The Joy of Pruning

Thankfully, we have 2 citrus trees in our tiny yard. And they provide us with the best (in our opinion) oranges and pink grapefruits, in season. We eat, and juice, and spritz, and savor until we’ve had our fill. The harvest is plentiful beyond our capacity to consume and so we give away to all … Continue reading The Joy of Pruning

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Suntanned Feet Man “I like to walk barefoot.” Randy Brittain Everyone in our neighborhood wants to know why he walks barefoot. When we lived in Georgia our neighbors wanted to know why he walked barefoot. It’s a conversation starter for sure. And there are plenty of ways to answer that one question. He simply likes … Continue reading Page 11:

Water for your ashes

It would be easy right now to succumb to the ugly, angry and violent images on screens everywhere spewing so much noise of impending doom and gloom. But I resist. I choose to turn away from screens to take in what is natural and created. Beauty is everywhere. The sounds of birds fill the air … Continue reading Water for your ashes

Jesus Likes Realists

”So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”“‭‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ … Continue reading Jesus Likes Realists

Shame Doesn’t Look Good On You

🎶 Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the Light of His glory and grace. 🎶 Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, a hymn written by Helen Lemmel Psalm 34 steps in to teach and to validate the same lesson as we … Continue reading Shame Doesn’t Look Good On You

Spoiler alert: God wins

We now live on the west coast of North America, which has so many benefits. New Year’s Eve culminates at 9 PM EST. Hallelujah! We can celebrate with friends and be asleep by 10 PM Pacific. It’s fabulous! The difficulty can sometimes be found in spoilers such as the final score on a football game … Continue reading Spoiler alert: God wins

Got Ashes?

February 14, 2024 Today marks the beginning of Lent, and Valentine’s Day. The seemingly strange combination of observances has me pondering this morning. Ashes and flowers. Fasting and special dinners. Abstinence and huge chocolate hearts. And this scripture that reminds me of another unanticipated occurrence. ”God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be … Continue reading Got Ashes?

Consume Not Folly

God’s ways are counterintuitive. ”Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ I’m participating in a 21-day fast and concentrated prayer season along with my dear man. … Continue reading Consume Not Folly

Waste Not, Want Not

Waste is an interesting word for a writing prompt, but it’s the one offered by Kate today. I don’t want to waste an opportunity to attempt to be an encouragement for the Lord, and at the same time I don’t want to be wasteful with words. ‘Waste not, want not’ is an expression I’ve heard … Continue reading Waste Not, Want Not

What good is a far off God?

Gratefully, I am attending a small neighborhood Bible study with a few other women seeking to know God more intimately. We’re just beginning a study which proposes that we choose joy. The teacher, in our first lesson, held out a premise from Scripture that we are invited to consider. Was Jesus purely a man of … Continue reading What good is a far off God?

Say So

Dedicated to everyone who has ever invited me to their table, patiently listened to my stories, and sometimes rants, offered tissues and coffee, prayed with me and for me, and bravely helped me get professional counseling. Thank you for teaching me compassion, prayer, and believing with me that abundant life in Christ is for me. … Continue reading Say So

Wisdom Wednesday.08

“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.“‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I’m in awe of people who listen well. There are particular people in my life, and I sincerely thank … Continue reading Wisdom Wednesday.08

Glass 2/3 full?

Have you ever been asked this question: Are you a glass half full or glass half empty kind of person? Probably most of us have been asked this question as part of an ice breaker type activity within a social group setting. It’s supposed to be a rudimentary test of our overall bent towards optimism … Continue reading Glass 2/3 full?

Love Sees the Face of Hope

And rejoices in God’s unfailing goodness! Two of the people I love to read about at Christmas are people I consider as some of the unsung heroes. They are the backstage persevering servants of God who prayed to get to see the fulfillment of God’s promised Messiah. They were born and called of God to … Continue reading Love Sees the Face of Hope

Happy is…

When are you most happy? Circumstances that include celebration bring the biggest smile to my face. And if dancing is included then I’m beside myself with laughter, endorphins free falling from my brain. Celebrating makes me happy. Happy is… long anticipated joy! The birth of a baby A wedding after a lengthy engagement A clear … Continue reading Happy is…

Wisdom Wednesday.07

TAV ”May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand … Continue reading Wisdom Wednesday.07

I Wonder What’s Been Stored

”All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.“‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I think because it’s the Christmas season and so many of us are writing about Advent scriptures and themes, I have pondered longer this year on the idea of Mary storing … Continue reading I Wonder What’s Been Stored

