Verses for New Year’s Resolution

I'm hurrying off to the gym (ouch!), so more will follow later in regards to my fifth wedding anniversary, the end of 2011, and these powerful verses. But, for now, allow the words of Isaiah 43 to wash over you, as you craft your New Year's Resolutions. 16-21This is what God says, the God who builds...

Confessions

It's been several days since I have sat down to pour "bliss" into this "acupofbliss" blog. Right now, the name strikes me as incredibly ironic due to the nature of many of my recent blog posts. I'm afraid I've been a bit low on bliss. Needless to say, my soul is still searching - perpetually -...

Childhood Christmas Wish

Sweet Belgian waffles and powdered sugar decorated my plate this morning at Verbena's Cafe. And, while "Seasons Greetings" was artfully proclaimed by the red and green place mat, no holiday message could compare to the delightful childhood memories conjured up by warm waffles and syrup - not even the ridiculously strong coffee poured often by the smiling wait...

Finding Festive in Kentucky Clouds

It's 40 degrees, muggy, and chilly in the Bluegrass state. Wet cold wraps its fingers around all who venture outside unprepared for its lingering bite. But, it's beautiful. Truly, beautiful. As I perused the neighborhood views in the rolling hills of Louisville's outskirts, I was overwhelmed by the little pictures I often don't notice. Deep...

Wild Eggs . . .at 7 a.m.

Good Morning, One and All! Oh, have you already been up for a while? Me too, actually. My alarm went off at 5:45 a.m., compelling me out of bed and into the mini-van with other sleepy family members to meet my father-in-law for breakfast at 7 a.m. after he finished his night shift at UPS. (NOT...

Squiggly reflections

Last night, I cuddled on the couch, nursing a mighty head cold and finishing a book. In the background, Planet Earth played on the livingroom's flat screen at my in-law's house. Outrageous sea creatures and 400,000 lb. whales swam across the screen. Female sea turtles, who hadn't eaten in months, glided across the ocean's sandy...

Twinkling

Christmas trees sparkle with gaudy baubles hung just so. Garlands add swagger and sway to light posts and stairwells and fireplace mantles. Hope twinkles brightly in children's eyes and wishful giggles. We tell the old, old story of our Savior's infant birth. We join choirs with carols and mangers with camels. We expect peace on earth...

A pile of old journals

Father God, A pile of old prayer journals lay scattered on the floor by my bed. Love letters to You, confessions, strivings, and Bible studies from the time I was 11-years-old pour from the many pages. I am on a quest to remind myself what You have already done in my life, already said, already promised. I...

Healing waters

I felt Friday slip away into a buttery sky over the Denver horizon this afternoon. Ivory haze bled into pure baby blue as the sun silently fell below the mountains. It felt similar to how I slipped below warm bath water and stayed there 'til the water was tepid after arriving home from school today. Calming....

Grave tending

Somewhere in the midst of my early college years and battle with an eating disorder, I memorized Romans 8, allowing the words "there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" and "nothing can separate you from the love of Christ" to resonate deep inside my heart. This morning Romans 8...