The Spigot
As my husband, Gary, watched from a distance the way I served others, he often described it this way: “You get to help people, who’s cups are depleted or empty, place themselves under the spigot of God and His Word so that He can fill them, restore them, guide them and use them.”
Through these bi-weekly posts, move your cup under the spigot of God to receive encouragement in life and truth from God’s Word to live the full life offered by Jesus (John 10:10).
Sixty-five
At eight and ten years old, Wilma and Jackie (also known as Jack or John) met. It was not a match...
Soaked
I often describe the practice of slowly and contemplatively reading Scripture as Soaking in...
Hail
A few weeks ago, we planted the garden with a variety of vegetables and herbs. Since then, I...
Quiet
Monday morning I arrived to UBTS (Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary) eager to meet my...
Crazy
Today I spent the afternoon with Nydia. With a few others, we enjoyed lunch and some social time...
Adventures
This past week I revisited the writings of Frank Laubach (1884-1970). In 1915 he and his wife left...
Toppings
One of my favorite foods to eat is pizza. I enjoy all types of crusts - from the super thin...
Maweyn
Have you ever wondered about St. Patrick? Did you know that when he was born, he had a completely...
Train
Last week I began a training program with Grace. Don't laugh; I'm serious. Maybe it was her recent...
Amped
While we were traveling, Grace, our three-year old German Short-haired Pointer, stayed at our...
Scammed
I learned from friends and family to never click a link in an email from an unknown or unverified...
Liken
Many years ago I was introduced to the life and works of Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatius was a...
Intention
For much of my life when a year ended, I would move into the new year without intentional...
Ponder
Last week I spent the morning with my youngest granddaughter, Ellie. She just turned eight months...
Vigilant
"There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in...
Grateful
At this time of year many focus on gratitude. It is the season of Thanksgiving, and yet isn’t...
Grateful
At this time of year many focus on gratitude. It is the season of Thanksgiving, and yet isn’t...
Snow
With all of the metro-Denver area, I anticipated a few inches of snow this past week. On...
Upended
The necessary papers sat on top of the table in the far corner of the meeting room. In order to...
Global
Followers of Jesus, 60 delegates representing 28 countries and territories, gathered over the last...
Broken
Grace (our 3 yr. old German Shorthaired Pointer) broke a nail. This represents the third broken...
Carefree
We walked through the grass and with a broken stick tapped the trunk of each tree along the way....
Precise
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it...
Share
In May when we bought a few small seedlings to plant in our garden boxes, I never dreamed the...
Tulip
One of my earliest memories dates back to the first grade. With my young classmates, I dressed up...
Gondola
Gary and I had a day to explore an unfamiliar, yet popular mountain town. The cool breeze touched...
Blossoms
The garden boxes that once looked like a sea of soil overflow with green twisting stems, large...
Clothe
Our identity impacts the way we live. When we know and believe the truth about our identity, the...
Coloring
In Lancaster Country, Pennsylvania, nestled in 100 acres of woodlands, Black Rock Christian Camp...
Safe
Last week my family and I gathered at Ted's Montana Grill for dinner. Gary's brother, David, and...
Seed
This past weekend, we planted seeds in the garden boxes alongside our home. We spaced them out...
Eliana
On April 20, 2024 an answered prayer and gift from God entered into this world. My son, Sammy, and...
Shelter
We began the last session of the first day of "The Care of Souls" class and I noticed my students...
Glad
After two flights, three car rides, and three commuting trains, we arrived to Khust, Ukraine. Gary...
Invitation
I feel excited. This week Gary and I embark on at 19-day journey. We will travel over 12,000 miles...
Incline
The last two weeks overflowed with sweet fellowship, delicious coffee, homemade cuisine, peaceful...
Humility
(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth) Numbers...
Held
I marvel at the ways God meets my soul when I spend time with Eve. I look forward to Tuesdays when...
Rocks
Last fall while Gary and I travelled, Grace stayed at A Dog's Word, a local dog kennel. While...
Time
Last year seemed to fly by. Yet when I reflected before welcoming 2024, I realized the number of...
Unexpected
The Day after Christmas....What stirred within you? For me, a bit of confusion. I wrote and posted...
Leap
The path on which I walk Grace borders an open valley filled with natural grasses, withered...
Sick
I laid in bed and starred at the bedside table. Sickness claimed my body and I struggled to get...
Meals
Meals offer organic space for conversation and connection. This past weekend, while visiting my...
Pasalubong
What spurs on your journey with Jesus? Today I found that when I connect with fellow followers of...
Stim
Most dogs where a collar to identify their name and their owner's phone number should the two...
Seeds
Two large garden boxes compose a part of the landscape for our yard. Situated on the south side of...
Seek
What do the Highlights magazine "Hidden Objects" page, the "I spy" game, and "Where's Waldo" have...
