As I observed my Sweet Al tripping over his oxygen cord wrapped around his legs, pulling at it and curling it into a circle, then unraveling it, and starting all over again, I thought about life. He …
My friend said to me, “There is no glory in the grave.” I pondered those words. How precious life is and how final death can be. As long as we have breath, we are given the privilege of praising …
“The Final Garage Sale” sounded too final. Now, everything seems to be — the final visit with old friends. The final words we want to be remembered by. The final wishes we hope for. And, the …
One of the most gratifying times I enjoy each week is teaching the Bible to a group of Zoomers. One of the students, 30-year-old Josh, sat heavy with the weight of the world, confused and …
I was facing a rewrite. My editor printed a report by a beta reader from AutoCrit. This report was not from a feel-good, fun-and-games alpha reader, but a critical reader who reported serious …
Hockey — it’s not everyone’s game. But it was everyone’s win. The win was for the country. An exciting hockey game brought unity. People experienced the joy of the win and, for one split …
I plopped down the devotional book on the table with a thud, “Hmm. Well, that hit a bruise.” My Sweet Al waited for an explanation. “Why do you have your panties in a wad?” “This …
What did I expect? What I’ve always expected. A thrilling day with the family — to be entertained with exciting touchdowns, memorable commercials and a great halftime. None of it happened. …
The beauty of Pagosa Springs is that men can be real men and not apologize. They don’t have to defend themselves for how God made them. Outside Pagosa’s borders, voices question the toxic man. …
I’m overwhelmed and thrilled to see Gen Z flocking to churches and leading in attendance. This current church-attending generation is seeking belonging and stability. Young men, driven by spiritual …
I’ve always admired and enjoyed those who have had the opportunity to pursue higher education. From formal university affiliations, they displayed their degrees on their office walls and took pride …
Happy new year. 2025 was all about getting well, spending a lot of time at doctor offices, physical therapy and emergency rooms. It was a season of healing and learning about myself. Someone …
Christmas songs are sung only in December. People gear up the whole month for this time of the year. There is a different feeling, a different sound in the air as we sing “Joy to the World.” …
Members of our writers’ group were asked to write our favorite Christmas memory. I had to think long and hard. It wasn’t singing songs around the piano on Christmas Eve. It wasn’t receiving a …
My Christmas newsletter showcased one of my impressionistic paintings, “Flutter of Wings.” The painting wasn’t about the subject, but the expression of how it made one feel. The movement — …
“Grandma, what’s you doing?” “Oh, I’m hitting the books.” I recognized the caller ID and my grandson’s voice. “I’m studying the Colorado …
On Oct. 26, Rebekah Laue received the call from Jesus. “Come home, my beloved daughter. You’ve been faithful with the task I gave you. You’ve given selfless love and asked little in …
Our grandson, Slade, moved back to Pagosa. “Grandpa, let’s go fishing.” Slade would take care of him, carry his chair and pole, throw in the line, and help him reel in the …
I was invited to teach an online Bible study. I jumped at the chance. “Of course. What is the subject you want me to share? Teaching the Bible is my most favorite thing to do.” …
Leaning on a cane, I hobbled into my friend’s house. I noticed her mangled toes. I was surprised since I’ve not seen her without pointed-toe shoes with high heels for 30 years. How did …