Wisdom Wednesday.06

It’s been a week! A quiet, healing week of reflection over the glorious whirlwind of travel, family, and non-stop memory making moments of the week previous. Last Wednesday, I wrote and posted from my parents’ home in the northeast portion of Georgia. Today, I write from our home in Southern California. Plane, shuttle, Uber… plenty … Continue reading Wisdom Wednesday.06

Turn My Eyes Upon Jesus

I read the email Friday morning from Kate Motaung and saw that ‘turn’ is her word for us today. It’s the Five Minute Friday writing prompt for anyone who wants to write along. Come, join us! I read ‘turn’, and then my heart began to sing the refrain of this old hymn. Realizing I don’t … Continue reading Turn My Eyes Upon Jesus

Wisdom Wednesday.05

2 O come, O Wisdom from on high,who ordered all things mightily;to us the path of knowledge showand teach us in its ways to go. Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuelshall come to you, O Israel. O come, O wisdom from on high… The Christmas carol, O Come, O Come Immanuel, is one I have sung during … Continue reading Wisdom Wednesday.05

Hope Seeks the Light

“What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Dear Jesus, I know You know how … Continue reading Hope Seeks the Light

Left overs…

We’re a week beyond Thanksgiving in the US, a holiday of feasts - food, people, football and shopping. Opportunities for indulging our flesh abound. While I believe we have no need to apologize for celebrating the goodness of God, we can certainly agree that we humans have a tendency towards excess, don’t we? One of … Continue reading Left overs…

Wisdom Wednesday.04

Wisdom existed before me. When I was born in 1962, wisdom had long spoken, taught and proven herself faithful. Wisdom will outlive me as well. And as I continue to grasp some nuggets of this truth, I become more appreciative of the human capacity to learn. She’s built a firm foundation. “Come and learn.” Thus, … Continue reading Wisdom Wednesday.04

Seasons Blending: His People

Winter to spring. Spring to summer. Summer to fall. Seasons blend one into the next. Sometimes on a gentle breeze, and sometimes with harsh storm. Continued from Seasons Blending Jesus, Good Shepherd, taught us everything about His character that we wouldn’t know except that He, in all His goodness, led us all the way through … Continue reading Seasons Blending: His People

Grateful for you, and plans for the rest of 2023…

Slow down… get quiet… listen. Salutations, dear Reader! It’s almost Thanksgiving in the United States, which means that my thoughts are continually circulating toward God, and my gratitude for all He has brought my dear man and I through this past year, and for the way He is keeping us in His peace. Even through … Continue reading Grateful for you, and plans for the rest of 2023…

Wisdom Wednesday.02

Wisdom is essential for life, love and a faithful journey. It is not knowledge. Wisdom is not a competitive striving to be right.Wisdom is humility. Seeking the truth of God's goodness and understanding that He is sovereign over all that has ever been created. Wisdom is a searching for the heart of God. Searching the … Continue reading Wisdom Wednesday.02

Seasons Blending: His presence

Continued from Seasons Blending Jesus, Good Shepherd, taught us everything about His character that we wouldn’t know except that He, in all His goodness, led us all the way through this past season, and into the sunshine of a new season. And how exactly did He do that? While I’m inadequate to fully understand God’s … Continue reading Seasons Blending: His presence

Seasons Blending

I received a couple of pictures in a text earlier in the week. Beautiful colors of yellow, orange and a sprinkle of red popped from the screen. They were in the car, dad driving, and mom snapping pictures with her iPhone and sharing them with me by text. Knowing they were having an adventure made … Continue reading Seasons Blending

The Door Will Shut

““But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ In this parable of Jesus, there were 10 single young women who anxiously awaited the Bridegroom’s arrival. Jesus described 5 as … Continue reading The Door Will Shut

Striving Doesn’t Set a Beautiful Table

“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!””‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭40‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Much has been written about Martha and her sister Mary. I doubt I’ve … Continue reading Striving Doesn’t Set a Beautiful Table

Discovery

Through the reading of God’s word and watching family grow, Through reading all the posts of you wise souls, faith writers in this online community of writers for Jesus. Through conversations with sisters on FaceTime and by Marco Polo, And through Bible study and fellowship with newly discovered sisters in my new home town, I … Continue reading Discovery

He Climbed Up To See

Have you ever felt like you needed to see for yourself? That was me as a kid. Always curious. Always testing. Always asking questions. Always wanting to know why or why not. Never satisfied with a “because I said so” response, but I knew that answer was my cue to take my curiosity somewhere else. … Continue reading He Climbed Up To See

Could you please clarify?

