Monday: Water

Credit: free photo

It’s spring and the waters swell across the land. The tricky fox saunters through the marsh. One step-at-a-time he draws closer towards a nesting goose. Her mate is nearby waiting to lunge, if necessary, to protect the next generation. 

I no longer can stay uninvolved. Stepping out on the deck I cause a clamor. I throw insults towards the predator. He stands staring looking indifferent. Goose remains settled in an awkward position, waiting for the results. What will become of her welfare?

Madness in the crowd swells. It’s Passover once again. Days before, a timid donkey arrives carrying a Precious Package. The people roared with great cheers. Then, within a short time, the cheers turned to jeers. The donkey is gone, along with people’s worship. The multitude have been swayed. Waters of deceit washed over the only One innocent of sin, Jesus.

Several confrontations took place. False accusations were hurled, whips were flung and punches were thrown towards the Son of Man. Step-by-step He dragged the cross down dusty streets which had once welcomed Him.

He had wept for the people. Spent long days of pouring out compassion on them, which left Him exhausted. He healed body and soul, to anyone who was willing to hear His great message.

Then out of complete obedience towards His Father He sacrificed Himself for the crowd and all of mankind. Was He concerned for His well-being? No, it was the people He came for and would die for.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 10:10
May you be grateful this Resurrection Sunday! Happy Easter, P. Wolf

Barns

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A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Proverbs 12:10

What’s in a barn besides animals and hay?
Good ventilation I would definitely say!
A window here or vents on the eaves,
and comfortable stalls built with ease.
Not too big, a place to move and clean.

Wheelbarrow in, with aisles not too lean;
a straight shot to the horse manure pile.
As for the barn’s surface and floor style;
non-skid and durable will certainly do.
Which: wood, concrete, asphalt is fit you?

Good lighting is a must for ease of work
caring for animals or using a pitch fork.
Feed, groom animals or clean the hay. 
Natural lighting will save the long day!
Inside the busy barn is a world of its own;

treat it as if were a place like your home.
Install a lightening rod, check the wires,
modernize the breakers to prevent fires.
What’s in a barn besides animals and hay?
Quite a lot of things I would have to say!

P. Wolf

Monday: Slowly Comes Spring

Credit free art

You set all the boundaries of the earth; You made the summer and winter.

Psalm 74:17

Spring is slowly waltzing in down Wisconsin’s country roads and busy city streets. The snow came and went yesterday leaving pockets of dripping snow upon the ground. They look like scars from old acne groaning to be smooth again. Branches are adorn with drops of frozen water. Confused, whether to melt or turn to ice. We are between the seasons.

The sun is out this morning (Sunday). It makes everything glisten, and becomes a mirror to look through with fresh eyes. The air is filled with sounds of spring. Crows announce their presence, cardinals sing their mating call, mourning doves are grieved over the cold, and robins nestle in any warm place that can be found. It is the woodpecker who is at his diligent work. Taping, tapping, tapping, until he finds his food.

It’s a lazy spring in Wisconsin. One can feel the tug of the seasons battling between who will win. I often wonder if our faith is like that. Our moments of devotion and then those of turning our backs towards what we know is right. Even our morning devotional seem to melt away as the things of the world enter in. I can’t help but cheer for spring to truly come in all its glorious beauty. Whereas, I would love to cheer on each morning with time spent in the Word of God. Knowing that each day is more difficult without hearing what He has to say.

Shall we be like the diligent woodpecker seeking spiritual food from the Word of God?

Common Goose

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

Genesis 8:22

She landed gracefully as a swan,
returning from a feeding frenzy,
one early April when the snows fell.
The water mirrored stale blue sky,
as marsh grasses damply nodded.

She landed with wide wingspan,
gliding across the crystal clear water;
waiting to nuzzle in new nest.
Waiting to lay eggs which bring, yet,
another brood of goslings to my pond.

P. Wolf

Early Chapter Book Review

“Hi. My son and I loved the book and will review. Also bought the second book. He wanted to know if you will right more books Alexis Ann books.”

Yes, Yes, & Yes!

