There are moments in life that stop us in our tracks: a brilliant sunset painted across the evening sky, a hummingbird hovering just long enough to be noticed, a deer stepping quietly from the trees, a child’s laughter ringing through the air, or a field of wildflowers blooming where no one planted them.

For a brief moment, we pause. We stare. We smile. And we feel something difficult to express.

Wonder.

I have come to believe that wonder is one of God’s greatest gifts—not because it changes the world around us, but because it changes us.

Wonder awakens us. It pulls us out of the fog of schedules, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. It calls us back to the present moment and invites us to truly see what has been there all along.

As children, wonder comes naturally. A butterfly holds our attention for minutes. A puddle becomes an adventure. A cloud transforms into a dragon, a ship, or a castle drifting across the sky. Children seem instinctively aware that the world is alive with mystery and possibility.

Somewhere along the way, many of us lose that awareness. We grow busy, efficient, productive. We hurry from one obligation to the next. We glance but no longer see. We hear but no longer listen. We walk past countless small miracles—not because they have disappeared, but because we have stopped paying attention.

Perhaps wonder isn’t something we lose. Perhaps it is something we simply neglect.

That is why I believe wonder can be practiced.

The sacred practice of wonder begins by slowing down long enough to notice: the sunlight filtering through the trees, the fresh scent of rain after a storm, the quiet shift of seasons, the intricate beauty of a single flower, the kindness of a stranger, or the everyday blessings we too often take for granted.

Wonder is simply paying attention with an open heart.

The more I observe creation, the more convinced I become that it is filled with small miracles. A seed becoming a towering oak tree. A caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. The return of birds each spring. The faithful rhythm of sunrise and sunset. The remarkable renewal of life, year after year.

These things happen regularly, yet they remain extraordinary.

And perhaps that is the paradox: the most extraordinary things are often hidden inside the ordinary.

Wonder does something vital for the soul. It softens us. It humbles us. It reminds us that we are part of something far larger than ourselves. Wonder gives birth to gratitude, and gratitude gives birth to joy—not the fleeting happiness that depends on circumstances, but the deeper, steadier joy that comes from recognizing the goodness woven throughout life.

I have noticed that moments of wonder often linger long after the moment itself has passed. A sunrise witnessed years ago. A sweeping mountain view. A song that stirred the heart. An answer to prayer. A single ray of sunlight breaking through storm clouds.

These experiences stay with us. They become anchors for the soul—quiet reminders that even in life’s busiest seasons, beauty and wonder are never far away.

Perhaps that is because wonder always points beyond itself. The beauty of creation invites us to consider the One who created it. The heavens declare His glory. The earth reflects His artistry. Every small wonder becomes an invitation: an invitation to slow down, to pay attention, to give thanks, and ultimately, to worship.

As I walk the trails of Whispering Oaks Ridge, I am often surrounded by these quiet reminders—a wildflower blooming unnoticed beside the path, birds greeting the dawn, golden evening light stretching across the meadow, long shadows weaving among the oak trees.

Simple things. Ordinary things. Yet somehow they feel sacred.

Not because they are rare, but because they reveal what has been there all along. 

Perhaps wonder is less about discovering something new and more about seeing familiar things with fresh eyes.

And perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves—and the generations that follow—is the ability to remain amazed. To never lose our capacity for awe. To never stop noticing. To never stop marveling at the beauty, mystery, and goodness woven throughout God’s creation.

In a hurried world, wonder may feel like a luxury. I believe it is a necessity.

For wonder nourishes the soul. 
And a nourished soul is better equipped to recognize joy, cultivate gratitude, and live fully.

The world is still full of wonders.

The question is: Are we paying attention?

May we choose, day by day, to slow down, open our eyes, and let wonder lead us back to gratitude, joy, and the quiet presence of the Creator who surrounds us with beauty.

Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”  Luke 5:26

Snow Snuggles. Two little English robins huddled together in the wintry days of January. Most of them do not migrate but brave the Winter to protect their territory.

As I attempted to paint their feathers this morning, the first verse of Emily Dickinson’s poem “Hope” came to mind.

“Hope” is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all.

Ah yes. Hope! We all need it. It’s everything. I pray you have it in abundance. ❤️

An excerpt from my latest blogpost inspired by my watercolor shown above. The Tree and the Snowman.

“The snowman’s head was not quite as they’d left it and somehow his face was different. His eyes sparkled brighter and his smile was much bigger. His carrot nose was cheekily pointing upward, while his head was tilted back and turned ever so slightly towards the tree. Was he gazing up in wonder at the tree’s star? Yes, indeed! They couldn’t deny what they saw.”

A little painting to honor the pine cone which plays a beautiful part of Christmas festivities. We find these cones in all shapes & sizes—adorning Christmas trees, tucked into wreaths and added to table decorations.