Color
Growing up I enjoyed coloring. I remember creating craft projects with a multitude of crayon...
Crushed
When Grace runs in the yard to catch the bouncing ball she often crushes the plants in her way....
Exhausted
My alarm began the morning ring and I mechanically reached over to silence the reminder to get up....
Landscape
As I consider the word, “landscape,” I notice a few things. Last month when traveling into...
Solidarity
Where do I begin? I find myself wondering what direction God wants me to take for this Spigot? The...
Ecologization
I learned a new word - Ecologization. It is a tricky word to say - I needed to say it over and...
Lost
Black Rock Retreat occupies nearly 130 acres near Lancaster, PA. The grounds include two dining...
Memorial
Each year on the last Monday in May, residents of the United States honor and remember those who...
Ball
Grace eagerly sat by the garage door awaiting her first adventure of the day. Her posture...
Mud
In the past week rain has soaked the soil in Denver, Colorado. Typically, we don’t get a lot of...
Become
We slept for the first night in the place God provided for us on April 5. The new house represents...
Charcuterie
The idea for The Spigot often surprises me. I await a nudge by the Holy Spirit within me. I have...
Place
Since we sold the townhouse in the summer of 2021, I have prayed for God to lead us to the next...
Hem
Not long ago a friend wore a pair of pants that had not been hemmed. She noted the fabric at the...
Companionship
Last week, at church our pastor taught from Genesis 2 (www.missionhills.org). This sermon prompted...
Alabaster
Because many celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14, I find myself reflecting on instances of...
Game Changer
Two weeks ago, I fell hard on the ice while walking Grace. She romped ahead of me in the snow and...
Intention
I wonder if living perplexed led you to consider ways to live with intention in 2023? Have you...
Perplexed
A New Year approaches! I look forward to the week between December 25 and January 1. During those...
Glow
Grace and I walk a wooded path a few times each day. On cool days, we love to soak up the sunshine...
Weary
Sunday marked the beginning of Advent - the weeks of waiting leading to Christmas. I took some...
Gratitude
In the United States, the season of fall often prompts warm and nostalgic memories of pumpkins,...
Push
The season of fall in Colorado seemed to extend longer than in past years. Trees exhibited an...
Grandeur
The beauty of South Africa stirred awe and wonder within my soul. God surely demonstrated His...
Awhhh
A few times a week I experience “Awhhh.” Often during the weekend, I receive a spontaneous text...
Avocado
One of my favorite superfoods, the avocado, offers one of the most nutrient-dense foods available...
Manage
I fell asleep with someone heavy upon my heart. I brought this tender soul before the Lord and let...
Welcome
Have you ever had one of those days when your mind and heart felt foggy? Or, when thinking clearly...
Surprise!
Last week I joined in a celebration for a friend’s birthday. All those in attendance gathered...
Catalyst
Nineteen years ago our family purchased a Toyota Sequoia. This rugged SUV offered reliable...
Mirror
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Not long ago when I took out the household trash...
Stop-Drop-Roll
This past week, I remembered when a special guest presenter from the fire department visited my...
Brokenness
Often God gives me a word for The Spigot and the ideas surrounding it marinade in my heart and...
Surrender
I often joke that someday I will write a book titled, “Formed with Joy,” detailing the ways God...
Supervision
In the last few weeks 7 1/2 month old Grace... - - - shredded a roll of toilet paper, transforming...
Breakthrough
In the last few weeks spring sprung in Colorado. Green blades slice through the tender dark soil....
Peliah
Anticipation erupted into celebration on April 6 at 2:40am. 🎉 In the wee hours of the morning,...
Anticipation
We live with anticipation. Anticipation - Expectation or prediction. With the probability or...
Friendship
Amongst God’s many gifts, I thank God for friends. On Saturday some friends, Randy and Lori, came...
Birdy
Snow blew in the air and the temperatures dropped, but for Grace, the heat arose within her little...
Weary
Grace St. Catherine lives with predictability. She loves to pounce in the snow chasing snowballs....
Tears
Tears accompany me throughout my days. I often wish for a different story where tears scarcely...
Traction
Recently a storm blew into Denver dropping the temperature by several degrees and bringing sleet...
Trajectory
Welcome 2022! Flying objects abound in our home: tennis balls, stuffed animals with squeakers, ice...
Ponder
I poured some olive oil in the pan as it rested on top of the red-hot burner. My son-in-law...
Zoomies
Every once in a while Grace, our 11 week old GSP, gets a burst of energy that reminds me of the...
Grace
With gratitude to God we welcomed Grace St. Catherine into our hearts and home on November 21,...
Prepare
The fall is a season of preparation. Animals in the forest prepare for winter by gathering and...
Skittish
Last weekend I enjoyed the gift of taking care of my grand-puppies. Hope and Meshach (or...
