This is not the Appalachian folktale. This is my tale about three trees. In the early 1980s, I lived in the Philippines, where I learned how Christmas trees were shipped to the Pacific for U.S. military members stationed overseas. These trees, cut months earlier and transported thousands of miles, were both expensive and often lackluster. Before transferring from Virginia to Hawaii, I decided to avoid the hassle and expense by purchasing a fake tree from…
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It must have been during my first year at the Naval Academy. I don’t recall my specific offenses—perhaps I had failed to carry my weight, or maybe I’d dared to speak out. What I do remember was bemoaning the rough treatment of women, especially as it concerned me, to my father. He listened, of course. My father, a proud graduate of the Naval Academy Class of ’42, had been forged in a very different fire.…
1 CommentReflecting on the days following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, I feel a bit drained. It was a wonderful time—we had nearly everyone together for Thanksgiving dinner, and the next day, we set up the tree and all its trimmings. As fulfilling as it all was, it also took a lot out of me. On this second day of December, I’m reminded to pause and ask: What do I truly want from this season?…
Leave a CommentGrowing up, Thanksgiving was a big event in our home—often bringing together 30 or more people. We’d always pull in an extra table to fit everyone. I can still picture my mom in the kitchen, managing the chaos, while I mostly stayed out of her way. Those days, with my parents at the center, are long past. Now, as my parents are gone and my siblings have their own families and traditions, the shape of…
Leave a CommentThe Carriage House Inn – Charles Town, WV Unoffendable by Brant Hansen The Life We’re Looking For by Andy Crouch Escaping Enemy Mode by Jim Wilder and Ray Woolridge Mouth Tape
1 CommentThe Art of Holiday Preparation: Purpose and Connection Over Perfection As soon as the clock strikes midnight on November 1st, all attention seems to turn to Christmas. It’s like a collective switch is flipped, and we find ourselves swept into the holiday season with excitement, stress, and anticipation. And let’s be honest; any major celebration requires some preparation. But here’s the thing — preparation doesn’t just mean buying gifts, decorating the house, and planning the…
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