Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Sorted by date Results 401 - 414 of 414
The gift of time is a wonderful gift. Each day I am given can be a good day. It depends on my attitude. Our family awoke one morning to find that our washer had been leaking all night. The laundry room held water ankle deep. Water had overflowed into the den and soaked the carpet. We swept the water out and waited for the plumber. Emmitt went outside to mow the lawn only to find the riding lawn mower had a flat tire. He went to town to find someone to fix it. I had a dental appointment so I stayed home to get ready, but when...
Many thoughts of Christmas return to mind this time of year — wonderful memories relived with blessings. I was one of many cousins who descended upon our grandparents at Christmas time. Granny allowed me to sleep on a pallet by the lighted Christmas tree. The aroma of turkey cooking along with apple pies brought sugar plum dreams to my Christmas Eve. I awakened the next morning to find a little cedar chest, just right for storing secrets. The echoes of Granddaddy’s laughter still linger in my mind and fill my heart with joy... Full story
The gift of love is available to all of us and there is no finer gift. For many years the approaching holiday seasons for me turned into “‘tis the season to be stressful.” Cleaning, baking and shopping brought exhaustion, and by the time Christmas Eve rolled around, I had lost the real meaning of this joyful event. In addition to my immediate family, my extended family came to our house on Christmas. One by one, I have lost a grandparent, an aunt, an uncle and my parents. The brevity of time brought the realization of the m... Full story
After retirement 10 years ago, I mustered up courage and walked into the News-Tribune office and introduced myself. I asked if I might volunteer a weekly column, the goal being to share my faith. The editor graciously granted my request. This one opportunity has brought more blessings than I can count. I have met wonderful people and have developed long-lasting friendships. It is time to give thanks. In those early years I typed my columns on an old typewriter and if it hadn’t been for white-out I never would have made it. M...
Tuesday has been designated Veterans Day. Words fail me as I try to express my gratitude to those who sacrificed so much. I think every day is a day to honor these heroes! Some soldier paid the price for me to have freedom in this beloved nation, that I might have “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Some soldier gave his all to enable me to freely worship an Almighty God. Freedom is a precious thing and to take it for granted results in losing it. My hat and heart go out to veterans. Their courage and sac...
God paints autumn with strokes of brilliant gold, hues of burnished brown, and flames of reddish orange. The leaves of summer now become breathtaking jewels, escaping from God’s treasure box. The awesome magnificence of God’s creativity is overwhelming, coloring my world with beauty. As the leaves begin to fall, I realize I also need to do some “leaf shedding.” I ponder subtle sabotaging sins that have come into my life unnoticed. Worry, anxiety and what Scripture calls the “little foxes that spoil the grapes” can slowly... Full story
Pastors who respond to God’s call to ministry are special people. Clergy Appreciation Month, which is this month, is observed by affirming and encouraging our ministers. These spiritual leaders are gifts from God. Pastors and their families live in a world that never stops. Their workload is large and tedious. Many have other jobs or their wives work to supplement income. There is always another Bible study, sermon to prepare, funeral, hospital visits or whatever needs the congregation requires. The minister sometimes s...
A decision to refurbish my antique trunk revealed a personality trait in me. I’m a “keeper.” Cards of all kinds, love notes, newspaper clippings, fair ribbons, photo albums … you name it and I had it in my trunk. Looking through all the stuff and the “remember whens … ” I thought, I can’t keep everything. I picked up another card: “Dear Mom. Happy Mother’s Day. I want you to be happy because I’m happy you’re my mom.” “Will you be my valentine? You’re the best wife I ever had.” (What’s with this? I’m the only wife he ever h... Full story
My plants take a beating with these hot windy days. At noon they curl up their leaves and wilt. All of my work and energy wasted, I think. I made plans in early April about my garden. I gave my flower beds tender care by planting, watering, and fertilizing. The plants thrived until the heat of the last few weeks. Now it appears all my efforts wasted my time. Am I discouraged? No. I’ve been through this before. So I will keep hanging in there. I will nurture my plants, despite the heat. If I do my part, I know how it all t...
“Glad to see ya!” Uncle Steve said as I hugged and kissed him. With our help he had lived 10 good years in his home alone, enjoying life despite his handicaps. Aunt Opal had died previously and they had no children. “Take this and buy you something pretty.” Uncle Steve has always had a heart as big as all outdoors. Emmitt drove him to town to take care of his business and he liked for me to go along. Back home I kissed him on the cheek. “See ya tomorrow!” Uncle Steve leaned over for a kiss, saying “Thank you!” We took...
I have been holding hands with my husband for 55 years. Those same hands that carried my books at school and took my hands in his and pledged all his love to me on our wedding day. Those same hands held mine at the birth of each son. Those same hands built our first home, a house filled with many memories. This year will be the 40th year in a house of joy, love, laughter and tears. Three lively boys received training and discipline with hands that prayed a lot. When our sons began to leave home, I found strong hands... Full story
Dear graduate, We have watched you grow up with great pride. You have become a great generation. You have seen the frailties of our culture, yet you remain strong in your resolve. You have been bombarded by visual ugliness in all kinds of media, but you still stand up for the good. We salute you! We have great hopes for you. You are our tomorrows and we are confident of your ability. We have seen the depths of your integrity and your dreams for a better world. Your strength of character prevails and the voice of freedom is yo...
“Los ninos son como los pajaritos ... tu ensenas volar ... cuando ellos aprenden, estan listos y vuelan!” A mother of one of my students spoke these inspiring words in Spanish to me on Parent Conference Day. We were discussing the end of school and how quickly the year had passed. “The children are like little birds. You teach them to fly ... when they learn, they are ready and then they fly!” What a profound statement. Every year I had a lump in my throat at the end of school, but this thought brought tears. Childre... Full story
“Guess what Mom? He followed me all the way home from school. Isn’t he cute? Can I keep him Mom? He won’t eat very much, and I really promise, I’ll be the one who feeds him!” “You know what Mom? You’re the best Mom in the whole world. Will you marry me when I grow up?” “Guess what Mom? The teacher asked me to bring the cookies for the Christmas party. May I roll them out? See how I can pat them out so good with my hands? Have I been playing with the dog? Oh yes, but I didn’t get my hands dirty.” “Well, I finally made... Full story
