Betty Whitaker Jackson

I am working on a book to be titled Whispering Woods, about a New England inn, the people who run it, those who visit, and those whose lives are affected by Cathy and Phil (may not be the final names–just placeholders for now). It begins in NYC where the power couple is caught up in the “rat race” and the final impetus for leaving is the tragedy of 9.11. Here’s what I’ve written so far about that part of the…..

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Castles were built with moats and high walls for defense. For the most part, they depended on height, breadth, strength, power, stability, etc., and sometimes even built an extra layer of protection by building walled cities, supposedly unassailable. But then came catapults and other devices which ramped up the need for defenses even stronger.

Warfare has changed drastically. Now with electronic surveillance, drones, and other highly sophisticated weaponry, is anywhere safe from attack? Even in our homes, we are defiled…..

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So, I’ve been thinking, and becoming depressed, about depression lately.

I have known depression twice in my life, but I didn’t recognize it as depression until reflecting upon it later. Thankfully, I do not live in that dark place often.

Prompted by the death of Robin Williams this week, we are all thinking about the topic.

I think depression is one of those self-centered maladies which enters our existence when we get overwhelmed by circumstances outside our control, and internalize…..

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Recall with me this hymn for such a time as this. Written in 1822, James Mongomery wrote the words, and Rowland Prichard set it to beautiful music in 1855. I can hear in my head the loud organ at Hope College, in the stone Dimnent Chapel, while hundred reaffirm Jeremiah’s words: “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anythig too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32: 27)

“Call Jehovah thy Salvation, rest beneath th’ Almighty’s shade, In His…..

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I read the end of Psalm 32 this morning. I needed that. A few friends and I gathered for prayer earlier, holding up several mutual friends and family members who are hurting right now, or who have decisions, or need healing. I believe in prayer. I believe God indeed numbers every hair on our heads and cares for every cell in our bodies, every decision we make, every pressing worry which robs us of peace and sleep at night.

That…..

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Every day is special. We celebrate the birthday of our sweet daughter-in-love, Mary Jackson and the first year remembrance of my awesome  brother L.J. Whitaker’s  last day of this life this date last year. Fitting that my verse for today is Ecclesiastes 3: 1-4: “There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to cry and a…..

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This reminder from scripture is so true as we are accosted by news stories of terrorist events, persecution of Christians, murder and mayhem, and wars and invasions and a world filled with evidence of the devil’s doings.

“For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realm. Ephesians 6:12.

…..

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When Isaiah says it, I listen. When Jeremiah says it, I listen. When Jesus says it, I really listen. When Jesus Calling reminds me, I share it with you. Whenever God reveals who He is, whether through scripture or other writing, or music, or art, or the actions of fellow Christians, I listen. And always, I leaarn more about God’s grace, His protection, His glory, His eternal presence, His forgiveness, His care for His universe, and even for me.

Today,…..

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Tonight there will be fireworks. Today there will be family and friend gatherings, usually with cookouts. Today flags will be unfurled and flown. Today there will be parades and speeches. Today there will be tributes to patriots. Today we celebrate our nation’s independence from the tyranny of British rule. Today revisionists rewrite history once more.

While the Declaration of Independence copies say July 4, 1776, the hard-fought battle began earlier with “the shot heard round the world.” The decisions made…..

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I have just finished rereading a favorite book: Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh after selecting it as a wedding gift for a special friend.

It is refreshment; it is captivating; it is challenging; it is riveting; it is personal.

I am indebted to its idea for my book, Bless You Bouquets: A Memoir.

Both are extended metaphors. Both of us have chosen an object (shells for her; flowers for me) to discuss philosophical or autobiographical topics.

In…..

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