Category: LIFE’S VICISSITUDES

Victory Through Christ

April 22, 2026

Life can seem like a battle

day after care-worn day…

one thing piled on another

till faith begins to fray…

all hope, these countless

things would slay–

but I’ve lived too long

to doubt my Lord

walked with Him

a goodly way…

So I know well

He’ll never abandon

not ever betray–

He holds my hand

and the promised victory…

whatever dark trial

He has final say!

~ Cale

Amplified Bible
For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]. 1 John 5:4

Amplified Bible
Who is the one who is victorious and overcomes the world? It is the one who believes and recognizes the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:5

Deuteronomy 20:4
For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Amplified Bible
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. Romans 8:37

2 Chronicles 20:15
And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.

10 Things of Thankful

April 19, 2026

https://misky.uk/2026/04/16/ten-things-of-thankful-4/

Hello Everyone! 

My first “thankful” should perhaps always begin with a shout out to dear Misky, who has a generous and gracious heart to always link up my “10” for me…since I’m not adept at doing Linky things–so Misky, Many Thanks!!🌹🌷🌹 

If you don’t know her, how ’bout clicking her link above and hopping over to say “hi”!

Although I’ll never be a skillful photographer, I’m happy when I can include a picture from my own Upper Room.  If you can’t see it–the wall decor speaks of my Grateful heart, and love of anything “ocean/sea”, including gulls! 

The rainbow is a gift from Heaven–years ago I bought several boxes of crystals to hang in windows, and when we finally get sunshine in the Pac NW (after Winter), my humble home is awash with vibrant color!

I’m thankful, especially so, that the new laptop/PC keyboard I thought would be a help (but wasn’t), was accepted for return by Amazon and picked up at my door!  So I’m grateful the old one, though imperfect, will continue serving my posts.

Speaking of Amazon, I’m way thankful they sorted out their website issues yesterday before I could work up a good “fret”.  Now mind you, I have PLENTY of food in my various cupboards and 2 freezers…but as I looked at all the items I usually order, and read “currently unavailable” I was mildly hysterical, thinking there was a sudden food shortage.  (Have I mentioned I’m “highstrung”?) 

When my neighbor called I began shouting, “No Food, No Food” (for dramtic effect), and she quickly assured me that website glitches are common–and surely tomorrow the foods I want would be back in their places with bright happy faces (as well as my own).  She was right of course.

But there’s more–the day before this happened I’d been jubilant, pratically dancing because I was able to order 3, count ’em 3 bags of frozen mini wontons–which are quickly becoming my fave go-to quicky meal.  So I was hardly at a loss for sustenance, body and soul.  It does illustrate–for anyone curious–that I’m easily thrilled or devastated, by nature.

I’m also grateful that one of my online churches moved their Saturday services to Sunday–now I can get more of the to-do list done, and have the Lord’s Day free of distractions.

I can’t forget to sing my thanks to Denise, and all the authors who add sparkle to the week via 6-Sentence Stories.  Denise serves up intriguing prompt words each Sunday, and everyone writes with a storm of vast and talented creativity–it’s a WOW all the way around!

Last, but never least, I’m hugely grateful to the Lord Jesus for daily mercies and miracles.  Salvation is just the start–once you get to know Him in a deep and personal way, it’s astounding what He can accomplish in your life.  I’m not close to perfect…but the improvment is significant, hallelujah!😊

PS: thanks for taking time to read my posts…some days I’m full of jabber…like somebody put a quarter in me!

~ Cale

 

I’d Rather Be ~ One-Liner Wednesday

April 15, 2026

Frankly, my dear…I’d much rather be in Heaven where life is finally perfect–but since I’m still here, there must be more for me to do, encouraging those whose lives are harder than mine.

