Deborah Dearth

      O ne of the most comforting passages in the Bible is probably the 23 rd Psalm. It is often read at funerals for this very reason. Although this Psalm is most associated with death, it brings us hope and comfort in life.       I love how it opens in the NIV (New International Version) - The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  Many of us have heard the King James Version - The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want .  The word want has a dual meaning. Want can be a wish or desire. Want also means a need or a lack of something. I like that the preposition in is before want in the NIV. It makes the meaning of want so much clearer.      I don’t know about you, but when I think of the word want, I’m more prone to think of my heart’s desires. My wants involve things like: how much I’d like to have a million dollars, a Porsche 911, 50 yard line tickets to a home Steele...

       On October 13, 1782, the cornerstone for the presidential residence was laid.   George Washington was president at the time, but it was John Adams that became the first president to live in it.   It became known as the “White House” because it was constructed with white-gray Virginia freestone and contrasted dramatically with the red brick buildings nearby.        A cornerstone is an important part of a building.   It is usually the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation.   The placing of the stone is important because all the other stones of the foundation will be set in reference to this one stone and establishes the position of an entire structure.        Just as the cornerstone is important in the foundation of a building, the same could be said of our hearts/souls.   They are the core or very foundation of everything we do from how we live our lives to take...

     When we think of God, we often think of the out-of-the ordinary. He is after all, the Most High and Lofty One, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and all those other awesome titles that we give Him out of reverence and love. We think of how He parted the Red Sea, spoke through the burning bush, fed 5,000 people with the five loaves and two fishes, and raised Lazarus from the dead, not to mention, His own resurrection. Perhaps He has worked a miracle or two in your life. We've all had a time in our lives that something awesome or miraculous happened, and we knew it had to come from God.       Do you think of God on a day when nothing exciting or awful happens? A routine day that passes without anything worth noting. You go to bed tired, but not exhausted and are able to fall into an untroubled sleep. Are those awesome names we have given Him going through your mind right before you fall asleep or when you wake up t...

                                It’s been a rough year, especially when it comes to politics. I believe due to the pandemic and being trapped at home that political issues have seeped into our personal lives more so than it ever has before. It has also fomented anger, worry and concern, especially those who are conservative. I know I have felt fear at the direction this country is heading and unjustness at being cancelled because my beliefs aren’t aligned with the radical left.                 This week I was listening to a podcast and got a little boost of hope. During a YAF conference in Florida, one the of topics was the toxic political environment and attack on conservatives from politicians and businesses. Senator Ted Cruz said something that encouraged me. He said…”Go towards truth, light and freedom. The great thing about ete...

                                Several years ago, I had to take our dog, Phoebe, to the vet to get her canine flu booster.   In the waiting area I saw a couple with a Golden Retriever mix.   Because he had a lot of white on his face and moved slowly, he appeared old.   And even though it was warm outside, he had on a doggie coat.   Since Phoebe does not get along with other dogs, I had to be seated in the other waiting room across from this dog and his family.   I could not hear the whole conversation, but did hear words being said like, “chemotherapy and radiation.”   I heard the woman say, “I just don’t know what to do.”         I could only surmise that the couple was going to have to make the tough decision about the cost of trying to save or prolong the dog’s life and the trauma of these treatments on the dog versus eutha...

  CHAPTER ONE     They stood side by side at the edge of the dock gazing out at the ocean. The sea breeze blew its playful fingers through their hair. Kathryn’s yellow sundress slapped gently against her calves. When the sound of cars passing by was not present, they heard the call of seagulls and the waves lapping against the dock. Kathryn put her arm through Monte’s. “Isn't this view fabulous? I can’t believe how fun Charleston is. You were so lucky to grow up near here.” Monte turned to her and smiled, causing his blue eyes to crinkle at the corners. “I’m the lucky one because I’m here with you seeing this town through your eyes.” He pulled her to him. The longer they were in Charleston, the more pronounced his Southern accent became. His lips claimed hers in a kiss that sent her senses spinning like a tornado and sending her into the clouds. “What would you like to do this afternoon?” His words brought her back to Earth. Kathryn smiled up at him. “Let’s...

    We all were pretty sick and tired of 2020, and many have written it off as a loss. It was a hard year that was wrought with it job losses, illness, death, isolation and loneliness. Unfortunately, 2021 is starting our with more of the same. It's hard to feel hope when nothing is changing except for the worst or things remain stagnant.              I started a journal of thankfulness at the end of December because this past year has been so hard on my emotional well-being. This exercise forces me to sit down everyday and count one blessing or one thing I'm thankful for and write about it. I have found it to be a rewarding and positive exercise.               Before I made my entry for New Year's Day, I read Genesis 1:1  The Bible opens with the words "In the beginning God..." Those words ring with encouragement and hope. God was there at the very beginning and set everything in mot...