“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV). The Gift of Gathering We had already stuffed ourselves with Mom’s traditional Christmas breakfast. After the family cleared the table and gathered in the
Read moreWhat a Gift!
Tag: Memories
When Time Stood Still
And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing. ~Psalm 71:9 NLT Ah, the days when time stood still—or, at least, seemed to. I remember the
Read moreSnapshots from the Family Album
I wrote “Snapshots from the Family Album” for the 2016 Kentucky Arts Council’s “Where I’m From: A Poetry of Place.” It uses the structure and style of Kentucky Poet Laureate George Ella Lyon’s original “Where
Read morePain, Pranks, and Prayers
Another year, another loss. The waves of sorrow and pain come and go, from gentle swells to emotional monsoons. Some we can predict. Others come out of the blue. Pain Follows Pain My forty-two-year-old nephew
Read moreBack in the Olden Days
Back in the olden days we didn’t have color TV, cell phones, or video games. We’d never heard of remote controls, DVRs, or microwaves. We didn’t surf the net, use credit cards, or take
Read moreIf One Falls Down
True friends remind us of the truth in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV). “Two are better than one … if one falls down, his friend can help him up.” We grieve a loss. A friend stops by
Read moreThe Best Meal of the Year
If you long for springtime as winter begins, enjoy my description of the best meal of the year. When asked, “What’s your favorite family meal,” typical responses include Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother’s or Father’s Day, or
Read morePlay It Again
“Play It Again,” captures bittersweet memories and emotions of family and friends who gathered at our house on Friday or Saturday nights. The men played music. Women talked and laughed. We children played outside until
Read moreIn the Middle of Nowhere
I grew up in the middle of nowhere in the 1950s and 60s. We lived far from stores, doctors, and other people. We drove 10 miles through hills to the nearest town. I rode a
Read moreFlowers, Berries, and Tadpoles
A few years ago, I joined an internet social media site, kicking and screaming all the way. Well, perhaps not that extreme, but I put it off a long time while several urged me to
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