Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
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Back to school reminds me of marching bands and football. Of all the musical instruments, the trumpet is my favorite. To me it symbolizes royalty and splendor, announcing something important, capturing my attention. One of my fondest memories is of our youngest son marching with his trumpet at Portales High. The band’s pre-game warmup stirred excitement. I loved to hear the trumpet’s trill at the end of “o’er the land of the free….” Then everyone thrilled to the sound of “Rocky” from the trumpet section. The trumpets in our...
It’s been hard for me to find something good about grackle birds. Those huge black birds annoy me. During the early dusk of the winter season a black sea of birds descend on neighborhood trees, including ours. They leave the lawns white with residue, not to mention vehicles. My husband’s great day is thwarted when he finds his pickup streaked with the grackles’ early departing signs. I’ve watched mockingbirds and doves courageously trying to protect their domain and after the fray I find little white broken eggs on the gro...
The physical and emotional stress of meeting needs of loved ones can be debilitating. Even if that loved one is in a rest home, many needs still have to be met. The responsibilities can be overwhelming. Uncle Steve, the last of many relatives we have helped, is now 92. He has been in the hospital three times in the last few months. Seeing someone you love grow weaker is one of life’s hardest adjustments. Compassion, love and comfort to the hurting one requires sacrifice. Having experienced this situation with my parents a...
America’s heroes are innumerable. Countless numbers have given their lives that you and I might enjoy the freedoms we have. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the present war in Iraq and all the sacrifices in between, those who gave their lives are too many to count. We must never forget all of those who fought. “The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends” (John 15:13 NCV). The real heroes are the ones who have made this nation “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Our debt...
A porch swing is a gift of relaxation. You can swing and read a book, bird watch, or just watch the world go by. Sitting in the porch swing with loved ones in the evening made happy childhood memories for me. Enjoying the night air and relaxing in the stillness of it brought calmness to everyone. Stomach ulcers were not heard of. I believe the porch swing was a great “tranquilizer of a bygone age.” I think it can be today. Who needs a pill if you have a swing? A swing removes tension while swinging worries away. You hear and...
When our youngest son graduated from high school, he walked across the stage, stopped and gave his Dad, the high school principal, a giant bear hug. The crowd cheered and I cried. Lane made life “delicious.” My husband says I have Christmas every day, but one Christmas is forever engraved upon my heart. Emmitt took me in his arms and said: “Next to Jesus, you are my special gift.” What a “delicious” Christmas Eve for me. On the second day of school a cute little second-grader came bounding in my classroom door with a bouq...
It seems bad news is presented every day. Seldom do we hear about things we love, enjoy and often take for granted. On any given day, we have more blessings than problems. Despite all the bad news, there are many great things about this country that I can name. Reams of paper would be required if you added your list to mine. The next time you feel down about all the negatives, think about the overwhelming positives surrounding us. I find them just waiting to be appreciated. One never misses something until it is taken away....
“Lord, have mercy on me a sinner. Make me sensitive to any wrongdoing and may I be a friend to man, helping in any way I can.” My grandfather’s prayers filled with awe and deep devotion instilled an unforgettable memory in my childhood heart. This humble man’s sky blue eyes spoke volumes to me, the only granddaughter among seven grandsons. “Sister Farrar, could you keep the revival preacher this summer?” Granny beamed with pride. “Yes,” she replied to the pastor, “and my flowers will be beautiful by then.” “Come help me child...
Memorial Day brings reflections, honoring and remembering those who have gone on before us. The importance of younger generations knowing and appreciating the principles that has made America great cannot be measured. As a child during World War II, I vividly remember the symbols of pain and sacrifice. My grandmother lived by the highway and the railroad tracks. I spent many hours waving to troop trains and army caravans. “”They are giving their lives for us,” Granny said through misty eyes. Some will not come back.” Many di...
Caring for my ailing mother while winding down the school year brought many anxious moments. I remember one incident in particular. I tossed and turned and sleep evaded me. I glanced at the clock, which read 3:30 a.m. In just a few hours I would be in my classroom, a job I loved, being with second graders. At 83, Mother’s tired, frail little body tried to hold on. Thoughts plagued me. Can we keep her at home and give her the care she needs? I regained control by repeating my favorite scriptures: “And we know that all thi...
When our youngest son graduated from high school, he walked across the stage, stopped and gave his dad, the high school principal, a giant bear hug. The crowd cheered and I cried. Our son made a happy and memorable day for us. My husband says I have Christmas every day, but one Christmas stands indelibly imprinted upon my mind. Emmitt took me in his arms and said: “Next to Jesus, you are my special gift. Merry Christmas!” What a happy day he made for me. On the second day of school a cute little second grader came bou...
The March winds roared like the proverbial lion, but that’s how it is in eastern New Mexico. My husband had gone to Oklahoma to help our middle son build a barn. It became my job to feed Lady, a beautiful sorrel mare that seemed more like a person than a horse. Twice a day I fed Lady. I loved hearing her neigh to me in her loving way as she nuzzled my shirt with her velvety soft nose. She loved the early morning feedings at the break of day. So did I. The quiet and stillness soothed both of us. About mid-morning, the wind s...