~ Cale

Amplified Bible
Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

https://lindaghill.com/2026/04/15/one-liner-wednesday-id-rather-be/

Badge by Laura @ riddlefromthemiddle.com

It’s Been Lovely but I Really Have to Scream Now

April 15, 2026

Huge thanks to Esther for her encouragement and her wonderful prompts!  Here is the link to her Limerick challenge–the prompt word is SCREAM:  https://estherchilton.co.uk/2026/04/13/laughing-along-with-a-limerick-279/

🙄🤣🤗

A blessed old-gal was living her dream

soup pot simmered while poem stitched straight seam

’till one day took fright

after wee-hours’ write:

she heard sudden wild seagull scream!

~ Cale

I had to google, because I’d never-ever heard a seagull scream (different from their normal cries)–and this particular rooftop visitor sounded like it was in pain, screaming for a full day outside my window…(apparently it can be a mating “issue”).

Photo:

one of my prized possessions found in a thrift store–I keep it out where I can see it daily and laugh at Life’s absurdities!  (everyone who’s ever visited covets it, so it’s in my as-yet-unsigned Will for “Somebody”)

When Exactly Does Wisdom Kick In?

April 11, 2026

https://travelwithintent.com/2026/04/11/an-easter-tradition-of-chair-lifting/

There’s no getting around the fact that I’m crazy…at least “prompt crazy”.  My Blessed Table is littered with prompts, most which I will not get around to writing for but can’t bear to toss…yet somebody mentions 6-Word Saturday and I’m like a squirrel leaping at the sight of a hidden nut come to light.

Crazy or not, I don’t understand why, at 73, the expected gift of silver season Wisdom has not, in similar fashion, made an appearance.  Yes, I DO pray and read the Bible daily…so that’s not the problem. 

Once again, I’ve erred on the side of trusting (a human), and have fallen through the trap door of painful disappointment.  How can I still be this stupid, and otherwise be a responsible adult who pays bills on time, keeps my home tidy, cooks, etc?

Good thing I stocked up on ice cream and popcorn…and assorted chips, cookies…

 ~ Cale

Mercurial March ~ 6SS

March 26, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/03/25/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-64/

Ahh…in the rustling wind I hear stories, lots of  ’em, and they’re all 6-sentence perfection.  Click the link above, if you’re unfamiliar with this weekly writing challenge hosted by Denise.  You’ll find all the information there, meet the crowd of fine authors–and be invited to write your own 6-sentence story–Yes!  Her briliant prompt this week is “MARCH”!

~♥~

March is widely considered a mercurial month, and Lorelei had followed suit: tearful, insatiable passion, wistful sighs, singing as she cooked, and distant–all in one day, or worse, within an hour.

But she was calm as Richard pointed to the vacant school, where his first contact in the town had been with the last remaining teacher–who’d seemed normal, friendly enough; the teacher and students were gone, and the building now served as an all-purpose auditorium for town meetings, rummage sales, receptions and various exhibitions.

“Tell Judd about the kids”, Lorelei urged, “how, prior to your arrival, there were no more children being born.”

Judd watched Richard’s face for any ‘tells’ of dissembling or outright lies–Lorelei’s request seemed to rock him just a bit, but he shrugged, grinned, said, “small town, ageing population–there wasn’t anything to offer young families looking for a place to settle, after the last graduating class moved on”–he shrugged again.

Aware the detective side of his brain was tracking, Judd took up where Lorelei left off: “wasn’t there considerable illegal drug business going on under cover of the fortune teller’s shop…she was allegedly the middle man; and the spate of suicides–teenagers; and a murdered girl, also allegedly connected to the fortune teller…her trade in love potions and curses, etc–am I right?”

Richard’s expression became strained–“perhaps you’ve acquired more information than I possess, Judd; I came here after all the ‘alleged’ was past history–and I was targeted by folks who couldn’t let go of myths and mysteries so convoluted that they were suspicious of a stranger coming in, quite innocently, to write a book that had nothing whatever to do with their town and residents–I only wrote about them after I’d narrowly escaped death; now, I’d really like to show you some of the nicer points here, if you’re interested”…to which Judd backed off, smiled an apology, and gestured for Richard to lead on.

~ Cale