"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...

"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...