Norma Jean and I are currently enjoying some post-meeting R & R in the Smoky Mountains. Yesterday was a gorgeous crisp fall day. Sunny. Clear. And perfect for a drive to higher elevations and some walking.
Clingman’s Dome was our destination. At 6643 feet, it’s the highest mountain in the Smokies. From the observation tower, you get an amazing 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains. And on a clear day, like yesterday, you can see 7 states and over 100 miles. Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
We’re back in Florida for three weeks visiting our kids and grandkids. And it’s hot. Really hot. Temperatures in the 90’s. Heat index over 100.
On days like these, an ice-cold glass of water and just a little breeze provides a needed respite and a refreshing break.
This morning in looking at today’s Bible reading, I am also reminded of the need for spiritual refreshment. Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
Yesterday I began a task that I’ve been putting off–cleaning out the closet in my home office. There are lots of boxes, some unmarked, and others simply labeled “memorabilia.”
As I began to sift through souvenirs of trips, family mementos, pictures and some plain junk, I came across cards. Stacks and stacks of cards. There were birthday cards. Anniversary cards. Valentine’s day cards. Get well cards. Sympathy cards. Thinking of you cards. And thank you cards. Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
Last Sunday in an NFL wild card game, the Minnesota Vikings lost a heart breaker to the Seattle Seahawks 10-9. It was a classic case of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
With only 26 seconds left in the game, Blair Walsh, one of the best kickers in the league, had a golden opportunity to be the hero by kicking a 27 yard field goal, a chip shot in the NFL. Instead, he became the goat. Continue reading
Filed under Discipline, Encouragement
I watched them tearing a building down,
A gang of men in a busy town.
With a ho-heave-ho and lusty yell,
They swung a beam and a sidewall fell.
I asked the foreman, “Are these men skilled,
The men you’d hire if you had to build?” Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
In his book, with the captivating title, “Even Eagles Need A Push,” Dave McNally tells about a man being awakened one night with a loud knock at the door. He rolls over and looks at his clock. It’s 3:30 AM!
“I’m not getting out of bed at this time,” he thinks, and rolls over. Then, a louder knock follows.
“Aren’t you going to answer that?” whispers his wife.
So he drags himself out of bed, and goes downstairs. He opens the door and there is a man standing at the door. It doesn’t take him long to realize the man is drunk. Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
When Kansas City, MO Police Officer Todd Templeton’s cruiser arrived on the scene where three kids were playing basketball in a local neighborhood, he had no idea that Samuel Lockridge would capture what happened with a cell phone camera.
But he did. And it’s a good thing, too. Because there’s no denying the video evidence. Templeton and the other two officers were caught red-handed!
Doing what? Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
