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
OVER THE COFFEE CUP
Reflections ...warm and contemplative.
About family, friends, faith, and the stories God writes in our everyday human moments.
A year of unmistakable movement... doors opening, clarity arriving, and God’s workmanship shining through new beginnings.
2026 — When the Future Knocked Loudly
A year of subtle changes, quiet signals, and God‑whispers preparing the heart for what comes next.
2025 —The Murmur Before the Shift
A year of choosing bravery in everyday life... new paths, new commitments, new trust.
2024 — Walking Forward With New Courage
A gentle rise of optimism, creativity, and forward motion ... small lights rekindling.
2023 — The Year Hope Found Its Voice Again
A year of mending... families reconnecting, friendships strengthening, hearts stitching themselves back together.
2022 — “Gathering the Pieces, Gathering Each Other”
A year of cautious re‑entry, rebuilding routines, rediscovering community, and relearning joy.
2021 — “The Slow Return of Footsteps”
A year of forced pause, deep reflection, and unexpected closeness... learning to breathe differently.
2020 — “When Stillness Became Our Teacher”
A year that felt steady, familiar, almost old‑fashioned in its rhythms — the calm before the world shifted.
2019 — “The Last Quiet Porchlight”
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.
