Category: Faith

  • Problem Solving Skills I Learned from Jigsaw Puzzles

    Problem Solving Skills I Learned from Jigsaw Puzzles

    I have never been a fan of jigsaw puzzles…until recently. Jigsaw puzzles always seemed like a waste of time.  You spend hours putting together an insanely complicated piece of artwork, some with mind-numbing solid coloring, repetitive imagery, and similarly shaped pieces, only to break up the finished work and put it back in a box. …

  • My Favorite Books on Marriage, aka The Books with the Yellow Highlights

    My Favorite Books on Marriage, aka The Books with the Yellow Highlights

    Most of my readers know by now that I am a lover of books.  My children have come to expect at least one literary Christmas gift every year and to not be surprised if, on occasion, an unexpected tome arrives on their doorstep from Amazon.  Such are the consequences of having a father who is…

  • How A Miracle Saved the American Revolution…and My​ Family Name

    How A Miracle Saved the American Revolution…and My​ Family Name

    This last week of August 2019, is the two hundred and forty-third anniversary of one of the most pivotal moments in American history.  At the time, soldiers on both sides of the conflict called the events of the week a miracle.  Historians ever since have also considered its outcome providential, or at the very least,…

  • The Tale of Three Wedding Rings

    The Tale of Three Wedding Rings

    The wedding ring has long symbolized endless, eternal love.  A circle, with no beginning or end, is said to symbolize infinity. A gold wedding band first adorned the fourth finger of my left hand on September 2, 1972.  I planned to wear it forever. Now, three wedding rings later, I have a story to share…

  • The Last Dollar

    The Last Dollar

    Our local church has encouraged families to meet in small groups to build faith and community.   Twice a month, our Friends of Faith group meets to discuss a topic/chapter in our latest book of choice.  This week’s discussion group started as usual with some small talk, as we sampled the light hors d’oeuvres, followed…

  • The Memory Blogger

    The Memory Blogger

    Another milestone passed!  This post represents my 100th blog post on TheBuddyBlog.com website. No one is more surprised than I am.  To celebrate this you-gotta-be-kidding-me event, I thought I’d share my thoughts and reflections on how I came to be a blogger. It might surprise you. After all, I never thought I’d spend any time…

  • A Time to Stand

    A Time to Stand

    The simple act of standing can be a sign of respect.        When a judge enters a courtroom, those present stand.        When we recite the Pledge of Allegiance, we stand.        When the bride walks down the aisle, guests stand.        When a guest walks up…

  • Real Comfort Food

    Real Comfort Food

    While running several errands one day, my wife suggested we grab lunch at her favorite Thai Restaurant.  I like Thai food — sort of.  My favorite cuisines are Mexican, Mexican, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Georgian (as in Republic of), and French.  Thai is on the list, I just don’t know where. Ordering a Southern Thai…

  • Resume Virtues vs. Eulogy Virtues

    Resume Virtues vs. Eulogy Virtues

    This past week, my family held a reunion at Jekyll Island.  My children, spouses, and grandchildren — all twenty of us —  came together for five fun-filled days on this Georgia Gem of a barrier island.  We had a blast. Following our clan’s visit to Driftwood Beach, my wife and I snuck away for a…

  • A Man Named Donnie*

    The calendar was full, the East Georgia weather was boiling, and somehow, I wanted to squeeze in a round of golf.  It may be Spring in Georgia but sauna-like humidity already envelopes anyone adventurous enough to step outside, much less play 18 holes of golf in the middle of a sun-drenched afternoon. My wife wondered…