Tagged: peace

Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.Luke 5:15-16 Withdrawing may seem a strange subject during a global pandemic when humans are already withdrawn across the world. But in some ways, forced physical withdrawal has fostered the opposite effect: a frenzied drawing near in non-physical ways. Texting, tweeting, Tik-Toking, You-Tubing, Zooming, and FaceTiming are at an all-time high. But the relief digital platforms offer during a time of social distancing is quickly fading. We are physically distancing, but not truly social distancing. Social engagement is thriving, and not necessarily in healthy ways.  Social media has become a cesspool teeming one minute… Read More

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27). There you are again! Your gentle crooning breaks the morning silence and stirs something deep within me, something primal and necessary to my breath and life. As you bring a message of peace for the day, drops of water cling and shimmer like diamonds on the leaves of freshly blooming peonies in the garden. They bob their fragrant heads, nodding in assent.  Peace I leave with you. Faithful mourning dove, messenger of God, you have been with me everywhere I have ever lived. Some find your call sorrowful. I believe it… Read More

@audreycfrank Our family has one secret recipe. I gladly share all the others with friends, but this recipe is top-secret, and only my children will carry it on. It tells the story of our love and our life, and one day, our legacy.  Deep in the bush of Africa as a new bride, I had to figure out how to meet my husband’s need for chocolate. Over time I developed a moist, dark and delectable chocolate cake slathered with chocolate gravy (a nod to my great-grandmother, who used to indulge me as a little girl on Saturday mornings with biscuits and homemade chocolate gravy). I learned to make it with the most basic ingredients, findable in most parts of the world. I have baked it on… Read More