This military veteran and maximum-security prison guard suffered 3 unrelated traumatic occurrences in his life where he could have died. These life experiences caused layers of self-centered and independent toughness to form in Gary’s spirit heart. Nearing retirement age, Gary settled in Pigeon Forge, TN. He filled his workshop with the tools and toys he […]
Once upon a time there was a 23 yearlong marriage filled with anger, blame, cursing and despair. But from the distressed lives of this man and woman came a beautiful daughter filled with faith, hope and love. When the daughter turned 17, this strife filled marriage came to an end. The initial sense of peace
MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN Read More »
The borders of European nations and the United States have been flooded with refugees from neighboring countries. Some refugees are fleeing corrupt governments allowing widespread violence and oppression. Many have witnessed destruction of homes, villages and brutal rape/murder of family and friends. Others are not really refugees but opportunists illegally entering nations with the sole
My assignment was to teach Lucy how to monitor her heart rate. I quickly learned the true assignment was teaching Lucy how to tame the lion chasing her heart. Symptoms of anxiety, weakness and dizziness alarmed Lucy. She drove herself to the local hospital emergency room. Atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heart rate
SURRENDER AND SIMPLIFY Read More »
The bald eagle swooped down and locked powerful talons on the tail of the fish hanging out of the fox’s mouth. As the magnificent bird climbed upward with its stolen prey, the fox quickly let go, dropping to the ground without his next meal. This Weather Channel video captured my thoughts and stimulated research. The
Three-year-old Grace skipped among the gravestones where wind and rain had blown some of the flowers out of their containers. She declared, “Grandma, I want to keep these flowers.” Reading the name on the gravestone I replied, “This stone says Joseph was a father. I think his children put these flowers here to remember him.
BITTERSWEET CONVERSATIONS Read More »
Seems silly, remembering my parent’s care more since they died than when they were alive. Holidays, such as Mother’s Day, seem to trigger those reflections. I guess there’s some truth to the notion we don’t really appreciate what we have until what we have is gone. Mom and Dad raised us with few words, demonstrating
A MOTHER’S DAY REFLECTION Read More »
National Nurses Week has me recalling both satisfying and difficult highlights of a 40-year nursing career. Assignments carefully thought out in the hospital, nursing home and home health setting could all be interrupted with the following. “Mrs. Smith is asking for something more for pain.” “You’ll be receiving an admission in 30 minutes.” “My father just
It was mid morning as Amy looked out her bedroom window at a sight making her heart skip. A young man with hoodie covering his head and face got out of an unfamiliar, window darkened car, parked at the curb in front of her middle class Orlando home. Amy called to her mother-in-law to take
A lonely misfit, I’ve rejected the well-meaning care and concern many have tried to show me. My heart doesn’t seem capable of forming meaningful relationships with anyone. Except my mother. She died and left me alone. My father died before her. But I gave them trouble also. I would get so angry and just do
THE ANATOMY AND CURE OF UNRESOLVED ANGER Read More »
My Child… You may not know me, but I know everything about you…Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up…Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways …Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered …Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image …Genesis 1:27
IT TAKES COURAGE TO FOLLOW THESE WORDS AND EXPERIENCE TRUE LOVE Read More »
“I really don’t want to. I’ve got a long list of things needing to be accomplished.” Wisdom replied, “If you take time to rest with me this morning and write a few words, you and others will receive a blessing.“ Heeding this advice, I did rest. As I rested, I expressed thanks for good health,
WISDOM’S VOICE WHEN I HURT Read More »
