Let's face it. The holidays, from start to finish, are about surviving. Leave the birth of the Savior out of the discussion for now. After all, Jesus isn't counting the number of His birthdays that have passed. These six steps might be just what you need to keep your anxiety under control. Step One: Focus …
Continue reading Curing Holiday Anxiety: Six Steps to Keep Your Christmas Out of the Crapper
It finally happened. Quintin O'Dillmotte has lost his marbles. The wheels fell off. The cows went to pasture. The dog left home. The last chicken's been plucked. While Sheriff Pete Terkinberry works feverishly to solve the greatest mystery to ever grip the good folks of Maple Valley, Quintin O'Dillmotte, of O'Dillmotte Funeral Home, "Where we …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 32: Quintin O’Dillmotte for Sheriff
Betty Curry was a resident of a local adult foster care home. She began attending our church after a family member encouraged her to visit. Betty felt right at home and called each week to let me know she would see me on Sunday. It was very obvious Betty enjoyed the services. She sang enthusiastically …
Continue reading A Talented Singer and Dancer Named Betty Curry
I'm going to admit something that plagues me. I am addicted to views, likes, and comments. I hate to let that out, but it's true. When a post goes public I can't wait to look at my stats page. Ugh. This is dreadful.
We always love going to Cottage Outfitters in Caseville, Michigan. Cottage Outfitters is on the main street passing through the small lakeside community of Caseville. One might think Cottage Outfitters would slow down when the weather turns cold. Not so! Jonathan Bibby has been very busy, getting the store ready for the Holiday Season. And, …
Continue reading Cottage Outfitters is Beautifully Decorated for Christmas
It really is amazing how great a firestorm a few bones can create. The good folks in Maple Valley are falling into old routines that have not been put aside in honor of Thanksgiving Day. Maple Valleyans are thankful for many things, please don't misunderstand. They're thankful for the Ya'll Sit Cafe where they can …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 31: Tongues are Wagging, Again
Running water. We turn on the faucet, there it is. The pressure might not be great, maybe it's warm instead of hot. It might smell of sulphur or chlorine. Air. Sometimes it stinks. Depending on the time of year and the place we live, there are bugs. There may be fog, or smoke, but it …
I have to admit, I was disappointed to learn that #1225 at the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan, is still undergoing some important maintenance. That means the Polar Express train that runs from Owosso to Ashley, Michigan, through the Christmas Season will be pulled by diesel rather than steam. But it's still a train! …
Everyone has influence of one kind or another. Some people have influence of several kinds. Influencers are people to whom others pay attention either for what they say, or for what they do, and also, unfortunately, for what they own. The secrets of being an influencer become more deeply hidden with each day that passes. …
Continue reading How to Become an Influencer for the 21st Century
This is tough. We have never had a child in the military, so I'm sure this doesn't compare to that kind of heartache. But it hurts. Yesterday, we took our son, Jesse, and daughter-in-law, Nikki, to the airport for the first leg of their move to Australia. They were headed to Chicago, then on to …
A Coffee State of Mind 