Category Archives: Uncategorized

               It’s a bittersweet transition when grandkids graduate away from the “little kid” status you’ve enjoyed for so long. I had a Christmas Day phone visit with Miles – he just turned 11 – and he informed me that he … Continue reading →

I fully agree with my pastor friend Doug Mace, who asserts that bingeing on Christmas carols can begin in early October. Most holiday music is luscious and creates an ambience of gently falling snow, although I do have a wonderfully … Continue reading →

Maybe I occasionally embellish Facebook tales – especially with an all-important topic such as “Cheating Grandchildren.” But folks, this photo is absolutely untouched. During Christmas break I sat down to play Sorry with Audrey, and ran into a string of … Continue reading →

                I was halfway through this audiobook before I abruptly realized something: this is the parable of the Prodigal Son. At least in this case, that completely changes the Amazon rating system.                Blackstock is a superb writer, but … Continue reading →

We told stories that spilled such fun Bringing joy to everyone Sneetches, Cats, even a Who Don’t forget Thing One, Thing Two! So you laughed, and sometimes sighed Best of all, you always tried To know what other people feel … Continue reading →

One of the most poignant, despairing moments in American cinema is when lawyer Atticus Finch delivers his closing plea to twelve racist jurors in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” He fully realizes these men are locked into their biases; the vote … Continue reading →

Every Nov. 22 I feel a stab of pain emanating from Dallas. Even though I was just an eight-year-old kid, and even though we were in Bangkok, the news still shocked our secluded mission community. Most of us were just … Continue reading →

               It’s over. The last barrier shattered. Apparently the thirst for victory trumps all scruples around here. As of this moment in the moral universe, the Smith family stands for . . . absolutely nothing.                Let me explain. Mom … Continue reading →

            I’ve taken to playing outdoor Scrabble games with my mom, who’s a spritely 91 and a bit of a troublemaker at The Villa. The slightly Christian part of me has as a mantra: “Okay, she’s old; let her win.” … Continue reading →

               A friend stopped Lisa and me during our morning walk. “Are you running for office? Need my vote?” “No,” I told him. “I saw that yard sign too, but it’s some other guy.” I figure this other David Smith … Continue reading →