I once heard someone say, “When you listen to the radio, you don’t want to hear one piece of music in this style, then another that’s completely different, and on and on…do you?” Why yes.  As a matter of fact, that’s exactly what I want. It’s not that I don’t love big categories of music, it’s just that I believe every piece of music benefits from contrast. Rather like putting an antique next to Eames. Both pieces benefit. It’s that “shopping technique,” if you will, that helps to form this morning - this Christmas Festival. I admit I’m constantly [...]

We were overjoyed to welcome our first son, Henry, in 2014, but we quickly learned the meaning of the old expression, “It takes a village.” Two adults are not enough to care for one baby; one tired mommy is not enough to care for her baby and herself, and three hours of sleep at night is not enough to do much of anything. As Henry and our youngest, William, get older, we are increasingly grateful for the many loving and influential adults in their lives. Our boys are blessed beyond measure. They have four doting grandparents and one [...]

I’m waiting for a baby to come. I’m waiting for the phone to ring. The anticipation is delightful, and I’m preparing to jump on a Southwest Airlines flight to see this little one as soon as she’s born. My prayers have been with her ever since we learned that she was conceived. I remember where my husband and I were when our son let us know. There was quite the celebration as the champagne they sent to our table was popped.” Everyone! We are going to be grandparents again!! Celebrate with us!” We asked for extra glasses, and [...]

My very first job right out of college was at the Galveston County Daily News. I worked the night shift as a copy editor and layout designer, and for the most part, it wasn’t too bad. That is, it wasn’t too bad until the holiday season. I no longer had the luxury of stepping away from work and celebrating these days with my family. On Thanksgiving Day, my mom made a plate of turkey and all the sides for me to take to work, and I cried the entire way to the office. This one Thanksgiving away from [...]

Several years ago, I learned how unaware I had been about how a church service happens. As I entered the building on Sunday mornings, everything was in place: bulletins, collection plates for the offertory, attendance pads, children’s activity packets, Communion elements, ushers at the door, pews filling with the congregation. All I had to do was sit down and hopefully not fall asleep during the sermon! My perspective changed when I became a member of the Altar Guild. Many mornings of the year, I now arrive at 7:30 a.m. The church is already humming by the time I [...]