Reflections of Terror and Beauty

Author: Janae

  • To mothers

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    by

    Janae
    in

    Seeing our baby on ultrasound is as clear in my mind today as in the moment. The detail of his brain, his small mouth – opening to suck his thumb – the perfection of his little fingers and toes, struck unprecedented awe in my heart and praise to God for this miracle. Having this joy…

  • Suttle Lake; a poem

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    by

    Janae
    in

    Four footprints chasing lake’s rim  . You and me – strolling along but not quite in stride . My quicker cadence of little feet and dusty knees . Our footprints together as if we were home . You and me – strolling along but not quite in stride . My cadence steadied, my steps now…

  • Shades of Green; a poem

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    by

    Janae
    in

    Have you noticed  all the shades of green?  . “Look there,” she would say to make green become more than one color  . Great pines above,  laced ferns below  . Look  and feel her smile  . Do you see the shades  of green?  . To live in a place bursting with life . The small…

  • COVID Storms & Human Sandcastles

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    by

    Janae
    in

    “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on…

  • 100 rainbows

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    Janae
    in

    My husband and I surfed on a sun-filled day but on a day that the waves still had their winter force. I paddled out past the breakpoint – intimidated by the waves’ heights. I found myself sitting on my board, watching the lines of waves travel towards land. I noticed how the off-shore wind met…

  • Advent: homes & hearts reoriented

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    Janae
    in

    In one distinct childhood memory, my father strings white icicle lights around the roof of our home. I still feel the cold air cooling in obedience to dusk. I remember the shimmer against a blanket of darkness that sent a shiver of wonder and joy through me. As an adult, my home is adorned with…

  • A Hospital Thanks

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    Janae
    in

    Where God tears great gaps we should not try to fill them with human words. They should remain open. Our only comfort is in God of the resurrection, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer  It is both tragic and beautiful that Grandpa lays just a door down from where Grandma breathed her…

  • Ordinary women: Mary’s song, my refrain

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    Janae
    in

    And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.  For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me,  and holy is his name. And…

  • Defending friendship

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    Janae
    in

    Friendship; some of life’s greatest sorrows and greatest joys share their origin. Our relationships can be life-giving or life-taking. What I am learning is that – while wisdom and discernment are important – how we share our lives is primarily about our relationship with Christ. As we yearn to devote all thoughts and works in…

  • talking to myself

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    Janae
    in

    I feel as though I am floundering – exhausted by effort and discouraged by my complacency. My only hope is to renew my mind in the promises of the Gospel. Here I share my thoughts and prayers. We can trust God’s sovereign goodness and faithfulness in all life circumstances. There is beauty and purpose in…