The Saturday Journal: I still believe...

There we were--a few of us standing in line at the local DG--aka--Dollar General--you know--pick any corner of the map where I live and there is one within hollering distance. Nevertheless, there we were--four of us. Two older gentlemen in front of me with a cart full of drinks and other items and within a few minutes another lady came and stood behind me--her breathing seemed labored--probably from all the rushing around "shopping for last minute snow storm items".

Something was said about home and one of the men--he was wearing worn work boots--faded brown jeans and a blue flannel shirt. He said rather loudly--I have a home in glory! I'm just waiting on the good Lord to come and get me!

The cashier, she looked tired--frazzled from her constant line of customers--"snow storm shoppers." She glanced at me and smiled. I smiled back. Then the other man--he reached into their cart and placed what seemed to be at least 25 or more big--I'm talking the big candy bars--up on the counter for the cashier to "ring up".

The lady standing behind me--she leaned in closer and giggled and said to me, 'Looks like they will have enough candy to last through the storm.'

I still believe there are good people in this world.

I still believe in the cleansing of a good snow.

I still believe in His Words--written in red.

I still believe in reading picture books to children--and chapter books--and books with no pictures--only words.

I still believe the best smell on this earth is the scent of a newborn baby.

I still believe in the power of kindness.

I still believe numbers do not define us--determine our worth--numbers in our bank accounts--on a weighing scale, or the year of the car we drive.

I still believe all we need is the faith of a tiny mustard seed.

I still believe every child and adult, for that matter, should learn to ride a bike.

I still believe in the healing balm of sitting in rocking chairs and swinging on porch swings--outside on a porch--and the only music playing is the splattering of raindrops.

I still believe there is nothing that touches a heart as deep as the words, I love you--I believe in you, and times when our children and grandchildren ask, 'Will you play school with me?'

I still believe God hears and answers prayers.

I still believe in the important work of farmers, blue collar workers, tradesman, artists and makers, custodians, teachers, coaches, waitresses, cashiers, cooks and the list goes on....

I still believe if you put seeds in the feeders, the birds will find you.

I still believe in the magic of a crayon box--especially the big box with the built-in sharpener.

I still believe in God's promises--John 3:16 and Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 23 and Titus 2:13 and John 14:3 and there's more...

I still believe in the joy of libraries and little book stores with reading nooks with old soft cushioned chairs adorned with the brightest of flowers and colors.

I still believe in a love that last far beyond the end of the story.

I still believe a plant will hear your words--so, carry on.

I still believe ashes can be turned into beauty.

I still believe in a place called heaven.

I still believe in books--hardback books--paper books--books you can hold, touch, and smell.

I still believe in the child who says, when I grow up I wanna be a ____________ and they will.

I still believe choosing to be silent is not a sign of weakness--but a mighty strength.

I still believe it's okay to color outside the lines.

I still believe stories are the greatest medicine for a thirsty soul.

I still believe in the power of not giving up and remaining humble.

I still believe in the thrill of opening the mailbox and inside is a card--handwritten letter--thinking of you, Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas.

I still believe in small country churches--worshipping on the Sabbath and Wednesday night prayer meetings--where two or more are gathered together.

I still believe on our hardest days--gratitude is what makes those days better.

I still believe we should all be more intentional and listen--with empathy.

I still believe in hard--honest work.

I still believe the sun will rise every morning and that same sun will set every evening.

I still believe the best recipes are found in old church and community cookbooks.

I still believe in the changing life power of the "off" button on televisions, phones--any electronic device.

I still believe in the beauty of walks in the woods and early morning walks on the ocean shore and from those walks comes this profound knowing of just how small we are, and how majestic our Creator is--and the miracle of it all--He still sees us.

I still believe every child should be able to play in the dirt--the mud, and taste at least one mudpie over the course of their childhood.

I still believe no one has ever been sad when given flowers.

I still believe deviled eggs and chocolate no-bake cookies should be a staple at every meal.

I still believe when one plants a seed--that little seed will fight to break thru the hardest of ground.

I still believe in old books--Little Women, Little House in the Big Woods, Charlotte's Web, The Secret Garden, and the Holy Bible.

I still believe in the awe and wonder in this world.

And I still believe--every person we meet--every man, woman, boy, or girl we see--we are seeing a glimpse of God's face--a glimpse of His image, and someone, He loves--

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I am grateful for each of you--more than you will ever know and I pray,

the stories shared in this space will encourage and bless you in some small way.

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All photos @copyright Tathel Miller, unless otherwise credited to another photographer.

Soli Deo Gloria

Tathel