(Written sometime in the summer of 1993, shortly after my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnosis.) I am on a journey, a pilgrimage. I am not entirely sure when it began; I do not know where it will end. Right now, my reality is travel, or travail. For this is not only a physical journey; it is…
Author: Pam R
Suburban Fragrances
In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an…
I Hear a Noise
Here in the Midwest, tornado alarms are tested on the first Tuesday of the month. The people in our house acknowledge and ignore them: just another test. But the cats don’t shrug it off. Awakened from morning naps, heads turn and ears swivel as they search for the source of the noise. Eyes grow large…
Philippians 1: 1-6 (NIV)
Please read these verses in your own Bible or online (Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1%3A+1-6&version=NIV The notes are from my studies. v1 This letter was written from a Roman prison in approximately 61 AD. In the standard greeting of the day, Paul styles himself and Timothy as “servants” (the Greek word means “slaves”). I am much quicker…
Discovery
The bad news: there are ants in my bathroom. The good news: the spiders got them.
Genesis 3: 8-24 NIV
Consequences Please read these verses in your own Bible or online (Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A+8-24&version=NIVThe notes are from my studies. v 8: Apparently they had a regular appointment with God. I imagine they were usually eager to meet him. But not this day. On this day, they hid. (Did they really think they could hide from…
Pruning
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me,…
“Look At Me, Mommy!”
“Look at me, Mommy!” a young voice called. Glancing up from our conversation, my friend and I beheld her young daughter hanging by her knees outside a second floor railing, directly above a concrete basement entry. “Get down from there right now!” The child heard only anger in Cindy’s voice; I heard terror. The girl…
Taught by Experience
It’s raining. It’s pouring. And Missy wants to go out. “Don’t be silly, ” Barry tells her. “You would not like it out there.” But Missy is sure that she would. And she is very sure that she wants to try. She stands by the door, her tail quivering with passion, as she voices her…
Genesis 3: 1-7 (NIV)
The Fall Please read these verses in your own Bible or online (Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A+1-7&version=NIV ). The notes are from my own studies. v 1: The serpent is a subordinate. Later in the Bible he is identified as Satan (“the Adversary” – opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute.) She did not know he was…