People often ask me how I came up with my characters and their Continue reading →
Nearer to the Cross: One Breathtaking Revelation at a Time
Sometimes you think you know something inside out. What it means to you at particular times may draw out your deepest, most heartfelt emotions. That’s it—there’s nothing else to learn or know. I thought I knew the cross. Continue reading →
The Inspiring Story of Reverend George Dupee
When my husband Greg, a videographer, produced a video for an African-American church, I found the church’s history most intriguing. The first preacher of this church was a slave, George W. Dupee, who after many years of ministering to his congregation was sent to be sold at auction. A group of Lexington ministers Continue reading →
Dear Kenny
Kenny, Judy & Mom in Galveston (1957)
Dear Kenny,
How did I get so lucky as to have an older brother like you? Five and a half years between us. Wow. What a blessing for a little girl to know she’s got a big brother who’s always looking out for her. You may have tried to camouflage your fondness for your little sis, but I figured that out early on. Ha! Saw right through it. My hero.
The Devil’s Box
Asa and Gabrilla McCoy wedding photo (1901)
Great-grandpa Asa McCoy was an intimidating figure. He was an ordained Baptist minister, and I liked him and feared him both at the same time. A tall and lanky man, he seemed to tower over everyone else. When I was a little girl, sometimes I would work up enough courage to sit on his lap and listen to him tell stories. One thing that puzzled me, though, was an object in the corner of his living room with a Continue reading →
Handel’s “Messiah”: More Than a Masterpiece
George Frideric Handel
It only took George Frideric Handel a little over three weeks to compose Messiah, a feat that seems humanly impossible to me, considering what a classical masterpiece this oratorio is and the acclaim it received and still receives. Three weeks! It’s said that he never left his house during that time, and he Continue reading →
The Final After Party: An Eternal Celebration
Will He know you at the door?
I saw a video last week of a very famous music artist being turned away at the door of an after party following the 2016 Grammy Awards. He was none other than Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sir Paul McCartney. Of course, my first reaction was like everyone else’s–“You’ve Continue reading →
Dear Mom
It’s Mother’s Day again, and the reality of your absence is magnified a hundred times over. I miss you so very much. For the past few weeks, I found myself slowing down every time I passed by the special stand in the store where all the beautiful Mother’s Day cards were displayed. For a moment, lost in a brief reverie, I’d reach out to pick up a card for you – a card that would tell you how very much I love you – just like I used to do every Mother’s Day for forty-five years, Mom. But then the magic moment would fade as if carried away on gossamer wings. Continue reading →
Shopping, Kids, Gravity & Superheroes, Part 2
Previously on my blog we laughed our way through the aisles of two stores while my two oldest girls, Lisa and Lindy, learned a little bit about Sir Isaac Newton’s Law of Gravity. This time we’ll find out how my two youngest kids tried their hand at science while I attempted to get some shopping done. And the results were equally conclusive: A BIG MESS!
In case you missed Part 1, click here.
So fast-forward nine years. My third daughter, Lori, made it all the way to the ripe old age of seven before she took her turn. And, bless her heart, I’m convinced that the offense was in no way premeditated. Because so many years had gone by, I’d long since let down my guard. Continue reading →
Shopping, Kids, Gravity & Superheroes, Part 1
The law of gravity…a basic scientific principle with which all four of my kids shared a fixed fascination. Funny how this phenomenon seemed to find its greatest impetus during our shopping excursions. And how interesting that their experiments with this natural force always got the same results. From watermelons to bubble bath and a couple of items in between, I quickly found out that when a child’s curiosity and gravity work together, it’s bound to wreak havoc in any given store while Mommy shops. Continue reading →