Unity is on my mind. Jesus is in my heart. It's one of those topics that is abstract but real. I've seen unity and I've seen division, restoration and destruction. It's a lot easier to walk together on a lane of harmony than on a warpath of tears. I've walked them both. The big question is how does one restore unity in a relationship, divided home, community or country? It's all about preparing our hearts to be open to another person's viewpoint, even if we think they are wrong. Allow others to …

When life changes direction on us and we wait for the dust to settle, there is a redefining moment – a time to reevaluate and rethink who we are, what we’ve lost, and how to move forward. Before my accident in August 2024, life was moving on at a good clip, my book was ready for a last edit, I was actively involved with the writers’ group, getting healthy, making plans for my grandson’s football games, and day trips to see our grandchildren in Castle Rock, Colo. I was very content with my life a…

When our children walk through the front door, they hear western music. Kitty Wells sings, “As I sit here tonight, the jukebox’s playing the tune about the wild side of life. It wasn’t God who made honky tonk angels.” Or, with his smooth buttery voice, Ray Price sings, “For the Good Times,” and my Sweet Al and I tap our toes and remember our good times and the stories behind the music. I mute the volume on the “Country’s Family Reunion” show when I hear our children come in. They snicker. They i…

There are so many paths to take in my garden of hues. Light flowing watercolors, and dark, rich bountiful colors in oils. Which way to go? This painting, which is one of most favorites, continues to speak to me of God’s beauty and bounty. I executed this oil painting differently than others. I started with a gesso board, brushed in black oil paint and kept the background smooth. I didn't want it to compete with the subject and yet it became a part of the subject. I played off the black as I too…

We've all been in those desperate places where we've allowed ourselves to be deceived and gullible. We've thrown away the best we had, and it's humanly impossible to regain what we've lost without God's help. The Lord is looking for ready hearts to get honest. Then God rolls up His sleeves and gets to work on us. He wants to bless us if we'll let Him. It takes God to interrupt the chaos and put us back together again in His way. There might be a healing process for years, but the Lord knows what…

Have you ever tried to convince someone they can't hear? My Sweet Al and I go 'round and 'round with his hearing situation. He believes he can hear just fine, but I'm here to tell you he can't. When we get together, the kids say, "Make sure Daddy has his hearing aids so he will be part of the evening." I ask them, "Do you know what it takes to get those hearing aids into his ears? It's an arm-wrestling bout and a knockout fight every time." He says they hurt, too big, too loud. They fall out whe…