I personally love them and have a basket of large sugar pine cones that I collected from a forest in Northern California many years ago. To me their design is perfection in their imperfections. They’re beautiful in their natural state but adding some silver or gold spay paint jazzes them up to add some sparkle.

Did you know that the pine cone is SO much much more than a Christmas decoration? Hiding within its beautiful design lie the seeds to grow an entire forest! One more little miracle from our Creator.

I painted this simple little tree ornament for you in the classic Christmas colors of red and green. These two colors are complementary and, when placed side by side, each accentuates the vibrancy of the other.

Red radiates energy and passion, while green is grounding and calming. Together, these opposite colors harmonize. They create a sense of cozy warmth, peacefulness, and joy, so what better colors to symbolize Christmas, right?

At this beautiful time of year,  I wish you harmony, joy, love, faith, and an unwavering  hope for the future.

A heartfelt thanks to all my dear friends everywhere. You light up my life.

This little painting is intended to inspire a mountaintop moment. I hope you like it.

Today, we are one week from Christmas Eve. Do you feel the glory of an all-powerful living and loving God? I hope your heart is full of joy as we celebrate Christ’s birth. May your cup overflow with blessings. May you fall to your knees in reverence as you wonder at the magnitude of God’s gift to mankind.

“Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born

Down in a lowly manger
Our humble Christ was born
And brought us all salvation
That blessed Christmas morn.”

How could I not paint a festive nutcracker? Mine is dressed in traditional garb, as a guard, but nowadays we find these colorful ornaments mimicking a variety of characters. They come in all shapes and sizes—hanging on the Christmas tree, displayed on the mantle piece, standing to attention at the front door, always ready to greet a friendly visitor, or on guard to ward off danger.

Originally, nutcrackers were keepsake gifts to bring good luck to a family. It is said they represent strength and power, and protect the family from anything harmful.

Here’s a delightful little poem by Jonathan H. Scott

THE NUTCRACKER.
My kingdom’s only make-believe.
This truth I’ll not deny.
Still, through the years, I’ve stood the watch.
Herein I reason why.

If I am seen by just one child—
One little girl or boy,
I am prepared to give my all,
Though I am just a toy.

Despite my lowly place, you see,
I am still honor-bound.
No greater call of duty now
Will anywhere be found.

Yet, there’s one thing above all else
(It’s been so from the start)
I will protect and will care for;
Your dear and tender heart.

Hanging a Christmas wreath on the front door is more than a festive red and green decoration for me. The evergreen pine needles represent everlasting life, the red flowers and berries symbolize the blood of Christ, and the circle emphasizes eternal love.

But our wreath is also a warm greeting that says “You are welcome in this place!”

It’s an open invitation to step over the threshold and into our home. How about a glass of cheer, a hot chocolate, or a cup of tea? Then, stay a while. Let’s celebrate the blessings of love, family, friendship and good health. Let’s reminisce about the good old days and speak enthusiastically about the years ahead.

Cheers! Here’s wishing our friends and family the happiest season of all. Merry Christmas!

It’s true there’s something magical about falling snow, especially for children—or those folks who awaken their inner child. Isn’t it wonderful how snow quietens the world and instills a sense of peace to life, and yet it also stirs the desire to venture out into it, touch it, build a snowman, or even fall into its softness and craft a snow angel? So silently beautiful.

I doubt we’ll see snow here in Texas but we can dream, right?

Christmas is almost here! As the worldly distractions of busyness and non-stop noise reach a deafening crescendo, I invite you to stop for a few moments, take a break, and listen to the words of this song for the next 75 seconds.

I hope the scene in this little painting floods you with a sense of peace. That you feel joy and hope. I pray you know the light of the world. Through Him, may you shine your light for others to follow.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” —John 8:12

No lights for this Christmas tree. None needed. There’s nothing mankind can create to compare with nature. No painting could reproduce the magnificence of this tree as it stood in glittering radiance.

There, in the crunchy snow, I was spellbound by its breathtaking beauty. It was alive with dazzling light. Instead of wired lights, on every bough millions of snowflakes twinkled in the sun, sparkling like dancing diamonds. No two flakes alike. No baubles hung on its branches—just a star on the treetop announcing the coming of our savior.

A miracle for mankind.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6

The children, all bundled up in their woolies and boots, charged out the back door amidst shrieks of joy and laughter, unleashing pent up anticipation and excitement. Christmas was almost here and the garden was covered in a glistening white carpet.

The first snowfall of winter had beckoned the children out to play. They seemed oblivious to the frosty air as they frolicked hither and thither. Their eager faces beamed with delight and their cheeks shone rosy pink, flushed from the chilly air.

They sculpted snow angels and they crafted snowballs from handfuls of the soft white flakes. Squeals and shouts of satisfaction echoed across the blanketed garden as well-aimed snowballs crumbled powdery white on their targets. The fight was on! Snow was flying.

