Ruby Hayes is a retired schoolteacher and widow from Lexington, Virginia. Most mornings she is up before the house, writing at her kitchen table with her Bible open and Earl's old mug full of coffee.
I do not write emails like this often. Most mornings I just sit down and write what is true and send it to you and that is enough. But I wanted to say something today. This table has more people at it than I ever imagined. When I started writing
devotional
"Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life." — Ecclesiastes 9:9 I have been thinking about Earl's mornings. He was up before me in every season, which is saying something because I have never been a late riser. But
Sunday Letter
"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." — Philippians 4:8 It is Sunday evening and the week is
devotional
"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another." — Hebrews 10:24-25 I was at church this morning and there is nothing to report, which is itself
devotional
"Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent." — Psalm 71:9 I used to work in the garden until noon. I remember this the way I remember being able to eat a whole plate of fried
devotional
"I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God's gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil." — Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 Friday does not
devotional
"Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her." — Proverbs 31:28 Dear Becca, You called last night and we talked for thirty minutes about nothing and it was one of the better conversations I have had all week, which tells you
devotional
"Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10 I read the Forty-sixth Psalm this morning and stopped where I always stop, which is the tenth verse. Be still, and know that I am God. I have read this verse more times than I can
devotional
"And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the LORD God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food." — Genesis 2:8-9
devotional
"To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul." — Psalm 25:1 There is a window in the morning before the heat comes and I try to be in my chair with my coffee and my journal before it closes. By seven the sun has found the kitchen
Sunday Letter
"By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." — Luke 1:78-79 It is Sunday evening
devotional
"How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself." — Psalm