Brick by Brick: Rebuilding the Broken

Have you ever been on a hike, looking all around, at the sky, the flora and fauna, maybe even getting a glimpse of a few animals - when suddenly one of your group stumbles into a hole? Hopefully, they don't come home with a broken leg or ankle. No one had seen the hole ahead of them.  It had been there the entire time, but they were busy paying attention to other things. Those other things aren't bad. However, we forgot to keep our eyes open. Some days it may just be a little inconvenience - like when you step in the doggie's doodoo. (Or any other animals on the farm.) Ick. That's what boots are for!                                       A soldier has to always be aware of the ground.                                                   Landmines could be anywhere. Whether it is a soldier in enemy territory, or a clean up crew after a storm, We must always be mindful of our surroundings. In life there are many things that could b

You may have heard the story of Jesus in the boat during a great windstorm. It was recorded by three of his disciples who were there when it happened. Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell the story just a bit differently, just like any three versions would. Some people are more descriptive than others, some might not notice the details, and others may catch every single word spoken. I am going to tell you the story as if I had been one of them that day....   I t had been a long, hot, and unusually wet, summer here in our little lake town of Tiberias. I am, Joseph bar Simon, one of the young apprentices by the dock, whose job today was to guide the smaller passenger boats across to safety. I was very excited, for so many reasons - It was my first solo trip, without my master Yacov. This boat was to be my responsibility, my training ground for the sailboat I longed to own some day. I was actually a bit nervous carrying these passengers, all the stories I have heard about th

Winter winds are howling, deep within my soul Leaves upon the ground Skit-ter-ing… Oh, so cold   ...Little tykes rejoicing Pumpkins all around Mama's feet are aching Costumes to be found... Winter winds are howling Deep within my soul Memories are fluttering Skit-ter-ing oh so cold Winter winds are howling Shadows growing thin Holidays are looming Must we do this again Leaves raked up in piles Bonfires to be lit Done without the smiles Someone dearly missed   ...Autumn breezes blowing Painting all the while ... When colors left me breathless   And hayrides gave the giggles   The crowds were left with smiles... But winter winds are howling Everywhere I go Nothing is the same The colors dull as coal Winter winds are howling  Deep within my soul Will it ever be the same You ask? The darkened shadows sigh The cold and steely sky Whispers lightly in my ear - Do y