Soon, the children’s attention turned to the tree. The evergreen, its branches now laden with snow. It was little more than a twig when first planted in the garden—not much taller than the eldest of the three siblings. Now the tallest of the two boys had to stretch high above his head to crown the tree with its Christmas star.

“There, that’s done! Our tree is ready, but he needs his little friend,” the boy exclaimed. His was voice a little deeper this year.

It was their special tradition. Every year around Christmas they would place a beautiful nativity star on their evergreen tree to announce the birth of Jesus. On the years it snowed, they would build a snowman to keep the tree company. After all, everyone needs a friend, right? Especially at Christmastime.

The children set about rolling the biggest ball for the snowman’s body. It was soon accomplished as the snow was thick this year. They placed it close to the tree, and in no time his head was firmly planted on his body. Their snowman was taking shape. Now for the fun part. Twigs for arms, and chunks of coal for eyes, mouth and coat buttons. While the boys arranged those finishing touches the girl ran to fetch a carrot for his nose.

“Ta-da! He’s done!”

“Not quite”, whispered the girl. “It’s cold out here when you’re just standing around! He needs My scarf!”

She wrapped her red wool scarf around his neck, and one of the boys removed his beanie and placed it on the snowman’s head. The three children stood back and admired their creation for a few moments before disappearing into the warmth of their house.

The next day was Christmas morning. After breakfast, and the fun of opening stockings, the little girl moved towards the back window to look out at the tree and his snowman friend. She gave a little gasp and demanded her brothers join her. What they saw was magical to them.

The snowman’s head was not quite as they’d left it and somehow his face was different. His eyes sparkled brighter and his smile was much bigger. His carrot nose was cheekily pointing upward, while his head was tilted back and turned ever so slightly towards the tree. Was he gazing up in wonder at the tree’s star? Yes, indeed! They couldn’t deny what they saw.

“Why does he look so alive and so joyful? Do you think the tree told him what the star means?” Queried the little girl. Before the boys could respond, a voice from behind spoke up.

“Of course he did,” answered their mother!

So, my dear friends, it’s your turn now. What do you think?

Snow provokes responses that reach right back to childhood.
– Andy Goldsworthy

We’ve had an exceedingly busy life over the last few weeks. We’ve been traveling. First, with family and friends, on a delightful cruise to Alaska, and then more recently we were in Nashville for a granddaughter’s wedding, which was attended by every single beautiful family member—from the oldies (Chuck & I) to the youngest of great grandchildren (Carter) to everyone in between. 

Such meaningful moments full of love, and loveliness. My soul is still singing.  

After all the excitement and constant activity, a weekend at home to simply chill and do nothing was a welcome respite, and I caught up with some news and social media posts. Maybe not the brightest idea, but enlightening. So much chaos and craziness in the world news! And a few hate-filled social media posts. What I saw, read, and heard got me thinking about the negativity that’s swirling in the life and times of now!

But this morning I was reminded of the wisdom in Philippians 4:8-9, which has resulted in this blogpost. It was a reminder to always choose love and lovely thoughts. Take action that intentionally nourish the soul and serve as a blessing to others! 

I’ve written extensively about such topics, in various ways over the years, in this blog and in my book, so this is one more reminder that while we live in a troubled, topsy-turvy world, surrounded by disturbing news, hateful criticism, and noisy commentary, we must guard our hearts and minds by choosing love over hate, and lovely, pure thoughts over negative ones, because our thoughts do matter—they direct our actions and determine our lives!

As Dr. Forrest C Shaklee so wisely expressed, “What you think, you look; what you think, you do; and what you think, you are!”

We can learn a lot about people simply by scrolling through their social media feed, viewing their pictures, seeing what they repost, and reading their comments—even reading between the lines. We learn who people really are; what they enjoy, where they stand; and how they think. 

Happily for me, the vast majority of friends and people I follow are like-minded in terms of posting pictures and comments about their social lives, their family, their hobbies and their passions—pleasant, loving posts that are interesting and uplifting. 

But then there are those whose posts I now scroll on by because it saddens me to see their creators so embittered and obsessed with a perceived social injustice, their own personal pet peeve, or visceral hatred towards anyone with an opposing political view. So much so, some even invite those who disagree with their viewpoint to unfriend them. Whatever happened to love and friendship? What’s wrong with agreeing to disagree? Can we not place love and friendship above political preferences?

