Clean Air and Carbon Rings

I read recently that our governor is planning to sink $400M into a satellite system that will study climate change.  It’s all well and good to have your head in the clouds if you mind what needs to be done on earth, but our California roads are in sad disrepair, and, unfortunately, most of the …

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The Difference Between Watering and Rain

All summer, I’ve attempted to keep our front and back lawns green.  We have a sprinkler system, but there are still dry areas that look less than healthy.  Rick or I hosed those areas diligently, then groaned over the rising water bill.  There’s a lot to be said for other kinds of ground cover, unless …

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Working on Our Bucket List

I’ve wanted to visit the Creation Museum since it opened.  Fortunately, the delay in getting there lasted long enough for The Ark Encounter to open as well.  Rick and I managed to grab a week and head to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky airport and a hotel within easy reach of both sites.  It was the end of …

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Trip to the County Fair

Every summer, I look forward to the Sonoma County Fair.  I remember the days when my parents would take me and my brother to the much larger Alameda County Fair.  We had to go through all the exhibits before getting to the carnival.  My mom wanted to look at every home arts display (quilts, dresses, …

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Why Should I Read the Old Testament?

Some church pastors and leaders are questioning whether teaching the Old Testament is necessary, that seekers might be confused or put off by details of history. I understand.  My parents took me to church when I was a child.  I liked the Old Testament “stories”, but didn’t have a clue who Leviticus was and why …

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Power, Money, and Sex

Leaders, whether in politics, academia, sports, entertainment or the church, face constant temptation through three avenues: power, money and sex. I sat on a jury a few years ago and heard a case about a priest who had abused numerous underage girls.  The higher ups moved him to another parish in order to protect the …

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Yellow Jackets

We’ve been plagued by yellow jackets this summer. Colonies start in spring, grow through summer, and continue to expand during fall.  Their nests are built with chewed wood pulp mixed with saliva and built in the eaves of our homes (as well as wood piles, tree cavities, dense ivy…) They even use abandoned rodent burrows.  …

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Slavery in the U.S.A.

Along with many other people, I grieve over families being separated at the border.  I know if I was in Mexico, living in fear of cartels, wanting a better life for my children, I’d be swimming with them across the Rio Grande or pushing them up over the walls.  We all long for freedom, security, …

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Road Trippin’ with Tyndale and Carla Laureano: Stop #1

Welcome to Tyndale Fiction’s Road Trip Scavenger Hunt! We’re so happy you are here. To participate, collect the key words through all 13 stops in order, so you can enter to win our grand prize giveaway! Some details: The adventure begins on Wednesday, August 1. You’ll have two weeks to make your way through all …

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Childhood Memories

The brain-stormers gathered in Coeur d’Alene again this year, and I’ve no doubt half a dozen books will come forth over the next twelve months and beyond.  One of our gals (Gayle DeSalles) did a devotional.  I always have my pen handy because I know she will dive deep and bring up thoughts and questions …

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