Just now. No filter. A feature of our town that I love most are the mountains. They fascinate me with the varied heights of the peaks, the textures, and shadows, and best of all the variety of colors from day to day and season to season. I’ve looked up almost every morning and evening for … Continue reading Could you please clarify?

Someone Said Dance…

I LOVE to dance! I always have. I can remember stacking records (45s remember?) on my record player, grabbing my hairbrush, lip-synching the lyrics, and dancing like Cher, in my South Florida bedroom. There didn’t have to be a reason for dancing. I just loved to dance! My dear man and I don’t often have … Continue reading Someone Said Dance…

The Promised Marriage Feast

A) A promise ring. A promise broken. B) An engagement ring retrieved. C) A consolation prize. “I regret to inform you that you didn’t receive the seal of approval.” D) A wedding ring. Vows. Consecration. Celebration. Witnesses. A promise being fulfilled. E) B & C F) All of the above. Which of these statements above … Continue reading The Promised Marriage Feast

Come To The Table

Dear Readers, I'm writing a new series. Come To The Table. It's about the many ways and times God invites us to dine with Him. We find His invitations to His table all throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Visit my website by clicking here.  Click the picture. Click the picture.Browse around my … Continue reading Come To The Table

His Table Is A Feast Table

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind,for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9 NIV Long after Pharaoh employed Jacob’s son, Joseph, as second in command in Egypt, and long after both men were buried, another Pharaoh ruled over … Continue reading His Table Is A Feast Table

Anticipate the Gathering

Heading south… It’s time! Get ready. They’re on their way! Anticipation. Canadian Thanksgiving is a recent memory, cars are packed, and our northern neighbors are heading back south for winter. This is an exciting time for those of us who have held down the desert fort during the heat of summer. It’s been quiet since … Continue reading Anticipate the Gathering

How A Picnic Inspired A Lesson on Compassion

Siblings. They can be the best of friends, bunk mates, and fishing partners. But when one jumps into the front passenger seat yelling shotgun for the third time in a week, fireworks might ensue. The oldest argues that the youngest always gets her way. While, coincidentally, the youngest makes her case that the oldest always … Continue reading How A Picnic Inspired A Lesson on Compassion

A Table Under A Tree

You know a message is really important when three messengers arrive together, out of nowhere, in the middle of the day. And you know someone knows you really well when they happen by your home, unannounced, at a time they know you will be there. Rest in the shade of this tree… This is what … Continue reading A Table Under A Tree

Look For The Man Carrying A Pitcher

“The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is also called Passover, was approaching. The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction.”‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Look for the man with the pitcher. Jesus selected two men, Peter and John, to be in charge of … Continue reading Look For The Man Carrying A Pitcher

An Attempt To Delight

If you are following along with me on my October writing journey, you know that I’m reading, pondering and writing about the many Biblical events and conversations centered around food and gathering at a table. Come To The Table I’m thoroughly enjoying myself and learning in the process. And not just me. This month long … Continue reading An Attempt To Delight

Come to the Quiet

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Come to the quiet. Slow down. … Continue reading Come to the Quiet

How Long Will You Waver?

“Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.”‭‭1 Kings 18:21 I am full of opinions. I used to offer them freely without hesitation. … Continue reading How Long Will You Waver?

Why does handwritten matter?

Do you remember when journaling became a thing? I do. And I thought it was funny because I had been writing in a journal, doodling and pondering thoughts on paper for as long as I could remember. Someone in my freshman dorm gifted me with a real hard bound journal for my birthday. It was … Continue reading Why does handwritten matter?

He has made a way of escape…

Escape: seeking to be free. Fleeing something or someone. Desiring a change of scenery. Moving away from perceived danger. Running from. Changing boundaries. Getting away from responsibilities. An alternative reality. “Follow Me” ~Jesus Escape, the word at first glance is simple, basic, and common sense. However, the longer I ponder, the deeper and wider my … Continue reading He has made a way of escape…

Therapeutic Thursday: world

I hear it everywhere. People often lament that things have never been so bad in our world. Not just people at church. Random people in the grocery store or walking trails, and always in the media. Doom is predicted everywhere. Something in me prickles when I hear this. It’s not because I wear rose color … Continue reading Therapeutic Thursday: world

Random Radiance, the collaboration

With Lisa Anne Tindal, Illustrator. Read, color, write your story Random Radiance, the book, is a collaborative project. The book cover art, and interior coloring page artwork are the original creations of @lisa_anneart on Instagram. The words in the book were written by me, Lisa R. Brittain, and YOU! Yes, you! You are the co-author … Continue reading Random Radiance, the collaboration

What needs to be replaced?

