"The bright red coat caught my eye first..." A flash of red caught the corner of my eye from my chair on the screened-in porch. Looking up from my book, I watched a pair of cardinals flitter from tree branches to the pond and back again. “Did the vibrant male cardinal and its duller-coated female have a nest nearby? Or was this a courting dance for the pair?” I wondered. Now intrigued, I raised my eyes to the distant garden bed and gasped with delight as several iridescent

"We can cry out to God too..." In one of today’s devotional readings, I was struck by a spiritual truth about blindness. In reality, we are all blind beggars until we truly see and encounter Jesus. In the gospel passage in Mark chapter 10, Jesus is ministering in the city of Jericho. Scripture says that Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, ha

"His Voice beckons..." I arose early, still groggy with sleep, as I slid my feet into my house slippers and donned my cotton robe. Sliding on a pair of glasses, I shuffled to the coffee maker for my morning cup of tea. The screened patio beckoned as I curled up in my chair with a furry blanket on the unusually cool May morning. Peace hung in the air with its stillness. It was early, so I drank in the quiet like a warm cup of tea. Only a few chirping birds interrupted the re

"Traveling light has always been an issue with me..." I’ve never had the skill or maybe inclination to pack or travel light! My family has made comments about this over the years, as have many of my friends. The problem is, I not only like having options while on vacation or a trip, but I also enjoy all the shoes, purses, jewelry, and accessories I may need for said trip or vacation. And I like to plan for possible weather changes as well. This idiosyncrasy came about when

"I cried out to the LORD..." Lately, I’ve been praying deep, profound prayers to the Lord: “Help me!” Not really long-winded prayers. More like a desperate cry of a child and two simple words: “Help me!” Weeks of gardening alongside my friend Clarissa had transformed my barren and ugly yard, pots, garden, and beds into a vibrant and beautiful display of color and beauty with flowers and plants. And as I prepared for hosting a fun garden party and evening, my heart was soari

"The trees wore a crown of glory..." Just nearly a week ago, I was in Phoenix visiting family and spending time with dear friends. But in that short span of time, upon returning to Little Rock, I was astounded at the color and life that greeted my eyes everywhere I looked. The once dormant grass and lawns were bursting forth in shades of viridescent, lime, and green, as though awakening from a long winter’s slumber of dormancy or even death. Barren trees now wore a crown

"They shared many intimate meals..." I’ve pondered the role of Judas in Jesus’ life, especially during this season and as Passover draws near. Judas was no casual bystander. When Jesus called Judas to join His band of disciples, He saw the potential in his life. Jesus also knew the great betrayer that Judas would one day become and the role Judas would play. And yet, He loved Judas and still called him to ministry. Judas was a beloved disciple, a close friend. So close i

"Lent has a new meaning this year..." During the season of Lent, it’s a part of preparation for the Passover and resurrection Sunday for Christians to fast, pray, and offer alms or special gifts. Lent is a time to prepare your heart and receive Christ anew. I’ve learned a lot from my Episcopal and Catholic friends about Lent. But recently, a friend shared an acronym about Lent with me that has shifted my focus to another unique way to look at Lent. L.E.N.T. represents “le

"We all love being loved..." Valentine’s Day is an annual celebration to show love to your companion, friend, or family member with the exchange of gifts, flowers, cards, and often a special meal. Even children celebrate with parties at school or at home with the anticipation of receiving some gift or treat, often chocolate. So much emphasis is placed on this holiday that many feel forgotten, alone, or even unloved. How many received only a few Valentine cards or none at al

"I struggled to get dressed..." Throwing back the covers, I slowly swung my legs to the side of the bed. My lungs heaved with a cough as I swallowed carefully. Razor blades seemed to slice my throat. Slowly switching on the light, I squinted my eyes as my head pounded in protest. I wanted to curl back up in bed and sleep the day away, but I wanted answers. I needed to head to the doctor’s appointment to find out what was afflicting my body. After nearly two weeks of being hom

"You can call 24/7..." Just a week ago, major freezing snowstorms roared across almost half of the nation. In places like Arkansas, we were bombarded with mostly snow and some freezing rain. We were fortunate this time around. However, many people are still trapped in their homes because of thick snow and the lingering freezing temperatures. In other areas like Oxford, Mississippi, or Nashville, Tennessee, these places were mostly hit with freezing rain that quickly coated

"A major storm is headed our way..." For days on end, the national and local news stations have cautioned and warned people across parts of the nation to prepare for a major coming storm. Predictions have ranged from several inches to several feet of snow and ice in my area, and from the South all the way up the northern and eastern coast. Even my cell phone, email, posts, and social media have sent out regular warnings of a great storm and to prepare in order to be safe

"It wore a crown of glory..." I looked out the window, stunned. Just a few days before, on a crisp late fall morning, the maple tree in my garden bed was abloom with the bountiful leaves that had turned to a vibrant shade of red. Now, a pile of curling and dying leaves carpeted my yard. “How had that happened so fast?” I wondered. Just a handful of leaves still clung tightly to the maple tree as a reminder that fall and the onset of winter were claiming the remnants of t

"Embrace each day as a gift..." As the new year unfolds and just over a week into the start of 2026, many people seek to make resolutions and set new goals, always striving for change. It is indeed a good time to reflect on the past year and be motivated for new endeavors or changes you desire, but oftentimes these resolutions fail. Setting goals in and of themselves can be daunting and even self-defeating. How many people vow to diet and get in shape only to see that disci

"Christmas is all about the gift..." Every year, as the wonder of Christmas rolls around, I’m delighted with all the festivities and celebrations. One of my greatest joys during this time of year is giving and receiving gifts with family members, loved ones, and friends. I recall the magic of Christmas morning as a young child. Descending the stairs, I would slowly take in the wonder of the colorful wrapped gifts that had suddenly appeared under the Christmas tree, like the

I "The lights create such beauty..." l love the holidays and decorating for the Christmas season. Lights, in particular, add a special ambiance to the season. But lights sometimes are a lot of work. A lot! Take my three-year-old, pre-lit, artificial Christmas tree in the family room. Last year, half the lights quit working. This year, we had to restring the whole tree. So much for the ease of working lights! And in another instance, the pre-lit Christmas garland I was de

"I was really bad at the game..." I once played basketball while I was in high school. I was even on the girls’ team and had a jersey with a number to prove it! Now, while I was a member of the Broken Arrow High School girls’ team for one season, I was never once allowed to actually play in a game. For those who truly know me, they should not be surprised by this fact. You see, playing basketball, you have to have to skills. I really could NOT bounce the ball and walk or ru

"I'm beginning to understand..." I never understood what “The Sacred Heart of Jesus” was or even what it meant! But I was intrigued by some of my friends and family members. Now I am beginning to see! I’m starting to understand. As I draw close to Christ and close to His Cross, when I endure my own sufferings, I learn to press into His heart. And I see His passion. His sacred heart! Christ did not just suffer betrayal and scourging. He did not just endure mockery and reje

"I love learning the meaning of new words..." I learned a new word today. The unusual noun popped up in my email called: “Uncover Words.”...

"The living room leak was the first problem, as workers tore into the ceiling..." The door swung open as my husband’s booming voice...