Author: dklineg

Joy to the World – Christmas 2023

On By dklinegIn ChristmasLeave a comment
Here’s what Isaac Watts has to say about the birth of Jesus.
The Lord, the King
Is here…
reigns… 
blesses… 
rules…
with truth and grace.
We, the nations, the earth, the whole of creation
Receive the King…
Make room for the King…
Prove his righteousness…
Prove his love…
Sing…
Sing…
Repeating the praise …
for the King.
Joy to the world!
Today’s and Forever’s Gift
From Christmas to Easter

A Festival of Les’ and Carl’s

On By dklinegIn Christmas, Other Stuff..., StoriesLeave a comment

This story is a bit on the long side, so I gave it its own page in the blog. Follow the link to read the whole thing.

This story is part of a collection I put together called “My Best Christmas and Other Stories of the Season.” It can be purchased at Amazon.com

The late December morning Florida sun shone bright and clear. They stood there, the two of them, at the open grave. They needed just a minute more, so Roger, Janey’s father, said he would wait for the two of them in the car.

The old country cemetary was the last plot of ground in those parts not covered by citrus orchards.  In spite of the somber setting and the potential for sadness, for some there was a peacefulness that permeated the place.

The sun’s light slanted through the fruitless branches casting long shadows across the final earthly resting place of their friend.   Janey wrapped her arm around the old man’s shoulders.  “He’s home now… with Jesus.”  She hugged him.  “He was a good friend,” she said.

His somber gaze shifted from the opening in the soil to her moist eyes. He patted Janey’s hand in agreement. A year ago he would have had a hard time admitting to a friendship of any kind with the man. But a lot had happened. A lot had changed. And now, his slight smile and silent nod said everything that needed to be said as he replayed in his mind his time with his best friend.

******

“Hey! Whatcha doin’ under there?” ……. Read more

Sunrise

On By dklinegIn Other Stuff..., Unexpected DelightLeave a comment 
I remember back then 
when walking along the swamp path
I remember seeing lavender, pink and orange
Hugging the horizon 
A rich palette of color
Leaking through skeletal trees
Announcing the arrival of the sun
To light the day.
I remember walking not so long ago
Same path, same sky, same everything 
Yet a gray shroud laid across the sky holding back
A flood of color trying in vain to influence the day
Amidst steel wool clouds rolling out an even darker gray
All making me wonder, why bother
If there is no sunrise 
To light the day
Then I remembered something 
As I walked along the swamp path
I remembered some wisdom from a friend who said 
Even though the kaleidoscope of morning beauty 
Is hidden and all seems lost, grim, hopeless 
Unseen on the other side of the gray
There’s always a sunrise
To light the day


Sunrise, today’s gift

This Morning’s Walk and the Music of the Spheres

On By dklinegIn Other Stuff..., Unexpected DelightLeave a comment

For some reason today’s walk seemed to take longer. Even though I walked the same path and distance at the same early morning time, it seemed longer. Maybe different sounds, different sights?

Today, when I started down the path the dark sky whispered, “Look at me!” There they were, a sliver of a waning crescent moon (only hours away from becoming new) hanging below bright Venus in the eastern sky. Both of them shone brightly before the not-quite-here-yet sunrise. Then when I turned to the southwest there was Orion, big and bright. The stellar views stopped me and made me wish I had my good camera and not just my phone.

Maybe you saw all this, too. Maybe you caught some of this beautiful display from your driveway as you got ready to head out for the day.

Perhaps you had the window seat on that early southbound flight I spied overhead. Maybe from there you peeked out and caught an up-close glimpse of the shining crescent.

Maybe you wondered as you looked out the kitchen window, nursing the first cup of coffee, “What is that bright star in the east?”

Or maybe the clouds got in the way.

The amazing thing is, no matter if there are clouds or the objects fade ahead of the rising Sun, they still remain in their appointed places doing what they are created to do, singing the Creator’s praise.

Sometimes I sing along, joining “the music of the spheres.”

And sometimes, on cloudy days, I try to remember mornings like this. I try to remember that “this is my Father’s world.”

Today’s gift.