Pencil in His Hand: A Mother's Journal of Stories, Thoughts, and Poems.

  Blessings A privilege to make the tea; I get to make some bread. A blessing to stand at my sink: my loved ones have been fed A happiness to dust and clean; I get to make the bed. A blessing to walk with my Lord: I could be lost instead. *** Copyright: pencil in His Hand *** With love, hugs, and prayers. ❤️🤗🙏

  My seed box Seeds of Patience Dearest Reader, March is now nearing an end, but it is still a great time for sowing seeds here in the Southern hemisphere. The very hot weather is behind us, and it is time to start on autumn and winter crops. I was very excited for March to arrive, and had been getting my containers ready through the summer. I love the thought of cooler days, rain showers and lush green growth, though I could do without the snails! So, with my goal in mind, I soon got busy. I sowed swiss chard, carrot, spring onion, radish, cabbage, pansy, coriander, and sweet pea seed. Then just today, I added some calendula and mixed herbs to the mix. Exciting times.😊 But then, one realises, comes the hard part. Waiting. It generally takes about two weeks to see some action from the seeds you sowed. Also, seeds need to be kept moist, so there's quite a bit of work involved. I try to keep the end goal in sight and not get too hung up on time, but it's hard. Many times I have ...

  The Doily. Free Flash Fiction I selected the smallest crochet hook in my collection and observed it dubiously. It was as impossibly fine as the peacock blue crochet cotton in my hand. There was only one thing the cotton was good for: an old-fashioned doily. The kind that looks like a delicate and intricate spider's web. Impractical, yet fascinating.  I had a pattern. I had the right hook, and the right thread. But could I do it? My hands stiffened involuntarily at the thought of the cramping they would have to endure. All for a rather pointless item. Despite my doubts, I began. Somehow, several little rounds of chains and stitches formed between my fingers. The brilliant blue shone. My crochet hook flashed. I smiled. For the first time in days. And somehow, the delicate project became a symbol of fragile yet enduring hope. My faith and my joy seemed just as fragile as the thread between my fingers. Until I remembered how strong my hope really was: that no matter how dark thi...

  You Have Today Dearest Reader, You have today. Yes, I realize that it doesn't sound like much. We have lost all of our yesterdays. They may live on in our hearts and in our memories, but they are gone. And it is sad. As for our tomorrows, they may still  be around the corner, but there are no guarantees that they will be ours. But. We have today. That is all. And it is good, and it is enough for now. Now that you and I have reminded ourselves of this, we must ask, what will we do with this gift that we've been given. (By the way, I could get a bit pedantic here and rather say that all we have is this moment , but I do rather like the idea of having a whole day.) This day may be a chance to pray for a loved one who is ill, or far away. You may choose to use this time to start a garden, or to knit a jersey for a little one in need. Or maybe you will visit an elderly aunt, or take a meal to a new mom. Today may also be a good day to ask for someone's forgiveness. To say that...

  Extra posts this week:) Another "Thoughts" post tomorrow, and a mini inspirational story on Friday. Joy vs Happiness "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice." Philippians 4:4 *** Dear Reader, Are you happy today? Perhaps you've just been shopping. Your bank account is looking good, and you went for a cruise to the mall and spoilt yourself with a new outfit, some cute decor for your house and garden, and some luxuries from the supermarket. And it made you happy. Even better, it was a splendid, cloudless, morning and the countryside where you live looked like something from a dream destination on You Tube. Bliss. You were definitely happy as you enjoyed the carefree morning and your bargains. But may I ask, just how long did the happiness last? An hour? Maybe two? Or, perhaps if everything kept going your way, the whole day? Now, before you think I'm bashing happiness, I'm not. I've had my fair share of golden sunshine days and satisfyin...

  Too Much Dear Reader, So often, I have felt this way: that I simply cannot make it. The burdens have grown too heavy. The pain is too great. The disappointment too crushing. It seems like every morning I take some time to feel very sorry for myself. No. I simply do not have the strength for anything. Perhaps staying in bed would be a good idea. But then, I remember. He has reminded me many times. "Give each load you carry to Me. Put it in a basket and float it on the Nile. Bring it to the strong tower. It will be safe with Me. Place it on the Rock which cannot move. Lay your burdens at the foot of the cross. Lay them in My arms." Yes, Lord. I will . "Good." And then another whisper: "Just one day, child. Just one step at a time." Yes, Lord, I can do that with You at my side, holding my hand. But Lord, what about tommorow? "Don't worry, child. We will do this again each morning. And you will make it. One day at a time." *** Matthew 11:28. ...