My jaw dropped in alarm as Joe slowly and painfully emerged from my husband's car. I inhaled deeply, seeking the courage to reach out and greet this unexpected Christmas houseguest. But it wasn't courage that came to me; it was the pungent odor of urine, wine, and cigarettes. I silently whined, Our perfect Christmas--Joe's going [...]
I thank you Veterans, on this day, for your service to our country. After living a year in India, I came home very willing to pay taxes. International travel is a superb teacher. I had become very appreciative of ordinary, everyday things like running water and federal inspection standards for meat. More recent experiences are [...]
I treasure this Psalm of Thankfulness as it is a part of my faith heritage. These carefully chosen words express the heart of an artist, my paternal grandmother, Lucile Wilson Parsell. Since my grandfather was incapacitated with Parkinson's Disease when my dad was only thirteen, she supported their family thereafter. Thankfully, "Nana" was a graduate [...]
HISTORICALLY . . . Veterans' Day originated at the end of World War I when an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918. Eighty-four years later, I toured Flanders Fields in Belgium. I was pleased to see our [...]
I want Christmas to be about Jesus' birthday, O' Holy Night, the second chapter of Luke, and the humble human beginnings of our Messiah and Savior. He is the gift that matters, the gift that changes everything, our gift of HOPE. Given our profit-driven shopping season, however, it can be quite a challenge to focus [...]
Fun traditions and good memories are often linked with Thanksgiving . . . the whole family crowded into Grandma's house, a typically overcooked turkey, but yummy mashed potatoes and gravy, endless football games, and of course pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Some families go around the table encouraging each person to identify one thing [...]
OUR KING: You are our Creator God, the true ruler of this universe, the King of Kings. Father, please call us, your people, to humility before You. Give us ears to hear You that we may humble ourselves under your mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6). We thank you for the gift of choice you have [...]
