Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
December ushers in a festive season of joy. But along with that joy comes nonstop activities. Is it possible to fully enjoy this season amid all the hustle and bustle? Following are thoughts on celebrating, and balancing, this season of joy: A Full Calendar A packed December calendar brings joy, but also stress. Decide to […]
What does gratitude mean to you? Among dictionary definitions are: appreciation of benefits received, feeling or showing thanks, expressing thankfulness. Gratitude doesn’t just happen. In a world where people are more likely to find fault, criticize, notice imperfections, and express annoyance, gratitude is an attitude that must be intentionally cultivated. Those who learn to experience […]
November is the time of the year associated with thankfulness, but it is also a season for generosity. What do you think of when you see the word “generosity?” Does the word call to mind a person, an act, or a characteristic? Following are thoughts on the practice, and cultivation, of generosity: What is Generosity? […]
(An edited and retitled repost of “Remembrance, Sacrifice, and Freedom” from 5-25-20, honoring my father, H. Asbury Neely and all veterans.) In the mid-1950s, before I was born, my parents went to Switzerland to see the place where my father was held prisoner after his plane was shot down during WWII. They traveled to the […]
Fall was slow in coming this year. Just last week, the trees in our part of the country were still green. Then, on a recent morning, as dawning light leaked through my window, I was surprised by a riot of color. The tree outside my window turned yellow overnight and jockeyed for position as most […]
When I was a child, Halloween meant dressing in a costume Mama made for me. I went with her to the cloth store to select the cloth and pattern. One year, she made a colonial dress; another year, a cat costume. I also remember wearing a powder-blue princess dress, crown, and pretty-face plastic mask, that […]
Last weekend, I attended the celebration of life service for a lifelong friend. Some of my first memories of my friend go back to preschool. She was older, and she captured my attention with her friendliness. I named one of my dolls after her. Later, I served as her “page” in a church missions recognition […]
I’ve heard people say fall is depressing because it signifies decay and dying. I, however, believe fall is the most glorious of months, filled with vibrant color, residual warmth, vivid blue skies, and a hint of coolness. Fall’s beauty reminds us of God’s glorious creation. The Glory of Creation God could have given us a […]
This week, my oldest grandson dressed up as Mario for character week at school. His friend dressed as Luigi, making them a “dynamic duo.” Although dressing as a character is fun for students, there is more to character than portraying video game figures. What does character mean to you? Getting into Character Actors spend hours […]
Last week, I overheard a man spouting foolish talk. He was with a group of people who congregate at a local restaurant. It’s impossible not to hear the man because he speaks loudly and authoritatively, although, often without wisdom. I tried to tune out his voice, but couldn’t help overhearing him announce, “We are just […]