A Swirl of Thoughts and Emotions

It Just Means More

By Donna Jackson | November 5, 2024 |

In 2016, the Southeastern Conference sought to rebrand itself with an ad campaign touting the slogan, “It just means more.” Their first-ever TV spot shared many reasons why: “It means the heart of the home. The heart of campus, in the heart of town, in the heart of an entire state … It means all…

Travel On!

By Donna Jackson | October 15, 2024

Mark Keathley’s painting “Mountain Glory” overlooks our living room. Occasionally, I take a deep breath, sit back, and step into that painting to stare at the scene before me. Clusters of perky purple flowers stand at attention beneath my feet. Stacks of cold, gray rocks poke their heads up through the greenness all around me.…

Looking for the Good Stuff

By Donna Jackson | October 8, 2024

Our Topsy-Turvy World

By Donna Jackson | October 1, 2024

I’m glad to see you again. It’s been a while. The last four months have been spent working on a special project that I hope to share with you soon. God has been working hard, teaching me to hold onto joy and peace during chaotic circumstances! Today, topsy-turvy is the best way some describe their…

Slow Somedays

By Donna Jackson | July 30, 2024

John Fogerty wrote Credence Clearwater Revival’s hit song, “Someday Never Comes.” The 70s song begins with:  “First thing I remember was asking Papa, ‘Why?’ For there were many things I didn’t know. And Daddy always smiled, took me by the hand, saying, ‘Someday, you’ll understand.’” Fogerty’s impatient longing for “Someday” continues throughout the song’s verses, but…

Experiencing Grace

By Donna Jackson | July 23, 2024

Ever tried to peel one of those tough onions? You know, the kind that takes the very tip of the knife to pierce through that outer layer of skin? Tough exteriors always make me wonder what conditions must have been present for that outer layer to become so thick.  Saul the Pharisee needed the sharp, pointed rays…

God Made a Husband

By Donna Jackson | July 16, 2024

Last month, Ron and I celebrated 45 years of marriage. Several years ago, I wrote this to honor the man who loves me so well. Celebrating those we love again and again is a good thing. **************************** God, knowing His complete plan for bringing mankind into an intimate relationship with Himself, smiled as he looked…

Perpetual Peace

By Donna Jackson | July 9, 2024

Red flags whipped wildly in the leftover winds of Tropical Storm Ida. Beach authorities posted warning signs: “No swimming! Rip Currents!” A few adventurous souls combed the beach with hands on their hats while shorts flapped and jackets snapped. But NO ONE dared dip a toe into the ocean’s fury. Her once-peaceful waters had grown…

Just As I Am

By Donna Jackson | July 2, 2024

The waitress poured us another cup of coffee. Not seeing the bottom of our cups for a couple of hours would earn her a nice tip. Measly morsels from breakfast lingered on empty plates as we slowly revealed our crumbs of angst. Realizing we’d both had similar frustrating weeks, my friend sighed, “I started to…

Saving Nicodemus and Me

By Donna Jackson | June 25, 2024

Whenever I feel the urge to splurge for dinner, my craving often shoves me toward a hefty hunk of pot roast. My only problem is that I can’t just whip it up in a jiffy. It takes some time and patience – even in the instant pot. I’m a bit persnickety about fat, so I…