#MerryChristmasStarbucks. No, really.

  Last week, I shared a video on Facebook of a man who was incredibly offended by the Starbucks Red Cup and it's lack of Christmas decoration. He proposed a movement, a "prank" if you will, that because Starbucks had apparently removed all things Christmas from its seasonal cup, and was not allowing its employees to wish anyone "Merry Christmas," we should all join together and give our name as "Merry Christmas" when ordering our beverage so that the words would be emblazoned on the cup anyway. Then, to further stick it to them, he walked in wearing a Jesus t-shirt, and carrying, to rub salt in the liberal establishment's wound. You might be surprised that I, of all people, shared...

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His Words for When You Feel Unseen

  Sundays around here are for His Words instead of mine. Sometimes you feel invisible in this life, like no one sees what you're going through. He has something to say about that.   For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.  ~ 2 Chronicles 16:9 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber.... The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.  ~ Psalm 121:3, 5-8 The eyes...

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On Listening

  I'm in Fredericksburg, Texas this cold, rainy morning, in a little cottage in the middle of nowhere. Which, of course, equates to no wifi, hence the typing on my phone. Fredericksburg is one of our very favorite places. We return here again and again when we need to get away. Last time we came was in July, and we discovered a new-to-us shop filled with French antiques. We stayed in there for a good two hours, perusing their beautiful inventory, and chatting with the owner. When we left, he gave us a new recommendation for dinner, and we promised to come back again. That night, we went to that recommended place, and lo and behold, the store owner was there with his wife. We sat at an...

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Twenty Good Summers

  We had just enjoyed a lovely evening at a waterside table, overlooking the famed San Antonio River Walk. Lights played across the ripples left in the wake of the tourist boats as ducks vied for tortilla chip crumbs, all against the backdrop of live mariachis. Tex-Mex and margaritas consumed, we strolled hand-in-hand along the water and back toward our car. We were quiet, soaking in the atmosphere, when a couple walked past us, heading in the direction from which we'd come. They were talking to each other, but it wasn't until the second when they were in tandem with us that we could hear what they said. What she was saying, to be precise. We've only got about twenty good summers...

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Big and STRONG

  Most weeks find me in the company of one two-and-a-half year old, three days a week. Yes, my grandson, Brody, and I spend quite a bit of quality time together while his sister, Lilli, is in school, and all the things that I spent years teaching her are now in his repertoire, as well. Who's my favorite Brody in the whole wide world? - I AM! (insert copious smooches here) How much does Mimmie love you? - BIG AS THE SKY! (insert outstretched arms here) When you eat your dinner what will it make you? - BIG AND STRRRONG! (say with a growl, while shooting arms to the sky on "big" and striking a bicep pose on "strong") Emmie and the kids just returned from a visit to Florida on Tuesday...

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