As a young teen, Dan was a victim of human trafficking. His abduction was the result of a Middle-Eastern tribal conflict. Those in authority quickly identified Dan’s intellectual brilliance and practical wisdom. Instead of rebelling against his captors, Dan chose to be helpful in his responsibilities of servitude. However, three times a day, he stopped […]
LOYALTY AND LEADERSHIP Read More »
After watching the inspirational movie, “Peaceful Warrior”, I was curious to know the source of the principles bringing the main character success. The main character, a gifted, prideful, and selfish athlete, received a new understanding of success after suffering a bone shattering accident. Submitting to the teaching of a friend, he learned to become a
Upon receiving the phone call, disappointment and sadness engulfed hearts of the family. Thirty-Nine year old Josh died of an overdose. For the better part of 20 years, he had been in and out of rehabs and prison due to drug addiction. Josh’s birth mother struggled with addiction and gave him up for adoption when
WHEN ADDICTION STEALS Read More »
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
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
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 »
