“First Fruits”

On By dklinegIn Christmas, StoriesLeave a comment

This story has been given 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

“I purt’ near froze to death,” William looked across the counter at Lester, ferrying vegetable soup to his lips from the chipped bowl in front of him.  He wore sesame seeds that had been planted in the tangle of his scraggly gray beard.  William poured coffee into Lester’s half empty cup.  “It was so cold that night that, well let me tell ya, that there cup of coffee would’ve froze solid!”  He raised his eyebrows as he retooled an old Paul Bunyan legend he dredged from the dim memory of long gone school lessons.  Lester sopped up what was left of the broth with a piece of dinner roll.  What his mouth didn’t capture, the curly hairs of his shaggy beard did,  providing a record of the day’s menu at the Gospel of Peace Mission. ……. Read more…

If one…

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

If one looks up

If one sets aside the work 

If one pays attention to something other than details 

If one puts down the ‘device’

If one raises one’s eyes to see something else 

If one looks out the window once in awhile 

One might see something 

… unexpected 

… kinda cool

… sorta comical

… graceful in a goofy sort of way

… maybe beautiful 

… maybe not

… but interesting 

… And delightful nonetheless

If one just looks up.

Unexpected Delight… Today’s Gift

Transitions

On By dklinegIn Other Stuff..., SpringLeave a comment

Here’s what I’ve been thinking about today…

As I walked around today, it has become more and more evident that winter has been pushed aside and spring is nudging its way forward. Spring greenery, flowers all around and welcome warmth provide the evidence. A welcome transition, indeed.

This morning brought another transition of sorts for me. It started with an invitation from my grandson to run an errand with him to the hardware store. He needed a part for something on his bike. “OK. Sounds good.” 

So we piled in the van, him in the driver’s seat and me riding shotgun. At the store we found the part and he paid for it. At the gas station, he pumped and bought the gas and I sat and waited. 

Not so long ago I would have been the driver, gas pumper and purchaser. Things have changed. My young grandson is moving from childhood into adulthood. A welcome transition, for sure.

Today was the funeral for my best high school friend.  After a long illness the Lord took Tom to be with him and he is now with Jesus. His soul and Parkinson’s plagued body are made whole. Through it all, in his life and now in death, he belongs to his faithful Savior, Jesus.

For me, today has been a day to think about transitions. One season changing to the next. A grandson no longer a child but moving on into adulthood. A dear friend passing from a time of struggle and disease to eternal life.  Blessings, indeed.

Today’s gift