Deborah Dearth

     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...

CHAPTER ONE           CHAPTER ONE               The racking sound of drapes as they opened, and the bright flash of sunlight snapped Kathryn out of her trance. Nestled in the armchair, she was a sight with her tousled, dark brown hair, faded lipstick, and mascara smudged under her red, swollen eyes. Her forest green dress splashed with a small, pink floral print was rumpled. One leg was curled under her body, and a knee peeked out from the hem of her dress. Her other leg dangled to the floor and sported a large runner in her hose going from her big toe and disappearing under the dress. Matching green, low-heeled pumps were on the floor beside the chair - one shoe lay on its side, and the other shoe stood upright. Despair emanated from her pale, but pretty face.              “Kathryn, you haven’t been here all night, have you?” A st...