I walk a lot. And though often it’s just my dogs and me out there, some of my favorite, most memorable hours are spent hiking fields, trails, and country roads with friends. They always show up beautiful, these women, and diverse: wise and honest. Humble. Vulnerable, curious, unique. Loving, interesting, funny, smart. Brave, devoted. Selfless. Authentic.

I now count author Maggie Wallem Rowe as one of them. Though our hikes were figurative rather than literal, we headed out together fifty-two times as I read each chapter of her new book: This Life We Share: 52 Reflections on Journeying Well with God and with Others.

Maggie’s a “woman of a certain age,” just as I am. Were I younger, I’d seek her out as a mentor—a relational trailblazer who could teach me, by her example, how to live out each of the traits I mention above. I’d buy her book as a trail-guide in which she addresses topics relevant for a lifetime: worry, faith, friendship, perseverance, joy, calling, pain, anxiety, busyness, parenting, grief, prayer . . . and many, many more, each filled with mile-markers of wisdom and humor.

But as her agemate, I’ll hold her book close as a sister, trusting her support and friendship, just as I would if she were joining me in person for a four-mile loop. I’ll again connect with her stories. Ponder her questions at the end of each reflection as if we were chatting. I may even answer her aloud—about life and love, failings and hopes, repentance and renewal.

I’ll hear her encourage me to press on.

Thank you, Maggie. I hope your book arrives like a welcome visit under trees and in stockings everywhere.

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And, IN AN EGGSHELL, here are SM posts from earlier this week:

Fall Fringe.

“True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God’s Word stands firm and forever.”

–Isaiah 40:8 MSG

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Swan Ellipsis. (See it?).

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

—1 Corinthians 2:9

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GPS.

“By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.”

—Psalm 119:105 MSG

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Ombré.

“And isn’t long hair a woman’s pride and joy? For it has been given to her as a covering.”

—1 Corinthians 11:15

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GOOSE RIDGE 🎶

The WINNER of this week’s drawing for a copy of THE VIEW FROM GOOSE RIDGE is Elizabeth Anderson! Congratulations, Elizabeth! Please send me your mailing address, and I’ll get a copy right off to you!

For twenty years now, this book of anecdotal devotionals set in rural Washington State has found its way into homes worldwide, and for several weeks we’ve been celebrating its milestone anniversary! To wrap up our GOOSE RIDGE BIRTHDAY PARTY, I’ll be sharing one more copy in one more GIVEAWAY of the book this coming week. To enter, please leave your name here or on FaceBook. My husband will pluck the winner’s name from his hat.

Blessings, friends. So glad you’re here.

Watching Nature, Seeing Life: Through His Creation, God Speaks.