When I was a little girl, Mom used to have fancy suppers. The food was not fancy, but our dresses were. She would let us pretend we were fine dining. The best part was my father, and she would participate too. It thrilled us, girls when dad came down the stairs in his suit and mom in a ball gown. I am guessing mom laid down the law to dad and told him he better participate, but we never knew […]
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Campfires in my family are a staple. If the weather is agreeable, I can promise there will be one. Early morning breakfasts or late evening talks are commonplace around a crackling fire. It’s where we tell stories, talk about the Bible and the latest current events. We have even been know to sing along to some of my dad’s hilarious guitar tunes as well. If a man couldn’t chop, split, stack, or haul firewood, he was not allowed to join […]
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The tree that’s green when others die tells us Jesus came and why. To give us life! And so we say, “This Christmastime and every day live in us, dear Lord, we pray.” – Sally Lloyd Jones “I will tell you one thing, Brit. I will NOT be putting up this many Christmas decorations next year!” Spoken by yours truly to my sister every year for as long as I can remember. Her response never changes. “Oh, Kris. Give it […]
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Yams and Jiffy cornbread mix top the grocery list this time of year. The week of Thanksgiving brings sheer pandemonium to grocery stores. People are in a rush to prepare their traditional family favorites. Those last-minute forgotten items leave people dashing to the grocery store with frustration steaming behind them. One year, I overheard a lady complaining to the grocer, saying, “No, no. I cannot use anything but Eagle Brand. I need to speak to the manager!” Although I am […]
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A dear friend of ours whom we lovingly call, Ms. Susan, came to visit us a while back. During her visit, she asked us where we most enjoyed spending our time? It wasn’t until after she had gone that my choice became clear. When looking for a place to call home, I was specific in my prayers to the Lord. Proverbs 4:25-26 says, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Ponder the path of your […]
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This time of year lands on my face with the perfect brisk bite. We live on a two-lane road that weaves back into the hills. In the fall, coming down into the hollow is most enjoyable. The trees are dressed in their autumn wardrobe, making the hollow look like a bucket of copper pennies, each one shining through with its own copper tone. The fog, as it sifts through the leaves, makes me want to follow to see where it […]
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Although no one wants to attend a funeral, including those who must, to say goodbye is just as important as saying hello. It is markers along our way; milestones that few want to walk. My dad told me something recently that has stuck with me, “The older I get, the more I realize the cost of survivorship. It means saying goodbye to people who have been important in my own story and drama.” As we laid our Grandaddy to rest, […]
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I was talking to my sister one day when mentioning that I had a fully functioning household schedule. I just forgot to tell the people living in the household. I went on to say to her that one day I was going to pencil in hair and makeup for myself. She laughed and said, “Oh, don’t worry about it. Just slap a hat and some mascara on, and feed them sometimes, Kris.” That was her way of saying, “Handle what […]
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“I am sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Stockdale, but your daughter is paralyzed. She will not have the use of her left leg or right arm. We highly recommend you contact Children’s Hospital and see if there is anything they can do. We have done all we can.” The Doctor’s words pierced like a sword into the hearts of my parents. My mother and father felt helpless listening to the diagnosis. How could this be? How could such a glorious occasion […]
Continue ReadingEarlier this week, my family said farewell to my Grandaddy. I gave much consideration to posting what I had been working on for you this week. At last, I decided on a short note to my subscribers only. I value your dedication to reading my blog, and I wanted you to know how much I appreciate it. I did not want to appear silent because you are important to me. I enjoy your comments and encouraging words so much. I […]
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