When my granddaughters, Jenna and Evie, were just preschoolers, they liked to play a game called "Don't spill the beans". This little game has been around a long time; in fact, the game's 1960s version used real kidney beans. It has been a … Read more
How much does your family know about you? My dad did not share his life and thoughts with us, though I believe that he was tormented by memories of his time as a prisoner of war in World War II. Many times, he would be deep in thought, … Read more
As he clung to the side of his cage, I could see that he needed more room to fly around. My little love bird had long outgrown his old starter cage and was ready for one that he could move around in more. So, one Christmas, I asked for a … Read more
Weeks ago, I stripped the house of all that was not Christmas. Then as these things disappeared, I replaced them with Christmas! I cleared my china cabinet of dishes that were not Christmas; my curio cabinet became a place for snowmen. … Read more
Most of us know the Christmas story at least in part, if for no other reason that we see Mary, Joseph, and the Baby in a traditional place in many homes at this time of the year. Usually, not far from the manger scene are the wise men — … Read more
As I carefully place the pieces of the nativity set in their traditional places atop the desk, I try to find a quiet time to think about the characters and give thanks for the part that each played on that miraculous day. I place the … Read more
We just celebrated our 53rd wedding anniversary, so I have been inundated with memories from the past, sometimes making me somewhat sad because of times gone by. Since the celebration is over, I continue to remember things from those first … Read more
Today is the beginning of Advent, which is a preparation for our Christmas season. In many churches, candles will be lit to celebrate different themes: hope, love, joy, and peace. Today, my mind went to the hope that we have as Christians. … Read more