I grew up driving on ice. We were on the south side of Lake Texoma, and we usually inherited more ice, snow, and sleet than the communities just 10 miles away from the lake. The fronts would sweep across that

We visited Venice, Italy for our 25th wedding anniversary many years ago. It's one of the most unique cities in the world, primarily because of how it was built. The city was constructed on a saltwater marsh as a seafaring

Recently, I had a day on the water when I had absolutely no breeze. In place of waves or ripples, I looked out on a smooth glassy lake. As the day waned, I became fascinated by the sight. The water

Too often, I had assumed that a tree or a plant was a specific kind, only to be shocked when it began producing fruit. I have learned that it's virtually impossible to believe a plant is a plum tree when

I had already gorged on football, so the Monday night game wasn't really a big deal to me. . .until it BECAME a big deal. Two top-contending teams were playing for playoff rankings and a hope of a trip to

I'm always touched to see the generosity that pours from our church family during the Christmas season. We do things collectively as a church to care for children in need, and many of you take the initiative to care for

When I was a little kid, our family received the Sears & Roebuck "Wishbook." I can remember seeing things that made my imagination go wild. The most memorable was a backpack with a helicopter blade. Looking back at that now,

Every year, I ask God to do something in my heart. I want to see something I have overlooked or taken for granted. The unfolding details revolving around Jesus' entry into human history have become almost too familiar. So every

When I was younger, I discovered a Psalm that really resonated with me. It set an expectation or a comparison to which I aspire. I'm away on study leave, buried in east Texas forest with big plate glass windows surrounding

I have a naturally skeptical mind. I was taught to think critically, had enough disappointments to accentuate that thinking, and am driven to dig until I find confidence. "Trust is earned, not given," I have said often. It's not that