaration of love to the man I married 51 years ago and lost yesterday. He was the love of my life. We hung out in next to new shops, antique stores, and flea markets. John loved to grocery shop until he dropped and I would go along for the ride. We enjoyed worshipping with our friends at the Carrollton Bible Chapel for 45 years, where his humor is legendary. He will be missed by his friends, family, and facebook followers for his satirical wit. I look forward to seeing him again on the "other side." His faith in Jesus was the only ticket necessary to go there.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved," Acts 16:31
faith
NEVER FEAR, ONLY TRUST AND OBEY 4/23/2021
Our 3 year old great-granddaughter, Oaklynn, and my husband share a special bond they developed when he babysat her as an infant and toddler while Mommy worked. This bit of information will be detrimental as you continue reading, so please keep it in mind.
TOOTHPASTE DILEMMA
While Oakey and I were brushing our teeth, somehow or another, toothpaste got into her eye. Oh - how she wailed! It would be futile to try to rinse the offending goo out with water, so I grabbed the Visine out of the medicine cabinet. "These drops will help." "No-o-o!" she wailed on. John's voice came to us in a clear and unworried tone. "Why don't you come here and let my magic hanky take care of it?" (His what?!) She rushed to his side, weeping less, as he explained calmly how the magic hanky would immediately draw out the pain. She laid down, and he covered her eye with the cloth but a moment, pulled it away with a flourish, and asked, "Does it hurt anymore?" Joyfully she replied, "No!" Although he never tried this before, Oakey trusted him so completely, the ruse worked! A verse from an old hymn reminds me about this kind of devotion.
Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet
Or we'll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
If we trust in God the way Oakey trusts in Grandpa, the peace mentioned in Philippians 4:1-7 will be ours! In Psalms 37:3-5 we see how this actually transpires.
1st, TRUST in the Lord and do good, so shall thou live in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 2nd, DELIGHT thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
3rd, COMMIT thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.