Camper living, which was supposed to last only for a month, was taking longer than anyone could have anticipated. There is a reason it is called a camper; it is for camping; not permanent living. My mother became like a running coach to me; reminding me to breath and keep a steady pace. My heart was heavy and disappointment clouded my view. We had spent three months jumping through transition hurdles only to find ourselves right where we started; nowhere. […]
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Danger lurks everywhere for toddlers. It is disguised within our homes as an over-looked pan on a hot stove, or a seemingly harmless hairdryer plugged into an obscure plug-in. Danger finds itself on the other side of the dividing line as we drive our precious cargo down the road. Danger lies in our carefree extracurricular activities that appear to be stamped with nothing but innocent fun. And yet, hidden in the corners of our carefree entertainment, danger can be waiting, […]
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Benjamin Franklin said, “Early to bed, early to rise will make a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” My dad must have lived by this quote because he was up with the chickens and went to bed with the sun. He worked hard all day long. He was never one for sitting idle. Once, when he was heading out to the pasture, he jumped a small ditch and twisted his ankle in the landing. He came into the house and took […]
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Growing up in a Pastor’s home had its advantages and disadvantages, same as any other family. On one hand we got free movie passes to the theatre in town but on the other hand, my parents knew over half the town, one way or another, so, I could never get away with anything! My folks believed that teaching us how to make choices was essential in life. Dad, being the Pastor, would be at the church long before the doors […]
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I love it when a plan comes together. Whether it is packing for a trip and everything is neatly arranged for easy access to all the little emergencies or future life plans that have come to fruition. It makes no difference to me. As long as the plan is executed and finds completion, I love it. Although, As Tani Parker put it, “Most days I feel like a little kid that can’t get their crayon to stay in the lines […]
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He threw the truck in reverse and slammed on the gas. We sped out of the driveway. My sister and I were crying. Thoughts racing through our little heads. Why was Mommy not in the truck? Why were they fighting? Did they not love each other anymore? Couldn’t they just say “I’m Sorry” and fix it? All of the sudden, he slammed on the brakes and sat there in the middle of our street for just a minute before pulling […]
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Camping was always a big adventure for our family. Sometimes we would do big camping trips, like going out to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Other times we would do small camping trips in town at a local campground. Either way, we knew sleeping bags, picnic tables, campfires, and smores would be included. Among other activities, swimming, hiking and fishing completed a camping trip. I remember one camping trip took us to Nebraska where we tubed down a very […]
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It really didn’t matter what we were leaving the house for; Our parents never let Brittney or me leave without saying, “Remember who you are,” especially if we were going to spend the night at one of our friend’s house. The integrity behind it did not sink in initially, but my parents were diligent in reminding us of the importance of those words. First and foremost, we were Christians and needed to behave in such a way that honored Christ […]
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Anne Shirley, from “Anne of Green Gables,” desired a bosom friend, as she called it. Someone who shared the same interests and attitudes similar to her own. She had been an orphan and had never known the meaning of true friendship. That is until she met Diana Berry, who became her very best friend for life. I cannot think of anything more refreshing than a friend that can read your thoughts before you say them. Someone who knows your winks, […]
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“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas Edison. I have never seen this played out better than in the backyard of our old duplex apartment. I was playing on our swing set and my dad needed some help rolling up his electrical cords. At that time, he kept all of his sound and keyboard equipment in the backyard shed. I was eager to help, but I made such a tangled […]
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