New life is bursting all around. Daffodils sway and tulips put on their best array. It is “new life” time. Growth begins to peek at the sun, enjoying the warmth of a spring day. I relish the melodious choir of my feathered friends as they greet the dawn of a dew-kissed morning. My fearless robins give me a look of disdain for being in their territory and their brave stance intrigues me. The barrenness of winter has given up, for spring demands its place. Resurrection is evident, even in nature. If resurrection is seen in the...
Have you ever thought about how this world would be had Jesus not been born? I shudder to think about it. Imagine a world of no absolutes, without any standards of right or wrong. Mankind has always had a sin problem, but we do have a choice and a wrong choice brings bondage, imprisoning the human soul. It’s not just for a lifetime, but also for eternity. At the point of death, the dye is cast. There are no second chances, no “do-overs.” Rebellion became so great in Noah’s day God had to purge the land with a flood. Sodom a...
I think I’m the only woman who can grow weeds year-round. They seem to thrive in snow and freezing temperatures. However, they don’t bother me until spring arrives. I have all kinds. Some weeds have pretty flowers. I have even tried transplanting the prettier ones, but they won’t grow where I want them. I find weeds, if not chopped, spread and overtake everything. “Leave them alone,” my husband urges. “We’ll spray them when they get bigger.” “Yeah right.” Guess what? They do get bigger and tougher and harder to get rid of. Th...
God’s blood covenant is chief of his wonderful provision for man, but this column is about another covenant our wonderful God provides. My grandfather used to say, “A man is worth his salt if he works hard.” I thought about the meaning of that statement every time I picked up the salt shaker. I learned more about the value of salt as I grew up. My basketball star sweetheart (whom I later married) had to take salt tablets to avoid leg cramps. In Bible times soldiers carried a pouch of salt on their belts to replace salt loss...
I have always wanted a garden bridge, but not a pond with fish in it. The fish could eat the mosquitoes, but my cats could eat the fish. So I just wanted a cute little bridge in the backyard. To look from my window and envision surrounding it with honeysuckle or roses became my delight. Something beckons me to walk across a bridge. It’s as if I am walking over trials and difficulties. On the other side of the bridge, I find a different perspective … a new possibility. To my joy, my husband asked a dear friend to make one for...
“The Passion” confirmed to me what I already had long held in my heart. In fact, I experience some of the same feelings during communion. Mel Gibson has brought to the world a vivid realization of the depths of love and sacrifice of this man, Jesus. This man, human yet divine, displayed love in its highest degree. He willingly gave his life to be tortured, abandoned, ridiculed, shamed and rejected. Such love goes beyond understanding. Where would any of us be without the blessed hope of the resurrection? Critics have voi...
In Genesis 1, we read about the beginning: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” In Exodus 34:28, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and these commandments are a pattern for successful living. Centuries before Jesus came, many prophecies were made about the coming Messiah. Here are just a few: Isaiah 9:6 — “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (NIV) Isa...
Several years ago, Emmitt was given a dog. This time I put my foot down — “This dog is not going to be a house dog,” I said. Chalk up one for me for the only case I won. Winter came and although it brought mild temperatures Emmitt thought Bear might be cold, so periodically he let Bear in to get warm. Bear’s hyperactive nature took over big time. Running here and there and knocking things around didn’t make me too happy. To keep the peace Emmitt picked him up one day and rocked him in the rocking chair. This became a daily r...
Trials come and trials go. It seems we no longer get over one hurdle until another one appears. By the time we wrestle through more anxiety we feel weary, discouraged and wonder what’s going on. I’ve discovered a secret. If I can’t be happy today, regardless of problems, then when am I going to be happy? When the trial is over? Life is full of obstacles and my attitude determines my state of well being. I don’t know of anyone who is free of problems. Have you ever noticed an old gnarled tree that has been battered by the ele...
My second grade students hugged me as far as they could reach while saying “We have to hug while we can, ’cause we’ll be going to third grade.” Their hugs gave me the “warm fuzzies,” and they loved hugs from me. Children are great huggers and they love to be hugged back. “A hug a day keeps the doctor away,” they told me. That adage must be true — in 31 years I used only 10 sick days, and those were to stay at home with my own children who were sick. There is something about a touch, a pat on the back, an encouraging word...
Each day of life is a gift. Making the most of that gift is up to me. Creating happy memories leaves no regrets. The time to love is all too short at best. The recent holidays with children and grandchildren still linger in my heart of memories. I relive making enchiladas in the kitchen with my tall and handsome grandson. The trumpet solo written just for me by my granddaughter Traci, and the piano recital by her sister Kallie, remains a special memory. Other loved ones made my day by just being home. Their “presence” is my ...
My grandson and his wife handed me a beautifully wrapped package. I could feel a frame through the paper and thought it might be a photo. I unwrapped the package to find a letter from Jody’s heart. Jane had found the perfect frame. I began to read it out loud but stopped after the first sentence. My voice broke and tears fell. Then my tall handsome grandson read aloud to the family the following letter that has lifted my soul to the highest heights. I reprint it here with his permission. • • • Oh, how I have always loved this...
Our son gave us a DVD player for Christmas. The old model we had has fallen behind the times. Besides that, we couldn’t see the new DVD movie disks he also gave us. Now if I can only learn how to operate it all I’ll be in good shape. Technology has developed faster than I can learn it. Just when I feel I’ve mastered new concepts, they become obsolete. I had heard the term “DVD” before, but I thought it was some kind of winter underwear. One thing I have learned is that I have to pick up those little disks a certain way. If I...
