"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...

"I still enjoy a good estate sale..." Growing up, I couldn’t wait for the weekend to roll around. A favorite hobby I enjoyed was going to...

"Rattlesnake Ridge is beautiful to hike..." I love hiking and exploring the beautiful outdoors of Arkansas. Early settlers named Little...

"There's nothing like fresh bread..." I love the smell of freshly baked bread. The aroma makes my stomach growl with anticipation as my...

"Umbrellas hold a new meaning now..." I’ve always seen traditional umbrellas as tools to help a person in the rain, but my vision and...

"Sometimes they hide in plain sight..." As a child growing up, one of my favorite games was playing hide and seek. My family lived by the...

"It began in a garden..." I observed a couple working in perfect harmony, trimming their bushes together. It almost seemed like a...

"It was a long drive to the airport..." After volunteering and serving for several weeks at an International Christian conference in...

"The storm clouds looked ominous..." I gripped the steering wheel tightly as gusts of wind made it more challenging to drive on the...

"Dogwoods bring me hope..." I see the hope of new life springing forth. The barren hills and trees, once dreary brown, are budding with...

"Clean windows give me a clearer vision..." As spring rolls around, every year I start the process of spring cleaning.   I’ve noticed my...

"Winter reared her head one last time..." Just a week ago, another cold front moved into our state, bringing single-digit temperatures...

"We can express our love in letters..." With Valentine’s Day celebrations continuing, not only are flowers and gifts exchanged, but cards...

"Many are suffering in these trying times..." We are living in trying times and challenging days…   Back in September, when hurricane...