An Inner Core of Firm Resolve or The Lesson From the Avocado

An Inner Core of Firm Resolve or The Lesson From the Avocado

We’ve all heard, “Growing old is not for sissies.” Let me enlarge on that: “Writing is not for sissies.” Or, just about anything we want with our whole heart and have to work hard to get is not for the faint-hearted. We must have an inner core of firm resolve. Sort of like the avocado. […]

When an Old Friend Appears Once Again

When an Old Friend Appears Once Again

Yesterday, I saw an old friend for the first time since he left Oklahoma, many years ago. Honestly, I had forgotten about him. Now, isn’t that sad? Please don’t tell him this. But there he was, looking as happy and bright as he had when our friendship was new. He is a well-seasoned traveler and, […]

Making Captive Those Errant Little Thoughts

The Bible says we are supposed to take every thought captive. That would be really a good thing to do, but it isn’t an easy thing. With so much that is pleasant and positive, so much love in the world, why do I (and, I suspect, a great many of us) let negative thoughts creep […]

‘Twas the Month Before Christmas…

‘Twas the Month Before Christmas…

You do know what happens in exactly one month from today?Yes, that biggest, brightest, most anticipated day of the year arrives and, as of yesterday, my house is beginning to look like it. The day started nicely with my neighbors across the street popping in for a visit.  Sara and Nathan were out of school […]

Someone Other Than Yourself

Someone Other Than Yourself

Did you ever say something and, as soon as it was out of your mouth, wondered if that was you who said it? It sure didn’t sound like you; it sounded like someone else. Or, acted in a certain way and, looking back, couldn’t believe you had done that? Surely, it was someone other than […]

That Icy Finger Down My Back

That Icy Finger Down My Back

The feeling of an icy finger running down my back wasn’t due to a thrilling mystery book. It was due to my opening the back door this morning. Cold! Frost decorates the roofs of my neighbors’ houses. The thermometer plummeted to thirty-one degrees.   Yesterday’s wind blew the leaves into funny swirls and patterns. The […]