Canyons & Fireworks

Anne Shirley and Miss Elizabeth Bennett preoccupied my mind as a teen. I assumed all young ladies were similar and had those expectations of my step-daughter. Welp. . . she has been more of a math gal, that is, until Shakespeare sparked her enthusiasm during a school assignment. Turns out she is not much for full works of literature but can appreciate poetry.  With this in mind, at the beginning of the year, I made the resolution to read poetry aloud (specifically with my teen). It just so happened that Taylor Blayse was my guest blogger last week. Taylor's upcoming book is one of poetry. This made me conscience of March's impending approach. Despite my daughter's interest and my goal, we have yet to read poetry together in 2024. Fortunately, there is always tomorrow! While all of this was top of mind, I found myself at the book of Job in my normal studies. The last time I read Job, the resounding message was "Humanity is in need of an Advocate." This time around,...

“And the marigolds, They show me That peace can still bloom Even where grief Was planted.” Taylor Blayse Dear Readers, I am so honored to have a space here on Rita’s blog today. My first book, a collection of poems, is being released this year. I am so eager to share what the writing process has been like and what exactly this book is about. Like any good story, I suppose I should start from the very beginning. I grew up on a very small farm in Missouri. When we moved into our home when I was three, there was nothing but a small, cozy home and five acres of grass. No trees, no buildings, no fancy landscapes or patios or porches–no, just grass. But with my parents’ imaginative minds, that sea of green quickly transitioned into something beautiful. Something that helped me grow–something that taught me important lessons about life. And that something was greenhouses. It started with two commercial sized greenhouses next to the house. These two gentle giants became comforters and friends ...

Hopefully if you know me at all or have followed my blog, you know that I am madly in love with my husband, Rob. We are coming up on our four year wedding anniversary and the honeymoon is still going! Rob works hard to keep our love alive, our house peaceful, and he continues to surprise me. Recent geology work revealed that Rob is half French and not as Italian as previously believed. This revelation came right around the time I started writing regularly.  I joked that we are a good match because he is French and I am a poet.  Rob makes the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, and yes they are better than usual. He is sensitive to my feelings and can make me laugh. There is no one else I would rather spend my day with, face a problem with, or go on a new advantage with than my hubby. Rob leads our family with his strong faith, is steady and sweet, funny and deliberate, smart and goofy, and is clean. Yes, my husband picks up after himself, cooks, and cleans. I know you all thought...

I don't know about you but I am overdue for a long vacation.  Since I've been married, Rob and I have taken a few short and sweet trips. We have had the privilege of attending some beautiful weddings, the joy of meeting newborn family members, and once a year my company treats my colleagues and all our families to a Hilton Head respite; but we have not had a full week off for the sole purpose of relaxation and to unplug. After delving into the history of kings and priests in the Biblical books of Kings and Chronicles, I could also use the vacation from the effects of sin.  A recurring theme is that God's people served Him and were blessed and protected but then fell away and were attacked and suffered hardship. This cycle repeated over and over again.  How can that be? What of the times of serving Him? Was not a bond made that would forge a lasting devotion?    I believe the answer is found in 2 Chronicles 15:3-5. “Now, for a long time, Israel was without the tr...

My Dad’s name is Melchizedek.  He is one of eleven who all have Biblical names. While many families participate in honorary naming, my father is the only person I know who has such a name. He goes by Mel. As a daughter of Melchizedek, I have taken great care to learn about dad’s namesake. After the fall, God chose Abram and Sarai as the first redemptive family to point mankind back to their orginal function. The Creator of the universe intended for humanity to operate in dominion over the earth by serving as His kings and priests. God also wanted to get back in the business of pouring out Eden-like blessings on His creation.  Abram met Melchizedek, the priestly king over Shalem (ancient name for Jerusalem), after a huge victory. Melchizedek blessed Abram,  and Abram instituted the first tithe by giving to Melchizedek. Both men blessed and honored eachother.   Later, Abraham would offer his only son as a sacrifice to God near where he met Melchizedek. As we know,...