We often hear someone say they just want to leave the world a better place than they found it. That’s a great goal, but rarely is it the case. Unless you were Charles Kuralt. For those of us who grew up during his time on the CBS News segment, On The...
Now we’re cooking
When Eisenhower, JFK, and LBJ were in office, rarely would you find a kitchen that didn’t have one. Waking up each morning to the smell of bacon, sausage, and fried potatoes was just how the world turned in 1960s Ashdown, Arkansas. And an electric skillet was part of...
How to fight the culture war
I get this question every now and then: We all feel a level of tension with the direction of society today, and maybe because of my role people often ask me: “How do I fight against all the changes happening in government and culture these days?” As a Christ...
Justification provided
Throughout my life, I have always been intrigued by lawyers. I have had friends who have been attorneys and to hear them speak is interesting. One man shared with me that he represented some of the worst people in our city, who he knew committed horrible crimes. I...
Like a fine whine
When I was growing up in Ashdown, Arkansas, I thought every adult was old. I really couldn’t tell how old someone was, I just knew that they looked old to me, so they were. Maybe that’s why the young man gave me the discount. About a dozen years ago, I went in early...
A solution in a world of problems
As I start this article, I’m on a plane back to the U.S. from being in the mountains of Chiapas, Mexico. I was part of a team of 14 people who helped build a building to serve a small community, present childrens programs and visit an orphanage. It’s the orphanage I’m...
Shine your light
Growing up in New York, I’ll never forget the blackout that hit the city in 1977. I remember my mother being in the shower when the lights went out, and blaming my brother and I for playing a prank on her with the lights. But it was far from a prank, the city lost...
Book ’em
My grandfather was a blacksmith. To supply his shop with the metal, wood, and other materials he needed to operate, he attended auctions. Auctions that sold all types of items. Since his shop was located in Ashdown, Arkansas, that gave him close proximity to the...
Stuck on green stamps
My mom and her mother saved 7 1/2 books to get us that swing set. Just three years before in 1966, my parents had saved to buy their first house. Money was tight, so, if my sister and I were going to have that new addition to the backyard, Green Stamps would be the...