Serve by Design

Earlier this month of May, I was squeezed in between the house and the backside of our Rhododendron! Once again, I was trying to capture that “perfect picture” of this beloved flowering plant in full bloom! I have been all around this towering plant of spectacular spring flowers doing the same thing for thirty-four years. I can honestly say that I have yet to get that picture that truly reflects the stunning colors and breathtaking beauty of this standout example of God’s creative work! Our Beloved Rhododendron! As I was clicking off one pic after another, that’s when I heard them. The bumblebees were busily buzzing from one petal to another, undeterred by my presence. I have been stung by honeybees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets, on occasion. Yet, I am fearless around these buzzing pollinators and thankful for all they do within our ecosystem. I am delighted to see them moving with purpose among several flowering plants throughout our property. The bumblebee has mistakenly been...

While the football season is heating up this fall and major league baseball is in its October playoffs, basketball is on the minds of many aspiring athletes. Two of our grandsons, Klayton and Danny, have already begun practicing and shooting hoops with their y-ball teams. I spent time getting our home equipment ready this past week. The goal underwent a cursory inspection of the pole, backboard, rim and net. And the balls needed some extra air pumped into them for the Sunday after-lunch practice and play session. There was a lot of enthusiasm and some "trash talk" going on as several grand children and their parents were taking their first shots of the season. I said to Danny on the way home from school this week, "I sure wish Uncle Vernon was still around to put you through a series of ball-handling drills that would have you crying out, 'I'm tired!'" 😏Uncle Vernon, Monique's brother, passed away four and half years ago, but we think of him often a...