During the flood of 1994 our city water supply failed. Tropical Storm Alberto lambasted the panhandle of Florida and then collided with a cold front from Alabama to produce three days of lingering thunderstorms in our area. As a result, our river escaped its banks and swamped the water treatment plant. Cars queued at fire stations for gallon jugs of water, and some of us (me!) washed clothes in three surrounding counties. Shampooing hair and washing hands required extreme conservation. And of course, we all wanted to drink more water than usual. Have you experienced unquenchable thirst when water is…
Tag: jeannie waters
The “Dailyness” of Life
Cicadas are loud, especially when I’m reading on the deck. This morning the shrill notes of their orchestra played fortissimo! Once they distracted me, I heard other sounds—a dog barking in the distance, the hum of the deck ceiling fan, and the songs of two different birds. Although the cicadas were the smallest of the sound generators in my hearing range, they produced the loudest noise! Isn’t that like the problems we face each day? Do you notice that little challenges can cause big irritation? (Those “first world” problems I mean.) The item you ordered isn’t like the picture. You’re…
Celebrate Freedom
My eyes welled with tears Sunday as our church choir, with orchestral accompaniment, sang the service songs of the US military branches during our pre-Fourth of July service. Prior to the “Marine’s Hymn,” a white-haired gentleman in front of us handed his bulletin to his wife and prepared to stand. On the first note, he stood proudly with shoulders thrust back and arms by his side. I couldn’t see his face but imagined his countenance reflected pride, honor, and patriotism. When the choir sang the song for the US Army, I thought of my dad who enlisted as a seventeen-year-old…
Seeking God Requires No Browser
How quickly we can access information and products in 2019! With a browser and a device at our fingertips, we can locate recipes, find steps for a DIY project, retrieve information from the Cloud, or track a threatening storm. We can read a book online or purchase one. Connecting with family, friends, and colleagues is just as easy. Internet access paves the way for face-to-face online meetings, electronic greeting cards, texting, calling, or connecting on social media. Once we desire information or contact, it’s instantly available unless there are technology glitches. What about our search to know God…
Seeking Direction for Today
Why did I check the weather for Black Mountain, North Carolina, a city I visited several weeks ago? Rather than searching for local weather predictions, curiosity led me to a town five hours away. My mind drifts to that place where I fellowshipped with friends at a conference and learned more about writing to honor God. I remember precious people, times, and places. But I can’t “stay” there. Have you savored recollections of a retreat or a special era in your life, basking in the glow of meaningful moments? Reflecting on treasured memories brings joy and perspective. However, if we…