If we counselors had a dollar for every person who came for counseling but didn’t take our advice, we’d all be rich. Too often people want to overcome some problem or improve some weakness, but they don’t want to take the time or pay price for permanent change. We all want a quick, effortless solution.…
Last week our two daughters, accompanied by our two older grandkids and a few friends, led a small group to South Texas to help some families hit hardest by the recent hurricanes. They shared much-needed supplies they had collected and offered their encouragements. I’m sure those they visited in their homes were blessed. But, from…
Hurricane Harvey has caused great heartache. But it has also generated great gratitude. While I am writing this article, Texas Governor Greg Abbott just announced that already over 30,000 people have been evacuated from their flooded homes and are in shelters. He says the number will continue to grow since literally thousands are still trapped…
Phyllis calls our afternoon, pre-sunset walks in our Hill Country neighborhood our “little adventures.” They’re adventures because we never know what surprises we’re might encounter. Some days, our surprise is a bird we’ve never seen before. Other days it’s a big water moccasin chasing frogs in the swampy tank not far from our home. But…
No matter how hard things get, orphan Annie keeps on singing “the sun will come out tomorrow.”One of the reasons we all know and love those hope-filled words is they speak to our basic need and desire for predictability. We all feel better when the circumstances and people around us are more stable and predictable.…
I love the view from my comfortable “ole” recliner. I don’t even have to move my head to see the birdfeeder Phyllis’ dad built for us. I merely lift my eyes from my laptop computer and can enjoy an array of our feathered friends: bright red cardinals, gorgeous gold finches, brilliant vermillion flycatchers, tiny hummingbirds,…
I love painting portraits. It doesn’t matter if I’m painting a smiling baby, heroic soldier, or famous dignitary; I simply enjoy the artistic process and seeing the smile on the faces of those who receive it. There’s just something magical about starting with a blank canvas and watching it become something of great value. Don’t…
I am so excited. And that doesn’t happen often. Yesterday I got this photo of a male, Vermillion Flycatcher in flight. The new camera Phyllis bought me is amazing. Just before the sun dropped behind the small mountain that shades our home, Phyllis grabbed her binoculars, I strapped on my camera, we jumped in our…
We love living in the Texas Hill Country and getting up before the sun does. While the day is barely breaking and still darkish, we put on our walking shoes and begin our day. Usually we get to enjoy hearing one of God’s tiny friends singing. This morning I took this photo of a happy male…
This past week a young doctor friend, fresh out of medical school and a third-year resident, drove all the way to our home in the Hill Country to tell us about his fascinating vision. If his vision actually works, it will change the lives of millions of America’s poorest citizens. “often visions, even good and…