(ROCKWALL, TX — June 10, 2019) He’s been known to pull out a thick leather belt to warn misbehaving grandchildren. The kids, wide-eyed and open-mouthed, freeze in place for a few seconds before breaking into relieved smiles as they realize that Grandpa is “all bark and no bite.” But their parents—back in the day—did feel […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — March 28, 2019) She sounded worried on the phone, and no wonder, her husband faced a federal indictment in connection to a former employer’s wrongdoings. The trouble was only beginning for my friend Luann and her family. Ominous clouds closed in on their once bright lives—rich in Christian fellowship, community service, and […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — March 13, 2019) She was unstoppable and courageous. At least her pink shirt said so. But her sudden wailing revealed something else. She was rigid with fear after a sharp-toothed terrier rejected her affection. When my granddaughter suffered two wounds and received a few stitches for each, we gained a reminder about […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — February 12, 2019) I was smitten with someone’s writing several years ago. There was nothing intriguing about the topic of the manuscript that made its way around my critique group table: caring for aged parents. Even so, I became fully engaged by the colorful stringing together of words. I wondered if the […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — January 2, 2018) He was criticized by those who believe he threw his life away. The 26-year-old American, whether foolish, faithful, or some measure of both, lost his life so that people who never heard the gospel might gain Christ. Just days before Thanksgiving, John Allen Chau died on a remote island […]
(ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX – Dec. 16, 2018) I fancied myself an actress after starring in my eighth grade play, but high school became more competitive. A girl named Mary received the lead role in our spring production while I accepted the part of collecting admission tickets for the event. When Mary graduated and left Arkansas to pursue […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — November 6, 2018) The Baptist preacher is well known in his circle and beyond. At retirement age, he’s transitioning to a new role with the North American Mission Board. You could say he has a good reputation. Or, you could say he has a most improved reputation. He was once a notorious […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — September 28, 2018) You know you have a problem when Amazon can’t find your house. But we were not surprised. Our new street address does not yet appear via GPS (Global Positioning System), so we try to guide people in by phone. “You’re getting close,” I said to one exasperated deliveryman. “Just […]
(ROCKWALL, TX – September 10, 2018) I always hoped to draw the “cozy cottage” card when playing The Game of Life. But now that I’m unpacking in a much smaller home I’m questioning my game plan. This current challenge does not compare with a life-threatening ordeal, but it sure feels like preparation for the next life. […]
“He sent forth his word and healed them…” –Psalm 107:20 (ROCKWALL, TX — June 27, 2018) I was growing discouraged about the welfare of my friend Luann. For several years I’d been playing the loyal companion “Sam” to her beleaguered “Frodo.” She had the challenging lead role of trudging up her own Mount Doom in […]