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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Last weekend, I visited a dear friend in the hospital. Clues indicate transition to heaven is imminent, yet life’s story is still being written, and timing is in God’s hands. Death is a subject no one wants to discuss, yet death is the final stage of life. Preparation Wills, advance directives, and DNR’s are decisions […]
Occasionally, when I am in my quiet home, I think I hear Jim’s voice. My phone still holds one of the last voice mails Jim left me. I kept the mini cassette from my father’s office answering machine that contains words in his gentle southern drawl. Early in life, we learn to recognize the voices […]