Manna and Coffee

One morning I found myself in desperate need of cash. Two of my grandchildren were having their first piano recital that afternoon and I was broke. I needed to have pocket money so I decided to drive to my bank and use the ATM. This particular bank has its machine located in a far corner … Continue reading →

Today I saw an ambulance, lights flashing and sirens wailing pull into our local gas station. It was there to help another rescue squad remove a man slumped over the wheel of his car parked by one of the pumps. The paramedics were working feverishly and I found myself saying a silent prayer for both … Continue reading →

As a young boy I spent many summers visiting a farm in the Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania. Each year as the time approached for this annual pilgrimage my excitement level would rise to unbearable levels like a kid waiting for the Good Humor man. The farm was located near the small and picturesque village … Continue reading →

Many years ago I was with a very special young woman at a major Midwestern airport. We were there to welcome friends traveling from Europe. We arrived early and I suggested we have a leisurely dinner and then walk to the gate. As we were approaching the concourse we passed a gift shop and my … Continue reading →

Yesterday as I waited at a traffic light, I noticed dark and ominous clouds signaling the approaching storm predicted by our local weatherman. Yes, he is right once in a while. What perked my attention was as the front moved toward me the contrast between the blue sky and the black clouds was striking. They … Continue reading →

A few months ago I was standing alone in a parking lot ready to load some heavy items into my car. Not only was I was physically exhausted from the day’s activities but as the afternoon turned to evening I was becoming mentally fatigued as well. As I bent over to begin lifting the boxes … Continue reading →

As a young teenager I decided, together with a close friend and neighbor to go deer hunting. At our age and with caring parents we knew shotguns and rifles were out of the question. That left us only one choice, the bow and arrow. We spent a good portion of the summer months at our … Continue reading →

Recently I purchased an artificial tree for my bedroom. It stands about six feet tall and sits in a large round pot inside a colorful wicker basket. It makes the room seem larger and gives the area the added decoration it so desperately needed. It also makes for an interesting conversation piece. While walking through … Continue reading →

Bet you thought I was going to talk about table tennis. Well, you’re right, I am. While his siblings were off to college our youngest son had Mom and Dad all to himself for four years. It was a fun time and a joy to watch him grow and mature into a young adult, become … Continue reading →

You know you’re getting older when you receive a Birthday card from the town pharmacist. I also received one from my doctor friend and his long time assistant. I just pray my family doesn’t hear next year from the local undertaker. Getting older is a privilege and a gift straight from God. He is the … Continue reading →

A few days ago I was craving the taste of a local restaurants delicious chili. I decided to take some home and found myself ordering my favorite style at their drive thru window. When the young man handed me my order he said with a slight chuckle, “Thanks for spending the past 56 seconds with … Continue reading →

Here we go again! It is that time of year when we begin the annual ritual of collecting last year’s tax records to show income, expenses and deductions. To me, this is a very taxing time. I have an accountant who completes and files the necessary forms but I am still the one who needs … Continue reading →

There she was, the mother of nine, protecting her eggs on top of one of my neighbors outdoor flower pots. She disposed of one, hatched seven and four survived. It was wonderful watching her care for and nurture her young and finally seeing them waddle as a group toward the pond outside my den window. … Continue reading →

The other day I was introduced to a lovely young woman. She is a good friend of a neighbor and I liked her right from the start. What Ienjoyed most was her sense of humor and her ability to laugh at herself. Let me tell you one of her stories. A few years ago she … Continue reading →

Thousands of years ago tribes worshipped, bowed down, prayed to and followed the directions of ungodly priests and their false idols. They used phony sculptures made of wood, metal and stones to shape the “religion” of the people and to further their own selfish desires. Today we witness many wolves in sheep’s clothing disguised as … Continue reading →

What do you think of when you hear the words, “happy hour?” I would imagine most people would say having drinks at the local pub after work. Recently I was visiting with a waitress friend who had purchased a copy of Volume 1. Knowing her to be a Christian woman I was somewhat taken back … Continue reading →

I have a neighbor whose passion is gardening. She can always be found nurturing her bushes and shrubs while constantly tending to her vast collection of beautiful flowers. She spends untold hours weeding, trimming and feeding and by days end her hands are usually worn or, at the very least, covered with dirt and grime. … Continue reading →

Today is the beginning of the third week in July. According to the National Weather Service we’ve had only 1/10 of an inch of rain since April 1st. This is no April fool joke, this is for real. According to today’s newspaper there are now 26 states, including mine, declared as drought disaster areas with … Continue reading →

Some call home a shady spot in the sun baked African desert, others in crowded and filthy ghettos while many live in the steamy rain forests of South America. There are also the fortunate, living in ocean front villas, high rise condominiums and destinations built for the wealthy and privileged. Home is where traditions are … Continue reading →

I live on a very large cul-da-sac, I’d say about one-half mile around. It is lined with beautiful homes and a variety of friendly neighbors. It is the perfect setting for my writing as I overlook nature’s artistic display of gently rolling hills together with man-made ponds, wooden fences and beautiful landscaping. The other window … Continue reading →

Yesterday morning while driving through town I noticed a group of young girls running on the sidewalk. On the way back I saw them again, this time running across the parking lot of the local frozen custard shop. They are members of our local high school cross country track team and I guess it was … Continue reading →

I have a wonderful neighbor. He’s a retired ex-Army guy and he and his wife love to travel. She likes cruises and he enjoys driving the open road in their newly purchased motor home. I don’t see them often but when I do it is a pleasure to sit and talk with them and hear … Continue reading →

My daughter who is now in her forties has battled allergies since childhood. Many years ago she and her family moved to Colorado with its crisp mountain air and clear blue skies. But a few years later she was offered a position with a firm located in southern California. It was an exceptional offer with … Continue reading →

A few months ago my daughter sent me a cane after my second knee replacement. I’m having a difficult time with balance and she also thought I would look more distinguished. A very thoughtful gift and one I will cherish always. As I was entering a card shop today a young man, I say in … Continue reading →

It’s brag time! When my youngest son was in his teens and growing into his twenties he was an outstanding tennis player. He played number one singles in high school and was selected to the junior Davis Cup team. During his college days he was also slotted at number one. He served and volleyed so … Continue reading →