Actually, I prefer to befriend rather than unfriend, to build bridges of communication with people I care for, rather than to silence them, or punish them for thinking differently, and to be kind and respectful even when on opposing sides. So, I scroll past the hateful rhetoric and, although tempted to respond at times, I choose not to engage—in the big scheme of things their anger is of no consequence to me, and my time is better spent more positively. Very often, the hostile language, the repetitive accusations, and the voluminous vitriol are not only beneath the writer, but they are also dull and boring to me. Life is too precious to allow someone else’s unpleasantness to invade your life and steal your peace, so I let them be! I remain hopeful that their posts will be more enjoyable in the future, but I continue to scroll on to more uplifting, interesting posts. 

With that said, let’s encourage one another to level up. Let’s rise above the malicious rhetoric. Let’s attempt to seek the good in others, to choose love over hate, and lovely thoughts over vindictive ones. Let’s be the light in someone else’s darkness. 

What if we invest so much time working on ourselves, to be the best we can be, we leave no room for hateful criticism of others—who are probably doing the very best they can. 

Let’s try to live each day heeding Paul’s words in Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

He said ……..

“Come meet me in the early morn
As the sun rises, just after dawn.
I’ll wait for you in the still of the day
Before the world steals you away.

Let’s sit quietly together. Let’s just be.
I cherish the time you spend with me.
Unburden yourself of deepest fears.
I’ll hold you close. I will dry your tears.

I know your longing. I hear your heart.
Be calm. Abide in me and never part.
The noise, the chaos, it takes its toll.
My unfailing love will heal your soul.” 

 I said ……..

“I hear you Lord.
I will meet you in the early morn.
I will seek you every waking hour.
I will praise you in every way.”
— Anthea Tripp

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
—Psalm 143:8

It’s been a while since I posted an entry in my blog, but here I am after a few month’s silence, writing in Anthea’s Anthology to share what I’ve been up to! Haha—mostly up to my neck—in good stuff! 

As most of you will understand, life can throw unexpected curves in addition to well-aimed darts and arrows, and although some of those incoming spoilers inevitably hit their mark, I really can’t blame life’s unwelcome interruptions for my lack of new blog entries. No, this time I swerved off course intentionally. I ventured into a new realm. A challenging one! Please bear with me. 

In this current chapter of life my days are mostly filled with meaningful activities I love, like time at the ranch, running my health and wellness business, contending with household chores, shopping, working out, enjoying family and friends, travel, and keeping a sporadic presence on social media—so yes, I did engage in some writing, albeit short paragraphs on Facebook and Instagram. 

It was my relatively new creative hobby, watercolor painting, that snatched my time and focus, and since there are limited waking hours in a day, one must pick and choose one’s priorities. As a result, blogging took a backseat while I veered off into the watercolor world hoping to improve my amateurish painting skills of hamsters. Why? Because I’d like to illustrate my children’s story about Mitten’s Frightful Demise. 

The good news? I plunged into watercolors, splashing paint around to complete two passable illustrations.  I feel the pictures have revived Mitten in paint, pose, and attitude that compliment his story. In the process of being lost in painting, my passion for writing and blogging is revived.

Definitely will be creating more colorful, artistic illustrations of Mitten but now I feel I can incorporate both painting and blogging!

 

It’s 7:30 am on Monday 17^th March. I am smiling through a tearful lens because I know her so well. If it was at all possible, she would dial my iPhone, and I would hear her bright and cheerful greeting: “Good Morning! Happy St Patrick’s Day!” She most likely would be wearing something green because that’s just June−so very aware of the day and always ready for a celebration.

The call did not come this Monday morning and of course I knew it would not. My dear friend is in heaven this Monday morning. I wonder, is she all decked out in green?

Let me start at the beginning. We met through our Shaklee business connections. June Ost and I had known each other for many years, at first only from a distance, exchanging glances through a sea of faces at Shaklee conferences. About 10 or 11 years ago we elevated our friendship to a more personal level. Actually, the four of us bonded as our spouses, Chuck and Rusty, hit it off too. Thus, a grand friendship was launched. Continue reading →

Meanwhile back at the ranch it’s 87’. A hot, dry, March wind is ruffling the chair covers as the wind chimes dance and ring out their musical notes. There’s a burn ban in place and no hint of rain in the foreseeable future. 😩

We fire up the Ranger and gather dead branches to feed the burgeoning pile of nature’s debris. But there’ll be no flames today. A severe weather warning is in effect—danger of brush fires. 🔥 Continue reading →

Winter. It’s the season when stillness reigns supreme. It engulfs us in its familiar sights, earthy aromas and soothes us with its gentle hush.

February’s icy breath has claimed the last few shriveled leaves clinging to twigs and branches of the majestic oak tree pictured. Completely exposed, the oak tree stands gnarled and naked at the rear property line of Whispering Oaks Ridge.

The ranch is quiet as I wander the trails. Not a whisper is heard. Winter has silenced the singing oak trees. Time for them to tune in to the rhythm of the season. Nature requires these mighty giants bow to her bidding.

Lay dormant. Be still and renew. Continue reading →