Tammy and I took a long walk today. Amid all the darkness and dark news we found beauty. Beauty cast into the world by God for us to enjoy. Take some time today to bask in the beauty of Creation. LightFear comes in darknessBut light from God fails us notLight dispels darkness
Life’s Random Musings
Endless water
I recorded this brief video clip last year while Tammy and I were visiting Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City. We sat for quite some time, just watching the water flow down these steps at the garden's reflecting pool. I found it incredibly soothing then, and happened across it again this week while cleaning out … Continue reading Endless water
Holiday procrastination … Your gift to you
I had barely begun to emerge from my turkey, stuffing and pie stupor on Thanksgiving when I made a bewildering, and a little distressing, discovery. I am way behind on my Christmas preparations. Yes, I know, Santa was making the rounds before Halloween and Hobby Lobby had the Christmas decorations out around Independence Day. Still, … Continue reading Holiday procrastination … Your gift to you
“When I grow up…”
It may seem disconcerting to some that a 43-year-old man still would be trying to figure out what he wants to be when he grows up. I assure you, that realization — that I have yet to figure out exactly what I’m doing on this spinning rock — has been no more disturbing for anyone … Continue reading “When I grow up…”
Bursting your bubble
Control is an illusion; presence is real We, as human beings, tend to live in an eternal quest for control. Whether it is control over our finances, our kids or the path of our lives in general, we are constantly chasing the illusion that we are in total control of what's coming up next. People … Continue reading Bursting your bubble
The small stuff
It's not every day that you get to do something, to give of yourself in some way, that will truly make a significant difference in someone else's life. Or, is it? Yes, that's right, I've resorted to making an opening statement that I will then purposefully refute, followed by a simple question with an obvious … Continue reading The small stuff
Our questionable use of words
We, as humans, pride ourselves on our superior communications skills. Next to walking upright and operating can openers, it's the single most important attribute that separates us from our pets and our food. Over the last 40,000 years (give or take) we have refined our communications skills to the point that we now have a … Continue reading Our questionable use of words
9/11: Daring to dream of a better world
This post is a transcript of an address I gave this morning at my daughter's school, Emerson Middle School in Enid, Okla. I was reluctant to speak on this topic, but the topics we're reluctant to face are the ones we must face. I pray my words had some meaning for them, and that they … Continue reading 9/11: Daring to dream of a better world
Dela-where?
I came across this old column a few days ago and it really took me back to my early days as an east coast transplant in Oklahoma. The culture shock was pretty severe, adjusting to having no water or hills around (yes there are! look at that gypsum rock formation 10 miles away!) and having … Continue reading Dela-where?
The Ex Games
Entertainment comes in many forms. Sometimes it comes in a completely passive form, such as holding down the couch and absorbing a healthy dose of television. Sometimes it comes in more formal or organized settings, such as concerts, fairs or off-track betting venues. And, for many, entertainment takes on a more active form, such as … Continue reading The Ex Games
James R. Neal 