Lament
The cloud settled upon my soul. God’s presence enveloped me as I sat with shock in the realization...
Cloud
Clouds intrigue me. They rise high above the earth as well as settle upon the hills. These white...
Jehoshaphat
I continue to rest and reflect on Jehoshaphat’s story from 2 Chronicles 19-20. These rich inspired...
Fast
For the past few weeks 2 Chronicles 17-20 has captured my attention during my study in the Bible....
Waiting
Last weekend I walked a prayer trail. Located just outside of Sedalia, CO a colleague created a...
Bubbling
“Alexa, turn on bubbling brook.” This last week Gary and I took care of our grand puppies. Sammy...
Senseless
It was the strangest experience. Last week I tested positive for covid. After taking a ten day...
Fresh
While gathering with friends from the east coast I gleaned a new word. Fresh. We sat around the...
Tape
I have been using a lot of packaging tape lately. We are in the process of selling our townhouse...
Covering
Did you know that chickens run wild on the island of Kauai? They are everywhere. How did this come...
Settle
It was one of those nights. After sleeping a few hours I found myself staring at the ceiling wide...
Paddle
A few weeks ago Gary and I went paddle boarding. We rented stand up paddle boards to paddle up a...
Music stand
Have you seen the movie, The Greatest Showman? I recently enjoyed watching this fictional...
Accountable
Checking the mail rarely offers such a dramatic response as what occurred on a late afternoon in...
Hope
Have you ever thought about the number of times you use the word hope? Think about it. Reflect on...
Distraction
In response to an authentic painful email, the counselor advised: “I think you need to focus on...
Kick
“Sit or lie down for twenty minutes a day and count the number of times the baby kicks.” During a...
Downsize
My mom and dad determined it was time to downsize from their large home into something smaller....
Repair
Nestled between layers of bubble wrap and paper towels, seashells of varying shapes, sizes, and...
Puzzle
I thought building a puzzle offered a fun entertaining activity. Puzzles have been popular amongst...
Buddy
Recently a friend messaged a powerful song for me to listen to by Hillary Scott called Still. The...
Kneel
Do you remember the last time you knelt down on one or both knees? I notice I kneel to pet Joy,...
Better
Christmas cards, letters, shopping, baking, end of year projects, health screening, Netflix and...
Rejuvenate
Covid shifted expectations and experiences for nearly everyone on the planet. I found myself...
Wisdom
I escorted Sophie into the medical building, meeting the nurse at the door. Clad in a mask,...
Proxemics
Scurrying into the subway train, my nerves bristled as people pushed their way into the close...
Wind
Last week the weather went a little crazy. A cold front arrived blowing out the warm Colorado air....
Trim
Not long ago as I left home for scheduled appointments, I noticed Gary talking with a local...
Bruised
While walking Joy, I noticed the grasses and reeds along the park path. Covering the open space,...
Leash
The morning air felt brisk against my face as I walked Joy, our 12 year old German Shorthaired...
Soar
The Red Shouldered Hawk lifted from the metal fence with its slim body and long tail. Broad and...
Shelling
The gentle waves guided the boat toward the sandy coast line of the Gulf of Mexico. Sandpipers...
Mask
These postings seems to be plastered on many doors today: “Mask Required.” Your eyes meet this...
Reflector
Darkness surrounded the car as I drove through the barren wilderness of Nevada. Interstate 80...
Sixty
On June 25, 1960 John Pickrell and Wilma Parker committed their lives to one another before family...
Windblown
Saturday morning arrived. With much anticipation Gary and I planned to hike the Paint Mines with...
Hybrid
The search is over! We sat at a table with a plexiglass barrier positioned in the center. On the...
Moving
Boxes of all sizes and weights adorned the upstairs landing of our town house. After nearly twenty...
Ramifications
Vignette 1 - Gary and I decided to venture out to our favorite grocery store. You could say our...
Restless
This new season of COVID19 has challenged every one of us in different ways. While we each...
Injection
When leaving to walk our dog, Joy, one afternoon, I opened the front door and discovered a small...
Certain
One night this past week when driving home after a fun movie night with Sophie, Peter, Sammy and...
Pandora
My car accident opened a “Pandora’s Box.” Pandora’s Box - a process that generates many...
Accident
Saturday evening was cool peaceful and I looked forward to meeting Sophie and Peter for a late...
Curious
During the last few months Joy, our almost 12 year old German Shorthaired Pointer, has been...
Delight
Sunshine beamed through the stained-glass windows of the stone chapel as the young bride, escorted...
Play
Do you enjoy silly movies, telling jokes, and playing games? When was the last time you exprienced...
Shriveled
Each year during the weekend following Thanksgiving my husband, Gary, and his friend, Tom, venture...
Greeting
Can you believe there remain just two weeks in the year 2019?! I am nearing the end of reading...
Renewal
December seems to the month of renewals in our home. Notices to renew have arrived via email...
