And it never failed that during the dry years the people forgot about the rich years, and during the wet years they lost all memory of the dry years. It was always that way.~John Steinbeck (From East of Eden)

In the early morning, I like to sit in a corner of my living room. I lift the blinds, and from that vantage point where I sit, I can see the sky begin to be fill with the entrance of the day. Like liquid gold. Streams of light. The other morning, even with all the beauty, I began to lament the earth's turmoil over these last months. I felt helpless to stand up to the giant of Covid and the chaos that pummels our culture. I felt heartbroken for the world's vulnerable children. I began to journal my thoughts, and sometimes when I write, I draw sketches in my notebook. The drawings are not very good, yet sometimes they yield something I need to see. I drew a window with light pouring through it. I realized when I looked at the drawing, that a cross emerged where I made two lines to form the window panes.  

I thought to myself, I must remember what is true, even in the murky darkness. The emerging cross reminded me. Jesus promising to never leave, His constant presence an anchor and a comfort during all times. Then in my reading from Psalm 8:2 (TPT) You have built a stronghold by the songs of babies. Strength rises up with the chorus of singing children. This Kind of praise has the power to shut Satan's mouth. Childlike worship will silence the madness of those who oppose you. Then this footnote: It is amazing that perfected praises do not rise to God from the cherubim or seraphim, but from children and babies, the weakest of humanity.

I can listen to my broken heart for the children--let it lead me to offer my "loaves and fishes" to the weakest of humanity. For the remainder of the year, I will donate all proceeds from the sales of my books to Save the Children, a humanitarian organization that provides aid to children both in the US and abroad. Of course, there is no pressure to purchase one of my books. Many of you have read them. But perhaps you've wanted to share one with a friend or loved one, or provide a copy to your local library. Or perhaps a Christmas present. All my books are on Amazon. Find them on the book tab inside my website. I thank you in advance.

BLESSING FOR THE CHILDREN

He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.

Didn't send them away. Honored the weakest of humanity.

He continues to pull them onto his lap. Holds the infants tenderly. Listens to the choruses of toddlers.

Calms their fears.

And we, too, are children who hunger for His comfort during this dry, dark season. We are weary and fatigued.

Let us recall that He is a sanctuary during the bad times.

May we be more absorbed by the light of the cross then we are by the darkness that surrounds us.

AMEN