February 1976. New York City. Most of my friends know the story of how a transplanted New Yorker became a southern girl—after twelve impressionable years living in one of the largest cites in the world.
Read moreThe Heart of Hope
Tag: Joann Claypoole
The Mystery of Fireflies and Faithful Friends
Fireflies and faithful friends? Don’t you love them? We watch and wait for them every summer. For me, fireflies and friends go together like barbeques, campfires, and boat rides around winding lakes that never seem
Read moreFearless and Free
Afraid, or fearless and free? Unexpected circumstances, including the Coronavirus resurgence in our state, clouded my thoughts. Photos and social media stories of recent Fourth of July celebrations dared to disappear like the arrows my
Read moreFinding Wisdom and Strength in the Love of the Father
Wisdom, strength, and what? It’s hard to believe the mid-point of 2020 is fast approaching. Without a doubt, people from all walks of life will one day say this was one of those historical years
Read moresurviving or thriving on a socially distant mother’s day
A socially distant Mother’s Day? While on a recent video meeting, I found myself reminiscing with one of my sons about the Mother’s Day gardens we sowed, games we played, and the stories we shared.
Read morePeace In uncertain times
A time for everything? We’re told these are uncertain times. What about yesterday, last year, or twenty years from now? Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Isn’t any time an uncertain time? As we pray
Read moreWith All His Heart
A love of a lifetime… I remember the vow my husband and I made to love each other until, when old and gray, death would part us. It wasn’t something I’d ever dwell on. Death
Read moreThe warmth of winter and all its wonders
Stories by the fireside… We didn’t have a fireplace in our New York City apartment, although my dad continued his fireside storytelling tradition throughout the winter months—minus the crackling fire of course. I remember many
Read moreThe Most Glorious Christmas Day
December 2019 ~ Central Florida. Most northerners know winter takes on a whole new meaning in Florida. There’s no snow. No sleet. No winter coats and hats—and sometimes no temps below hot. That means we
Read moreGhosts of Golden Autumns Past
Autumn 2008 ~ Western North Carolina. A whispering wind shook the trees as if to announce her arrival. Amber, orange, and crimson leaves glided down and carpeted the ground. Autumn had arrived in all her
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