Last weekend I volunteered at James Madison University for the CHOICES program. CHOICES is an open house for students who have been admitted to JMU. Some have already decided to attend JMU, others are still considering options. It’s a great day of presentations about majors, financial aid, scholarships. It includes tours of the Honors College, ROTC, and the awesome …
Knots. Who knew there were so many? One source says there are billions of knots documented since the beginning of time. According to The Knot’s Manual (yes, that’s really a thing), knots date back at least 15-17,000 years. Ancient humans used knots before axes and wheels. They also used knots to create fishing nets and to tie things. Some historians think …
My normal walking route at home coils and climbs through a rural landscape. The three-mile round trip is one I’ve walked hundreds of times. I could do it with my eyes closed, although not a good idea for obvious reasons. I know every rise and fall, twist and turn. The landscape is familiar. I don’t need to rely on anyone …
Expectations are funny things. They can excite you as you anticipate something wonderful or fun. Or they can weigh you down – weights of fear, inadequacy, impending failure, not living up, and letting others down. That’s where I am as I write this blog. Last week, I shared a life-altering experience (https://simplyjoy.online/blog/jesus-as-friend/up-close-and-personal/); a personal touch …
I am blessed to be writing this week’s blog from the deck of a mountain cabin we are renting in Banner Elk, North Carolina. It is our second year renting this beautiful home and I never tire of the view. No matter how many times I look out at the mountains, God’s majesty always takes …