Call him what He is

I am not able to read articles or look at photos of the dear young 22-year-old woman, Laken Riley without a broken heart and tears. She was allegedly abducted and brutally murdered by a 26-year-old illegal Venezuelan on February 22, 2024.

How sorrowful I am for the sadness and unnecessary loss this family has to suffer from the wicked hands of this suspected illegal killer.

I can hardly imagine how Ms. Riley’s parents must have felt with President Biden’s remark, “I shouldn’t have used ‘illegal’; it’s ‘undocumented’ . Call him what he is. He is an illegal.

It is embarrassing this President allows himself to be bullied into using sophomoric descriptions so as not to upset the illegal. Not only that, it is wrong.

He is an illegal here in our country. An illegal that has now allegedly murdered an innocent young woman for no reason and horribly re-arranged an entire families life.

What would you call him if it was your daughter he abducted and brutally murdered?

Five Minute Friday Writing Prompt—Dedicate

Timer on…

The first words that came to mind for this week writing prompt were:

“We have come to dedicate a portion of that field…”

It seems fitting the Gettysburg Address will comprise my thoughts for today. I pray all who read this will be reminded of the difficult task our early leaders toiled tirelessly for for this great country they passed to us. May we each do our part in keeping it.

“Sir, what have you given us?” a woman on the street asked Benjamin Franklin after signing the Constitution.

“A Republic, ma’am…if you can keep it”, was his reply.

Timer off…

Five Minute Friday Writing Prompt—Respite

Timer on:

Respite. Winter is my respite. That must seem odd for some folk, but I enjoy the long winter nights with warm fires crackling in the fireplace, giving the living room a soft, warm glow. The respite is from gardening, mowing, weed-eating, bugs, ticks and never-ending weeds. Much as I love gardening, if I lived where it was warm and mild year-round I am know there would be far fewer gardens and fence rows to weed-eat.

I enjoy the seasonal work and rhythms of four seasons, and the respite that each one gives to the other. Inside winter projects are mostly fun and creative for me. Spring is now on it’s way. It is nearing time to switch gears and get back out with the plants and weeds. I have sure enjoyed my winter respite.

Timer off.

Your Favorite Season?

Four seasons comprise a year where we live here in Virginia. Right now about four weeks remain for this winter season. This cannot go by fast enough for my husband. Winter wins hands down for his least favorite season. Summer is his favorite.

It seems most folk I talk to say Spring is their favorite. I have heard it said that the season one is born in is the favorite. Have you heard that before? It does not hold true for me.

I was born in summer, but I cannot say it is my favorite. When asked, my general response is, “The season we are in right now is my favorite”. Because of my enjoyment of photography, there is something lovely and unique in each season. Though I find it much easier to add layers of clothing when it is cold. I mean there is only so much to be taken off when hot.

Fuzzy winter-coat horses are cozy and warm too. The best hand warmer around is between a horses elbow and belly, or under a full winter mane and neck. Duke looks like a fuzzy black bear in his winter coat. High Hope is not as fuzzy. The minis, Snowbell and Raggedy, look like two little fur balls rolling around like a tumbleweed.

When the wind blows their coats shimmer and wave like tall grasses on the prairie. Steam blowing from their noses makes them snort and blow more. I think it makes them feel big and strong!

Blue and white are my favorite colors, so I suppose if I had to choose a season, it would be winter.

My favorite colors, blue and white, match the winter season.
Brand new winter day dawning.
Morning has broken.
Duke, our ‘fuzzy bear’.
Raggedy looks like a rolling fur ball.
A winter visitor!
I suppose if I had to choose, winter would be my favorite.

What is your favorite season?

Five Minute Friday Writing Prompt—Consume

Timer on:

This is a hard word. As defined in my old Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (5th ed), consume is to:

1. destroy, as by fire…

2. spend wastefully…

3. to eat or drink up (food); devour…

Putting a nice twist on these definitions is not easy. I’m thinking of Scripture, God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29. Little wonder we are to stand in awe of Him, or more to the point, fall face down before Him—Woe is me for I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips… Isaiah 6:5-9.

I know God is a loving God. He loved us before we loved Him. Yet we are to know how mighty and just He is, and not forget Who created whom. Glory to God for His great love for us.

Reminds me of the children’s song: Be careful, little eyes, what you see…

Timer off.