This year presented its share of opportunities and challenges. But in almost every respect, 2021 is a year we'll remember fondly with some …
Eternity Includes Now
"For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I …
The Key is Simple: Don’t Quit.
Over the years, I've made it a tradition to write several year-end blog posts. Some on personal reflections, others on the milestone moments Dana …
Happy Thanksgiving – From a Feeler
The reality has always been a struggle. You may wish for some things to change. You may even work hard to change them. But some things …
An Old Oil Funnel
It's strange how inanimate objects create such powerful feelings. Since my father's passing in 2012, bit by bit, we've cleaned his shop, keeping …
Our Personal Year-End Review
It started out with a hole in our hearts. There were peaks and valleys that have followed since. Our lives will never be the same following the …
‘Bear’ly a Deer Hunter
My weekly column from The Stone County Leader: “Black bears rarely attack. But here’s the thing. Sometimes they do. All bears are agile, cunning, and …
When the Dirt Speaks
Here's my debut column for The Stone County Leader published this week. They decided to call it The Flatlander: *** The local real estate agent maneuvered …
Construction: Day 1
Today we kicked things off at Tranquility Base. While digging for a septic tank perk test isn't very sexy, it's something, and the sight of equipment and …
Ten Things to Finish in My Fifties
•A world-class retreat center known for its hospitality and depth for writers learning the publishing business. •Walk the Great River Road from Lake Itasca, MN …
Photo of the Week
Inaugural picnic on the grounds of Tranquility Base. 2/29/20 (Photo, Frances Merrell) …
The Task is Complete
Some time back around 2010 I was getting desperate. I hadn’t worked in two years and chronic depression had settled in, seeming it might never go away. Dana and …
The Power of Just Walking Away
“Boys, the best thing you can do with death is ride off from it.” ~ Capt. Woodrow F. Call from the movie, Lonesome Dove Dr. Robert Lewis was teaching pastor at …
Ask Yourself: What Can I Unlearn Today?
“Intelligence is what we learn. Wisdom is what we unlearn.” ~ J.R. Rim Never stop learning! Always be a rookie at something! The older the …
Be Teachable
You wouldn’t think it would be the case for someone who’s completed five decades and entered a sixth, but one of the most important lessons I continue learning …
Some Work Thoughts on Labor Day
•There is nothing worse than waking up each morning dreading where you're about to go and spend time for the next eight hours. It's not likely that …
A Few Top Fives
MOVIES Lonesome Dove (technically a mini-series) Castaway The Way The Big Year The Right Stuff SONGS Hotel California (the acoustic version on …
A Few Top Fives
MOVIES Lonesome Dove (technically a mini-series) Castaway The Way The Big Year The Right Stuff SONGS Hotel California (the acoustic version on …
2018 – My Best, Worst, and Other List
Favorite Books Read: Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller; My Southern Journey, Rick Bragg; Learning to Speak God from Scratch, Jonathan Merritt Best Movies …
A Quick Story About Paying Grace Forward
https://youtu.be/d-8e3TYYgxA …