Pondering thoughts take me to my Bible in book form, black ink on white pages. My thoughts move toward the words of Isaiah, and my fingers flip through familiar pages. God will replace ashes with a crown of beauty. And what else? What else does God promise to replace for His children who cry out … Continue reading What needs to be replaced?

31 Days of Gleaning with Ruth

a.co/d/5YZn2TY Purchase your copy here.Who doesn't have questions in times of uncertainty? We all face dry, scary and disorienting situations that automatically create questions. Let's follow Old Testament heroines, Ruth and Naomi, as they bravely ask, seek and knock on God's promises for protection and provision. We will seek out the Kinsman Redeemer with Ruth … Continue reading 31 Days of Gleaning with Ruth

There was this moment…

Dear friend, Yesterday, in a momentary conversation, I learned about a Pacific hurricane by the name of Hilary. We’re now watching and preparing. It could drop a year’s worth of rain in 24-48 hours. In the desert that’s likely to cause flooding. Please pray for us. In all the years I lived in Florida, I … Continue reading There was this moment…

Goodbye

“Goodbye, Nolie. Goodbye, Buddy.”Whispers in his ear, “You are a good dog!” Tears dripping on his beard, I try to speak, “Thank you for walking innumerable miles at my side. Thank you for protecting me from everything that smelled of harm.” One last paw at my hand to stroke his neck, “You can go now. … Continue reading Goodbye

Watch. Weep. Whisper.

The Bride longing for her Bridegroom. Watch. Lord, I watch for You. I know You’re on the ready. Whenever Father nods Your way, You, as the eager Bridegroom, will not even hesitate. You are waiting, with great anticipation, to mount Your mighty white steed and retrieve Your Bride. Even as I watch for You to … Continue reading Watch. Weep. Whisper.

Milestone

Life is full of them, milestones, that is. We want them. We even need them. They help us know that we’re getting somewhere. Just like the mile markers on the highway or signposts on a hiking trail. Milestones are God’s idea. Stone pillars and stone altars were erected by God’s people at various times and … Continue reading Milestone

Decide

Happy Friday, everyone! It’s time to ponder the new writing prompt from Kate, set the timer for 5 minutes, and type. Thank you for reading my words, liking and commenting, and finally, for sharing my post. I appreciate your encouragement. Read my whole post by clicking here. ~~~~~ Immediately, two scripture verses pop to the … Continue reading Decide

How Do They Do This Work?

It’s been a day since I watched the movie Sound of Freedom, and silently, I keep asking this question, “How do they do it?” If you are unfamiliar with the film and the story on which it’s based, please watch the trailer below. Better yet, buy two tickets and take a friend. It’s not a … Continue reading How Do They Do This Work?

Seek, Ask and Knock

“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ I see now that this is all inclusive. Previous to today’s reading of this scripture I’ve incorrectly interpreted a multiple choice response. It’s not. I’m pondering just now something very uncomfortable. Jesus … Continue reading Seek, Ask and Knock

Music: the soundtrack of your life

It's Friday, and for the Americans, Happy Independence Birthday celebration! Speaking of celebration this weekend will be all about cookouts, swimming, dancing, boating, and fireworks - all set to a musical soundtrack. Thank you, Kate, for this Friday word. I have set my timer to 5, and GO! ~~~~~ If I were to put together … Continue reading Music: the soundtrack of your life

Hidden

Everyone hides. Everyone has hidden things within their heart and mind. Sometimes our secrets are truly hidden from others. No one would ever guess. And then sometimes people can read us like a book. They might not know our secret, but they know something’s not right. Sometimes though the secret pain, the triggers, are hidden … Continue reading Hidden

Chapter

My dear man and I quietly celebrated 35 years of marriage recently. We celebrated with quiet appreciation to God for years that might not have been. We’re grateful for God’s mercy and the grace through which He’s taught us to accept and forgive. In my annual attempt at a reading trek through the entire Bible, … Continue reading Chapter

Soon.

“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Soon, and very soon. I’m setting my timer for five minutes and writing words around the idea of {soon}. This has been a day of pondering the scriptures in the very last chapter of the last book … Continue reading Soon.