Presents
The beaming bride-to-be sat on the round ottoman opening presents. Surprises awaited to fill her...
Vows
The dimly lit church highlighted the center aisle and the platform at its end. Dressed in a finely...
Questions
How is it with your soul today? When was the last time someone asked you this question or one with...
Spur
What are you reading that encourages your soul? How is the Bible bringing life to your day? Have...
Commitment
It is hard to believe 2019 is racing to its conclusion. Often at the commencement of a new year we...
Remember
Have you ever had someone say something like this to you? “The past is in the past, move on.” Or...
Wrestle
Have you ever watched a wrestling match? I recall watching a tournament years ago. The activity...
Pickles
Recently, Gary and I visited a friend at his family’s cucumber farm in Puyallup, Washington. After...
Clouds
On a recent airline flight, I gazed through the window pane and marveled at the variety of clouds...
Scraps
Among the many delights of planning a wedding is selecting flowers that reflect the bride’s tone...
Teem
Recently, while serving in the Philippines, Gary and I enjoyed an excursion to the Palawan region...
Broad
The park across the street from our neighborhood is getting a makeover. A new entrance, an...
Leviathan
Have you read the book of Job lately? Using The Daily Walk Bible, along with a group of friends, I...
Commencement
Our mailbox experiences a flood every May. Graduation announcements arrive from students...
Still
Last Friday was Field Day for the elementary students at Front Range Christian School. I had the...
Known
Recently I was reminded of one of my favorite scenes from the movie, Jingle All the Way. At the...
Unplanned
Last week I joined a few friends at the theater to watch the movie, Unplanned. It is the true...
YES
March has been a historic month for the Hoag household. On March 2, under the San Diego drizzling...
Beg
I love when God gets my attention by sending me a message through multiple channels. The other day...
Weight
One of the pleasures of traveling to different countries is the joy of learning new words and...
Pounce
Though thick clouds still hung in the sky, the falling snow had subsided. Joy (our 10.5 year old...
Goober
Have you ever awakened and noticed a bit of gunk on the inside part of your eye? Perhaps you have...
Chalking
As a young girl I loved using chalk. The powdery substance decorated our driveway, sidewalks, and...
Gifts
During my childhood, my family set up a nativity scene during Advent, the four weeks leading up to...
Home
The mid-afternoon sun shone brightly as I slowly followed the signs for “Arrivals." My heart beat...
With
I leaned over to pick something up and felt a sharp tingling pain. The first week of January...
Squirrel
Do remember the silly old camp song; “Grey squirrel, grey squirrel, shake your bushy tail?” I...
Leaves
The other day while walking the dog with Gary a stunning tree caught our attention. It shined with...
Shortcut
I love Hope St. Teresa. She’s my son’s 16 month old German Shorthaired Pointer. But, sometimes...
Rest
If you had 30 minutes to do whatever you wished, how would you fill the space? Most people think...
Fall
As I sat peacefully at the airport awaiting my flight to depart for the east coast, I decided to...
Divergent
The protagonist in the movie, Divergent, didn’t respond as expected. She acted differently than...
Glitter
Have you ever received a card that crunched when you squeezed it and then, as you gently shook it,...
Gas
Sophie’s little 2000 Toyota RAV4 motored along. She and I were ahead of schedule and nearly half...
Turn
Yesterday afternoon Sophie and I took a wrong turn. Since she and I enjoy looking at different...
Invasive
What comes to mind when you hear the word invasive? I think of the weeds in the grass out the door...
Welcome
Climbing Dinosaur Ridge, savoring Beau Jo’s Pizza, visiting fun shops in Georgetown (or Idaho...
Stitches
I got six stitches and a nice black eye last week. The more dramatic story involves Sherwood...
Dream
Believe it or not, dreams come true in places other than Disneyland. While some dreams take us to...
Bioluminescence
I learned a new word this past week and it just might be my new favorite word: bioluminescence....
Step
Imagine standing on the shore of a rushing river. What do you see? How do you feel? Consider the...
Hope
“Hope Patrol” dominated my past two weeks. Because our son, Sammy, has been extra busy with work...
Money
Several years ago my husband, Gary, and I enjoyed watching a TV show where the theme song was “For...
Passion
The older gentleman remained in his wheelchair watching the TSA agent remove items from his...
Hardened
As part of my Lenten practice I am reading through the book of Mark. Interestingly, a description...
Margin
Due to the delivery of a friend’s first grandchild, a third grade classroom at Front Range...
Trifecta
Tomorrow - February 14: A trifecta of special events Valentine’s Day - Sammy’s Heart Birthday -...
Devoted? … Devoted!
According to Merriam-Webster, devotion is “the act of prayer or private worship.” Devotion reveals...
Listen
Recently I enjoyed a movie night with my family. Early in the movie we witnessed the main...