The fall-blue sky wore clouds like a toddler’s curls. The air was cool, the breeze whispering good riddance to the heavy steam of summer. Gifts and decor scattered about the back seat for afternoon’s birthday celebration. Suitcases waited to be packed for an anniversary getaway just a few days later. But she sobbed as she…

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The fog flowed between the hilltops like ocean foam surrounding a sand castle. Our bus weaved around green contours and as I leaned out to see where the road led, sure enough, the crease in the hillside leaned down under the blinding cotton. I’m a flatland-dweller. I can’t climb out of a fog bank without…

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I want to live a steady, calm, level-headed life. I value being and living real — being authentic and not fighting nature. It’s tough in this life full of alarm clocks, artificial lights, school and bus schedules, and jobs. But my goal is to live “Don’t force it. Go with the flow. Find your natural…

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  Driving into the brilliant oranges and pinks of a perfect sunset. Listening to the crash of ocean waves, salt dusting my lips and nose. Overlooking the valley spreading green into gray below the mountaintop I just scaled. Walking through the cool forest serenaded by bird and cicada song. The sense of awe, peace, and…

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photo © 2007 Luke Wisley | more info (via: WylioThe first notes of the song ring out over the speakers, and I count beats until the first words. One, two, three… I steal a glance at the people with whom I’m about to sing. One couple* grieving their inability to bear children.  Right behind them,…

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A father, oldest daughter lying in a cemetery a few miles from the church, stands with arms raised and sings ragged, “Blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering, though there’s pain in the offering…blessed be Your name. You give and take away. My heart will choose to say ‘Lord, blessed be Your…

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