Walking Like Maisy

In January I set aside this year for an evaluation of my life so far. What should I change physically, spiritually and mentally? What needs to be done as I get older to ensure a strong finish to my life?

I am entering the second half of my life while Maisy is walking into her first half of life. As I learn to walk strong spiritually, she is learning to walk strong physically.

A few months ago she needed to grasp my hand before walking a few steps. Later she dared to walk alone, confident as long as she could see me within her reach. She toddled slowly, carefully. There were so many obstacles to knock her off balance. She still stumbles and falls down every day.

Sometimes I release my grip on the hand of God and take a few steps on my own. I do pretty well as long as I keep Him in sight. I know how to walk. It's just that there are so many obstacles to knock me off balance. I still stumble and fall down every day.

Maisy is not distracted by the stumbles, puzzled perhaps, even frustrated, but her determination never wavers. She knows where she wants to go and she intends to get there, even if a hard tumble brings pain and disappointment.

She walks with confidence. She walks with courage. I want be just like her when I grow up.

Pumpkin Latte

2 cups of milk - I use 2% milk, but choose whatever you like, even soy or almond milk.
3-4 Tablespoons canned pumpkin - Choose more or less to adjust flavor.
2 teaspoons vanilla - You may also want to add other flavorings such as almond or maple.
1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

Heat in a pan and serve as a hot drink.

Add to coffee at whatever ratio you prefer.  I like mine with a lot of coffee and a few splashes of latte. Others like it mostly latte with a few splashes of coffee.

Whipped Cream on top is optional, but looks quite charming sprinkled with pumpkin pie spice. Children especially enjoy stirring with a cinnamon stick or melting chocolate sprinkles on top.

Refrigerate and drink cold or reheat for a breakfast treat next morning.

Nathanael's favorite way to drink this is with "a big ol' pumpkin chocolate chip muffin". I like it with my morning toast covered with pumpkin butter.

Let Faith Arise

Even with a joyful heart and a mind set on things above, you can find yourself in the midst of a life storm. 

Tossed about in disappointments  you scramble for balance. Circumstances overwhelm. Fear takes a hold. Suddenly you begin to sink into the dark waves that are pulling you down.


It is when we are bruised by failure and loss that the good stuff happens. We look upward for wisdom and help. We cannot save ourselves. To overcome disappointing loss, we have to fight for a faith that overcomes our circumstances.

Peter was new to a relationship with the God who walked on earth, the God who walked on water. The Bible tells us that God called him out of the safety of a boat and into the storm to walk alongside Him on the water. God called and Peter courageously followed Him into a wild world where storms rage high and darkness overwhelms. 

"The secret to surviving the storm is Christ in me, " Elisabeth Eliot writes, "not me in a different set of circumstances."  


When Peter glanced at his circumstances, he began to sink. When He grabbed on to the hand of God, he was able to rise above the dark raging waters. Joy and opportunity waited for Peter if only he would grasp the hand of God, rise above his circumstances and walk by faith not by sight.