The Small Stone
Is any ripple of water greater than another? Even a small stone makes a swell in the water It is not I that should ponder its rings and route But thank God that the stone has been cast out. - CKSharpe
February, 2026
February, 2026 _ Love in a World Without Pennies
Once upon a time, celebrating Valentine’s Day came cheaply. You could buy your kids penny candy tucked inside a little cardboard heart‑shaped box for fifty‑nine cents, toss out a penny for someone’s thoughts, and even pinch pennies to afford a faux red satin box of chocolates that looked almost like Swiss chocolates—if you squinted hard enough.
But what happened to that magical era when a single copper coin could buy you a sugar high and a future dental bill? Today, the only thing you can get for a penny is…nothing. Not even the penny itself. It’s as if the universe is mocking us. The penny has gone the way of mix-tapes and dial‑up internet. It has been retired, unminted, and probably sitting in a museum somewhere between a rotary phone and the memory of not receiving a Valentine from your middle‑school crush.
Love has never really been about the cost. It’s about the thought, the highly anticipated phone call, the unexpected email, or the small gesture that says, “I’m thinking of you.” And even if thoughts are no longer worth a penny, they’re still priceless on Valentine’s Day.
So go ahead, splurge a little. Or a lot. After all, in a world without pennies, love is the only currency that still makes sense.
And here’s the best part. Even in a world where pennies disappear, and prices rise faster than your blood pressure, there’s one love that never inflates, expires, or gets discontinued: Jesus’ love for you.
His love is steady. Personal. Unchanging.
It doesn’t depend on the economy, your budget, or your ability to “round up” to the nearest nickel.
You don’t have to earn it, bargain for it, or hope it goes on sale.
It’s already paid in full.
No penny required.
January, 2026
January, 2026_Footsteps Beyond My Own
A new year rises softly on the edge of dawn
Its light revealing paths where yesterday has gone.
I feel the years collect like rings within a tree Quiet witnesses to all God’s shaping work in me.
I watch my grandchildren grow in wisdom through the years Their laughter spilling bright across their winding ways. They chase the future boldly with their open hands Unfolding dreams I may not fully understand.
I see their stories forming where I cannot go A tender ache of love that only age can know. Yet God, who holds all time, will guard the roads they roam His grace is the gentle light that leads them safely home.
And as the seasons turn and I release my own I rest in knowing He walks with them In footsteps beyond my own.
Happy New Year_2026
The Monkey, The Tiger and Little Miss
Cocoa’s stomach jiggled like a bowl full of jelly. His monkey laughter echoed about the forest. He wrapped his brown arms around his chubby middle to hold back his laughter. It was no use. The monkey’s joy reached the river water where his tiger friend, Zakari, sat splashing.
“What’s so funny?” said Zakari.
“You are!” said Cocoa. “No matter how long you splash, ya can’t wash the blue off.”
“And you can’t wash the marshmallow-colored hair from your monkey chin!”
The friends looked at each other and laughed. They liked teasing each other. It was a good way to pass a hot summer afternoon in the rain forest.
Cocoa jumped onto a hanging vine. He swung out over the water and let go.
Splat! Water splashed around Cocoa as his plump body plunged into the river. Sputtering, he resurfaced.
“You won’t be in the water much longer,” said Cocoa.
“Why’s that?” asked Zakari.
“Adventure Tours is setting up a campsite downriver. I suppose another group is eager to get a picture of the blue you. They will be looking for you soon.”
“I can’t take a chance of campers taking pictures of me,” said Zakari. “I’ll end up in a zoo. You lucky monkey. You escaped from a zoo years ago. Nobody’s looking for you.”
“You poor, blue tiger,” said Cocoa. “Where are you going to hide this time, my friend?”
“I’ll go to the cave on top of Big Cat Mountain,” said Zakari.
Zakari used his mighty strength to jump to the top of the river bank. He vanished into the rain forest.
The Monkey, The Tiger and Little Miss
Cocoa’s stomach jiggled like a bowl full of jelly. His monkey laughter echoed about the forest. He wrapped his brown arms around his chubby middle to hold back his laughter. It was no use. The monkey’s joy reached the river water where his tiger friend, Zakari, sat splashing.
“What’s so funny?” said Zakari.
“You are!” said Cocoa. “No matter how long you splash, ya can’t wash the blue off.”
“And you can’t wash the marshmallow-colored hair from your monkey chin!”
The friends looked at each other and laughed. They liked teasing each other. It was a good way to pass a hot summer afternoon in the rain forest.
Cocoa jumped onto a hanging vine. He swung out over the water and let go.
Splat! Water splashed around Cocoa as his plump body plunged into the river. Sputtering, he resurfaced.
“You won’t be in the water much longer,” said Cocoa.
“Why’s that?” asked Zakari.
“Adventure Tours is setting up a campsite downriver. I suppose another group is eager to get a picture of the blue you. They will be looking for you soon.”
“I can’t take a chance of campers taking pictures of me,” said Zakari. “I’ll end up in a zoo. You lucky monkey. You escaped from a zoo years ago. Nobody’s looking for you.”
“You poor, blue tiger,” said Cocoa. “Where are you going to hide this time, my friend?”
“I’ll go to the cave on top of Big Cat Mountain,” said Zakari.
Zakari used his mighty strength to jump to the top of the river bank. He vanished into the rain forest.