(ROCKWALL, TX — Dec. 2, 2019) The familiar melodies arrive around the same time as poinsettias. Like cough medicines and Menthol lozenges we purchase this time of year, their lyrics may soothe us: What Child is this, who, laid to rest/On Mary’s lap is sleeping?1 Though the nations may rage and winter weather behave likewise, […]
“…wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds… Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted.” –Psalm 148:10, 13* (ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX – Nov. 10, 2019) I can almost taste it. But roast turkey is off limits for me these days, according to my vet, who said, “No more […]
(ROCKWALL, TX – Oct. 9, 2019) Midway Island is home to the cormorants, long-necked birds with voracious appetites. Sadly, a massive patch of non-biodegradable refuse is swirling in that area of the Pacific Ocean, and these elegant creatures are dying prematurely—their stomachs filled with plastic debris. That’s only one terrible consequence of garbage patches at sea. […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — Oct. 7, 2019) Midway Island is home to the cormorants, long-necked birds with voracious appetites. Sadly, a massive patch of non-biodegradable refuse is swirling in that area of the Pacific Ocean, and these elegant creatures are dying prematurely—their stomachs filled with plastic debris. That’s only one terrible consequence of garbage patches at […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — August 8, 2019) There’s a plethora of helpful advice available to us all, usually as close as our Junk Mail box. Mostly we’ll find alluring appeals to our flesh: Keto Fat Burning, Dementia Destroyer, Brain Enhancers, and others—some unmentionable. Those who peddle such products and services might believe in their ability to […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — July 9, 2019) The beautiful church on a wooded hillside is only two country miles down the road. We’ve quickly warmed to the friendly congregation and their down-to-earth pastor who’s over sixty, like us. My husband and I appreciate the traditional worship service, although we’re less fond of the song selections, which […]
(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 […]