*Today's letter is written by my friend Samantha Herndon Hogan.* Dear Daddy: As I sit here trying to write this letter of thankfulness to you, I have so much to say, yet am at a loss for words. I don’t think I could put into words every single thing you’ve done for me that I’m... Continue Reading →
*One of my students, Jared Tickner, in Comp II this semester gave me permission to share this essay with all of you. This is his first essay for the semester; I read it after reading a stack of other essays that were good essays but didn't quite measure up in one way or another. Some... Continue Reading →
This piece was written by my former professor, who I like to consider one of my writing mentors, Dr. Teresa Burns Murphy, as a tribute to her parents. They will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this month. Happy anniversary to a couple who obviously understand what it takes to love others well. My parents were... Continue Reading →
Today's post is written by my great friend, Debra Dickey. Thanks for the great reminder, Debra, that God is always faithful to me in the small things, too. I have had the honor of an unconventional amount of both during this past year. At first, the phenomenon was a bit of a nuisance, but by... Continue Reading →
Today's post is by one of my students, Derek Chandler, who wrote this essay in response to the question, "What are three gifts you have received in 2013, and why are they significant to you?" I will really miss having Derek on campus! This year has been a very hard year to just be thankful... Continue Reading →
Special thanks to my friend Betty Gail Jones for writing today's post. NO!! The lights are failing, row by row, on our 10 year-old, very favorite, pre-lit, secondary Christmas tree!! The top went first. Ah, we can fix that… it is probably a fuse. The mid section… now this is more serious. What to do,... Continue Reading →
Day 25 in the Dear Gratitude project is submitted by yours truly :). Dear Need, I first remember meeting you, Need, when my father fell from his heroic platform in my mind. Grappling with drug addiction, he stood in our living room in Augusta, Kansas, in 1984, and admitted that he had fallen for Caroline.... Continue Reading →
*Big thanks to a friend of mine who gave me permission to post this letter he wrote to his stepdaughter recently. Thank God for step parents who do engage and don't choose apathy.* Kylie, This is long. You will find it annoying and will likely skip entire paragraphs the first time you read it. I... Continue Reading →
My poor stepdad. I know he loves my mom. Why else would you willingly marry a woman with FOUR little girls under the age of 12? After our cat Ralph died, my poor stepdad was the lone male ranger in the ongoing and increasing estrogen fest. Even our dog, Watson, was a female (and yes,... Continue Reading →
I'm very thankful to the guest writers who participated in the "28 days of love" project this month. It's been inspiring to read about the various ways love and gratitude coincide in so many very different people's lives. I had guest writers lined up every day, but a few people weren't able to write their... Continue Reading →
Gratitude Cup 