Going through my collection of garden paraphernalia I found a pair of matching candle lanterns a friend gave me awhile back. As I wiped off a thick layer of accumulated dust, I saw a crack in the pale yellow glass of one lantern. My first thought was: Too bad, I don’t want a cracked lantern in my garden. Maybe I should give it away and just keep the “good” one. But then I heard the whisper...Aren’t you a little cracked? I haven’t thrown you away. I flash-backed to what now

After two weeks of rain, I was ecstatic when the clouds finally parted and let the sun shine in. Perfect for wandering around the garden, basking in the warmth and enjoying the brightness of it all. Last spring and summer, caterpillars had feasted on the Texas Mountain Laurel planted in front of the Lion of Judah fountain; I was checking its recovery, looking for new growth, when an unusual flash of blue on the Silver Ponyfoot beneath it caught my eye. Wait a minute...blue? S

Something happened in our nation in January 2021 that shook the words out of me. It has somewhat subsided; but, as shakings often do, it left a mark—one I welcome as a friend. I felt up against an impenetrable wall, and, out of heartache and desperation, wordless prayer awakened in my soul. What I saw and heard around me brought me to my knees, and I began to wonder: could love manifested in wordless action be the most powerful and effective prayer? I’ve often wondered how

It’s Sunday morning--sunny, cool, and windy. Pleasant weather for an early walk to the nearby community garden to check on the raised bed I share with a friend. Listening to a psalm, I have a little one-on-one time with God: Grassy meadow next to the community garden in my neighborhood Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

I recently read Listening to God in Times of Choice by Gordon T. Smith. The wisdom it contains is profound, and I’m continually amazed at the deep insight we’ve been given through gifted writers, both now and in times past. Two words in particular stuck with me— consolation and desolation. These are ancient terms with depths of meaning beyond my ability to describe. Spiritual teaching pertaining to these themes is available for those who want to pursue it. My intention is to