A Warm Circle of Friends

A Warm Circle of Friends

Jane’s Christmas party yesterday brightened and warmed a cold December day. Jane’s house is always welcoming and yesterday, it was doubly so. Decorated trees filled every room, a fire blazed in the fireplace and atop the mantel, ornaments and ribbons. An aroma of food drifted in from the kitchen, but you know what was best […]

Yesterday’s Moon

  I stopped in front of the fireplace. It had been built by someone who evidently knew what he was doing. It was made of rock with an oak mantel. An old and faded linoleum covered most of the floor.       “You’re right, Jackie. This house has a lot going for it. It could be […]

What Is This?

What Is This?

Rain is falling in NW Arkansas, but that isn’t all…hail peppered my deck and rattled against the house a few minutes ago. Lightning, thunder–what is this? Isn’t the official start of winter less than a week away? Doesn’t Christmas wait just around the corner? Could it be that autumn is having a hissy fit at […]

Christmas Lights and Quiet Thoughts

Christmas Lights and Quiet Thoughts

Our family has the tradition of lighting Advent candles on the Sundays before Christmas, then reading  Scripture. The soft glow of the candle is peaceful and silent but it reflects a powerful message of hope and love. I wish that our world would stop for a moment and absorb this quietness and peace. Doesn’t Scripture […]

The Comfort of a Dear Friend

The Comfort of a Dear Friend

Comfort–it’s that feeling that all is right with my world–a friendly arm around my shoulders, a snug blanket on a chilly night. I’ve always found a great deal of comfort in the familiar, predictable things–places I’ve been, people I know and love, and books that bring up happy memories. I’ve finished reading some good, exciting […]

Mother and Daughter Detectives

Mother and Daughter Detectives

I’ve heard women say, “I don’t want to become my mother as I grow older.” What? How sad. If someone  tells me I’m like my mom, I consider it a huge compliment. My mother and I were best friends. I think you’d have liked her. If you never had that privilege, you can get just […]