There is a third “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventure book coming soon: “Down Death’s Door”!

Why the topic of death? Because most children will rub shoulders with some type of loss. As did my real character, Alexis Ann, who the series is written after.

Children need to know God is with them even through difficult times. This series is for ages 6-9 and will keep your reader’s interest.

Available on Amazon in paperback, ebook format and Kindle Unlimited!

Monday: Clinging

For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand takes hold of me.”

Psalm 63:8-9

I saw oak leaves clinging tightly to their branches. The crisp, cinnamon colors are distinct in the March breeze. Oaks have spirally arranged leaves. Their flowers are called catkins and bear fruit, acorns. The acorns contain tannic acid which guards the tree from fungus and insects. Every part of the tree has a purpose.

I was working with plastic wrap. It too is supposed to cling. It’s an item which, if used correctly, can preserve food items. Although, it is used for many things. Wrap it around a ball of clay to keep it from drying out. Press it atop a bottle of glue to keep the glue fresh. I am even told it can fix drafty windows. However, for me, if seems to cling best to itself.

If I were an oak leaf I would cling tightly to the vines which brought forth my abundant life. As a piece of plastic wrap I may have a multitude of tasks I could accomplish. But most likely, I would choose to cling to myself more than anything else. I believe there is no real choice between the two.

What are we clinging to on this new Monday? Are we helping ourselves to work things out in multiple ways? Or are we hiding in the shadow of God’s wings, His presence, singing for joy and clinging to Him?

Lord, help my soul cling to You, not to the things of this world.

Spring Rain

Rain down, you heavens, from above, And let the skies pour down righteousness; Let the earth open, let them bring forth salvation, And let righteousness spring up together. I, the Lord, have created it.

Isaiah 45:8

The streams are bubbling over,
fresh rain fills roadside trenches,
backyards puddle afresh with water.
It’s spring again and the skies are
opened wide giving us blessings. 

Low areas fill thawing from below,
skies spill and opened from above.
Thirsty trees drink up their spring full;
roots sigh from the deep cold earth. 
I too drink in the early spring aglow.

Ducks float on marshy ponds,
nesting in warming places which
other wild things can’t really go.
It’s spring again and the skies are
opened wide giving us blessings.

P. Wolf

All aboard, North Lake, Wisconsin

# 9 Kettle Moraine Railway ceased operations on October 21, 2001

Making way for urban change caused the train which traveled out of North Lake, Wisconsin to be derailed. It ran from 1971 till 2001 and was part of the Kettle Moraine Scenic Railway. Nothing remains of the site which has been turned into the Bugline Trail, a walking and biking trail.

Whether it was the whistle’s droning call, lack of grant money for repairs or man’s need for progress; North Lake is no longer a stop along the Kettle Moraine Scenic Railway.

History in a video of #9

Monday: Pets

Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord; Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.

Psalm 40:11

Mondays are constant. Every seven days they roll around. One can count on a Monday showing up once a week. 

What are other constant things in our live?

Taxes, shopping, work, dishes, laundry and oh so many other things. On the positive side: sunrises and sunsets can be a welcoming sight. Holidays, to most, are something to look forward to. A pay check can bring a feeling of reward. Or a homemade dessert after a tiring day can bring a smile. Many things are constant in our lives.

I think one of the most endearing constant element in life is our pets. The tail wagging dog who greets you at the door. Or the cat who keeps you warm at night. A bird who cheers up an empty room. Pets are usually a welcome addition to our lives. Their snuggles endless, their listening skills outstanding and those loving stares are what makes us treasure our pets.

Yet, there is Someone more dedicated to our well-being than our dear pets. Or anyone else who will be part of our lives. His love is unending. Even on the days we think we are alone, He is there. God’s tender mercies are obvious when we look towards Jesus. If you have forgotten or have never known read the book of John in the Bible, while you are hugging your favorite pet.

P. Wolf

Christian Fiction

These books will entertain, educate and edify as you turn the pages. Walk with an everyday family as they follow their faith.

P. Wolf
Available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover or Kindle Unlimited!