I work with a short spitfire of a good nurse. LIFE in allcaps tends to happen a lot to Shorty. On our most recent Northwest Arkansas icy, snowy, uber-cold Fall day, LIFE saddled right up to Shorty once again. Here’s her story: After working 12 hours on a busy labor floor, Shorty thawed her car out enough to start driving…
Of Smoke & Light . . .
Last weekend we went to Devil’s Den for, as far as we can tell, our 13th straight year of family camping! Over the years it’s been hot, it’s been cold, and we have gotten wet! Some years some family members weren’t able to make it and others have joined us. It’s a lot of fun! My brother Danny asked if…
Certain Wreckage!
Tom needs me to help him drive. Any time really, but especially on road trips. I point out brake lights ahead, traffic signs, or slowing traffic. He acts like he doesn’t need my help and even tells me to “relax” sometimes. (Grrr) But down deep, we both know I’ve probably saved us from certain wreckage many a time! Maybe that’s…
Make Me a Servant
Several years ago I walked up to the bedside of my newly-arrived patient and asked her what all the lesions that covered her legs and belly were. She said “leprosy.” I literally backed out of the room, bathed myself with sanitizer, and called the CDC. Turned out we didn’t need an oxygen-tank-Ebola-suit after all, just good old contact precautions would…
A Reason to Smile
This picture was taken after I received the call, after we picked up my brother, and after we traveled down to Little Rock. This picture was taken hours after my dad died. And it has always baffled me. I’ve looked at it for 21 years now, and I have almost come to loathe it. Why am I smiling? Sitting on…
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
I took about 20 pictures of the gorgeous sunrise on my drive to work the other morning. Out of all of them, I got only this one that did the sky anywhere close to justice. As I was driving, snapping phone pics out the window going 60 mph, I found myself repeating, “His mercies are new every morning. Great is…
Wall Builders
Driving home this evening after a challenging day at work, I listened to my favorite podcast and learned about an organization called Wall Builders. In the introduction, it was explained the name Wall Builders was taken from the Bible book of Nehemiah. David Barton, the founder of this organization, explained he really loved the idea and image of rebuilding what…
Built to Last!
During this time of year, for many years now, I am silently strengthened by the deep faith of two Facebook friends. One friend celebrates her son’s birthday. Dustin Chamberlain would have been 28 years old! What?! But Dustin has been absent from the family for, as Deondra writes, 2,733 days! He was horribly and shockingly killed by a home intruder.…
Let the Son Shine Down!
Wow! We’ve had a lot of rain lately! Our Arkansas the beautiful is experiencing crazy flooding. Apparently, even our route to Camp Yorktown Bay is flooded and for now, a different route has to be made! Sitting outside this morning, I noticed my beautiful pot of flowers! Not so beautiful at the moment. Wilted, soggy, closed, beat down. I thought…
Walk His Way!
I am a creature of habit. Thai restaurant? Pad Thai. (There’s nothing better) Extra cheese? No! (My way of dieting) Mexican Food? Yes! (Just yes!) I don’t like change. I like to know what to expect and where things are. I love the beach and I love the good old El Matador condo. I came here as a kid. It’s…