"Why? Why do I have to?" I remember asking this question when I was a child. Back then, my mother would smile at me patiently and wait by the side of my bed, reminding me that it was time to … Read more

I have a remote control for my car. It has many purposes. It will start and turn off the motor. It will lock and unlock the doors. When it does this, the horn honks — once or twice — depending … Read more

In the late summer and fall, hurricanes and tropical disturbances blow into the southern United States. Many times when these hurricanes are approaching, school is dismissed, meetings planned for weeks are called off, and our one thought is of preparing … Read more

A pair of brand-name jogging shoes hung laced together over the telephone wire at a busy intersection by the lake. All summer long, traffic was non-stop every day until late at night. Finally, the first weekend of September was over, … Read more

I have babysat some of my grandchildren on a regular basis for the past nine years. They are all so different and yet similar in some ways as well. Children will be children. They know Grandma pretty well after a … Read more

When I was a teenager, I tried very hard to get rid of God in my life. I can even remember — when I was fourteen — saying to God, "This is my last prayer to you. I don't need … Read more

Lately, I have been walking in the early morning hours for exercise. Most people who have done this for awhile soon realize they are meeting the same people day after day. A few mornings ago as I was walking alone, … Read more

A member of my family had undergone serious surgery, and many people were praying for my loved one and me. I went to the hospital early in the morning and returned late in the evening. As I observed the beautiful … Read more

One of my clients lives on an acreage a few miles out of town. They have beautiful trees and flowers all around their yard. Beside the deck stands a tall cedar tree, in which is found a perfectly round little … Read more

My mother loved words. She delved deeply into dictionaries to discover their meanings. I have no doubt my mother could have had an excellent career. Unfortunately, she lost many of her teenage school years caring for her sick mother. Regardless, … Read more