The word “encouragement” comes from an Old French word meaning “to thrive”. It describes something that we all need. It just seems to make the day brighter and our efforts worthwhile. Children thrive on encouragement; it is like vitamins to a child’s emotional growth. But, guess what? We never outgrow that need. Even when we’re […]
With Heavy Heart
My heart is heavy this morning with the news of so many deaths in Texas caused by a tremendous flash flood on the Guadalupe River. The search goes on for missing people, for the little girls from the Christian camp who haven’t been located yet. Pictures of the flood show an angry, brown river, rushing […]
Help and Courage
This is the second and final installment of my May 5, 1985 Daily Press article about the tornado which destroyed Peggs, Oklahoma on May 2, 1920. This was 104 years ago but it’s a part of history that shouldn’t be forgotten. In 1920, Walter Neel lived with his parents, brothers and sisters on the Gid […]
Saying Good Morning to an Early Spring Day
What is there about an early spring morning before the sun comes up, when the grass is soggy with yesterday’s rain? The air is hushed and listening for the robin’s song and the dove’s call to announce a new beginning. Leaves are still except when the whisper of a breeze stirs them. The wonder of […]

The Comfort of Quilts
This morning, as I got out of my comfortable bed, I thought about the things that keep me warm at night–quilts. And then, I thought about how life is much like a homemade quilt. Some of the colors are bright, some are dark, but they all go together to make the quilt. Some of […]
Above the Clouds
Tuesday Morning Thoughts People in Florida and in other places where Hurricane Ian left its mark have had way too much rain and flooding and heartache. Probably, to many, it looks as if they’ll never rise above the calamity. They are brave in facing what needs to be done and doing it. Many people are […]
