There are several sources of sweetness in the air right now. I love the scent of all of these, but their pollen can trigger allergies too. There's always a catch, isn't there? The top photo is honeysuckle, growing along the roadsides everywhere. The migrating hummingbirds have been enjoying its nectar for a couple of weeks. … Continue reading Six On Saturday: Sweet May
Children
Words From My Father
Long before Take Your Daughter to Work day was established in the 1990s, my father sometimes took me to work with him back in the 1960s. He was a salesman for Wilson Meat Packing Company, and his territory was in and around Montgomery, Alabama. Back in the day, salespeople had a personal relationship with their … Continue reading Words From My Father
Can I brag a little?
Among my many disappointments during this Coronavirus pandemic, the Blue Lake Christian Writers’ Retreat for 2020 was cancelled. For the past several years, it has been instrumental in moving me along in my writing journey. Our director Marilyn Turk and our leadership team for the retreat inaugurated the Living Water Awards contest in 2019. I … Continue reading Can I brag a little?
Give Thanks in All Circumstances?
This time of year, there are many opportunities for adults to listen in on children being asked, “What are you thankful for?” You can count on some standard answers: my parents, my toys, my food, my television, my dog, or school is out this week. Yesterday in church, I heard an answer that made me … Continue reading Give Thanks in All Circumstances?
What’s Your Take on Halloween?
In light of this week's beloved and hated holiday, I want to share some thoughts. This is yet another topic that divides Christians, and like many other points of disagreement, it is not a simple one. Our theology directs us to one side or the other on the subject of Halloween. An oversimplification may set … Continue reading What’s Your Take on Halloween?
Lives of Desperation
Nobody checks themselves into a mental health facility just for the fun of it. Desperation is usually the motivation. For several years, I was a therapist for a partial hospitalization program. Many of the patients were middle aged adults who were in desperate situations. Our partial program served people who had dual diagnoses of mental … Continue reading Lives of Desperation
Going Home or Coming Home
Lots of kids are going to camp this summer – scout camps, sports camps, academic, arts, and adventure camps, and (I hope) church camps. It may be the first time some children have spent a week away from their families. It may present them with challenging new activities. It may offer a life-changing opportunity, where … Continue reading Going Home or Coming Home