Beautiful Monterey Bay

Last week I went hiking with the Sierra Cub Seniors here on Monterey Bay. What a day--of striking scenery, lovely vintage homes, an historic lighthouse, and countless trees, some of which created a canopy from one side of a street to the other. Today I'm
thinking about this trip as I prepare for tomorrow's hike. How good it is for one's soul--at least for my soul––to hike in nature. It provides time to visit with friends who share my love for this natural beauty, as well as time to be alone with my thoughts and feelings, as I refuel before returning home to my routine. I am grateful for all these opportunities to be present to what God has created.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A blessed day to all my friends and family and colleagues. I am so grateful for each one of you and for the God of our creation. This photo is one I took in the early morning light--reminding me that because of the Lord's grace and forgiveness I am new every morning.

Family!

Today my husband and I went for a walk along the levee near our home. We added prayer to our walk and as we mentioned various names of family and friends I thought of all the people I'm related to who are far away in miles but close in my heart. It's good to bring their faces to mind and hold them up to God for his grace and direction. And it's good to know they are praying for me too. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of family and most of all for including me in Your family.

Veterans Day

Today I'm saluting my husband Charles, an Air Force vet. I'm proud of his service to our country, our family, to me! Thanks, honey, for stepping up and doing your duty. I'm grateful for your servant's heart--not only in the military but in everyday life. I love you.

Sweet Surprise

I received an e-mail today from Bonnie, a woman who found a copy of my book in her mother's belongings following her death. "The fact that your book was in her nightstand did not surprise me—she turned to a combination of humor and inspiration when she needed a lift." What a lovely thing--to write to me and let me know. This is a great example of how we can uplift one another with a few words of encouragement. Thank you, Bonnie, for making my day. And may your day be blessed in return.

Today is also the 46th birthday of my first-born, Julie Ann. We just spoke on the phone and caught up on the news in each of our households. She has been a gift of grace from her very first day!! Happy Birthday, Julie. I love you. Mom

New CDs

Just got the word. Two of my books which I recorded in the Oasis Audio Studio in June are now available from christianbook.com. Yipee!! It was such fun to read my own books and now to hear them on CD. When my granddaugther Mairin visits overnight she asks to listen to one of them. It tickles me that this nine-year-old enjoys hearing stories for seniors! Maybe she's preparing herself for her senior years--about half a century from now!

Writing in the Woods

It's late on Thursday night. I returned home this afternoon from the Writers Mentoring Clinic at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, near Santa Cruz, California, where I was a mentor for nonfiction writing students, such as Dana Finch in the photo with me. What a wonderful three days of instruction and inspiration we all shared among the redwoods at this marvelous 102-year-old facility. I'll return to my desk tomorrow morning filled with ideas, energy, and motivation to carry on the work God has called me to do as a writer and teacher. What a privilege it is. But now I'm off to bed!