Cast the Net Far and Wide

  EVERYTHING’S GOING TO BE ALL RIGHT There are two things I keep on the wall behind my bed to remind me that, no matter what I am going through, Jesus is in it with me, and will make it come out well.               The brown wooden plaque with the famous praying hands in relief was a wedding present from the minister who conducted the marriage ceremony of my husband Rien and me so long ago.   I am reminded daily to bring my deepest concerns to Him in prayer, and to pray for others.             The painting, possibly a copy of a more famous painting, possibly not famous at all, gives me peace every time I enter my room.   There is a thatched cottage, a stream with a little bridge with a person standing on it, gardens and beautiful spring apple trees and other trees in bloom - all pink and green with blue skies above.   I am transported to the verses...

  THANKY-DOODLE!           A Thanksgiving playlet for kids!                                         Copyright Frances K. Van Mil Owlet, (a young owl):   “ Well, Hullo there, Lil Pinky!   How goes the battle?   I mean, like, how are you?” Lil Pinky, (a young pig): “ I-I-I’m just FINE,   thanks, Ow-Owlet!   I’m just pinky-porpoise-purply-FINE! Owlet:   “Hmm!   Learning our “P” sounds, are we?   And what’s that you’ve got there? Lil Pinky, turning away from Owlet to hide what he is holding:   “Oh, n-n-nothing much, Owlet, just   s-s-some goodies(for ME-ME-ME alone! I’m NOT at ALL in the mood to share!” Owlet: “Oh tsk, tsk, whyever not?   I would share with you, and I’m feeling VERY hungry right ...

        A GENTLE FLURRY OF LEAVES – A THANKSGIVING LITURGY                                                                                  Copyright  Frances K. Van Mil For wind-swept yellow leaves floating by my window like snowflakes all a-whirl, For rain-soaked gardens boasting sodden stalks, decaying blooms; memories of the sun-filled abundance of summer; For moon-majesty, stars peeking out through triple-grey clouds, planets aglow in the velvet night sky, We thank Thee, O Lord. For friendly eyes above masks bringing faces alive, restoring our humanity, For caring hands helping other seniors step down from the bus; For smiles, nods, puppies running ten times more quickly than their owners, with their tiny legs, We thank Thee, O Lord. ...