BOOK REVIEW: A Texas Easter Blessing by Mindy Obenhaus

 

A Texas Easter Blessing by Mindy Obenhaus is the story of Kendall Hunt who returns to her family’s Legacy Ranch in Hope Crossing, Texas and Ryder Sinclair who returns to Hope Crossing to stay with his parents while he figures out he and his little boy’s life. Kendall and Ryder grew up together and can’t seem to move on toward their futures. In the end, can she stay in Hope Crossing to be with him or can he move to Austin to be with her? This is an inspirational story about everyday characters who encounter everyday problems just like we do. You will find yourself smiling as you read and cheering for the characters of Hope Crossing.. If you enjoy reading stories set in small towns, characters with ranch lives, and the community coming together to help one another, you’ll love reading A Texas Easter Blessing. Grab your box of tissues because Chapter 15, page 200 (in the ebook) is swoon-worthy and filled with breathtaking emotion. I received this advanced copy of the ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

A Letter to My Dear Daughter, Stephanie

A Letter to My Dear Daughter Stephanie, 

It has been a year since I heard the words, “Stephanie died last night.” 

For 365 mornings I have awakened in the early hours before daylight with you in my thoughts. It has been a long year, and yet it seems like only a few days ago the tragedy occurred. To say that “I miss you” is predictable, but missing you goes beyond the normal. You are no longer part of my life here on earth, what a huge change!  

I personally experienced death when I lost my beloved great-grandmother many years ago, then mom died and that was a hard death to work through, although Mom had been sick for so long that death released her from the pain she suffered. Then my dad died in 2018 and 2 weeks later your dad died - just eight years ago and I was overwhelmed, moving through the days of my life, continuing to do what I had to do, but I don’t have your Stephen's companionship to comfort me now. This part of the year is extremely hard for me to trudge through, and trudge I do. And, it was hard for you and still is hard for Kimberly, Candace, and Stephen Patrick, and the grandkids, too.

And now your death, Stephanie. Thank God that He got me through this past year of big changes. I feel settled now where I hope to be until I die. Yet, I am debilitated. I am weak and exhausted and completely saddened to the point that I no longer want to live. It is true. I sit here day and night just surviving. I am ready to die. I answer that I'm okay, but it's not a normal okay.

But here I am, alive and going through the motions of living the life that the Lord has given me. God is not done with me yet, apparently. I owe my survival to the Lord, for He is the only reason. And so to continue this letter to you, I recall our life together when the four of us were a little family living an ordinary country life. 

I remember when I announced that I was going to have our second baby, the family planned a baby shower. Everyone was convinced that you were a boy and back then the happy couple had to wait for the birth of the baby to find out whether the stork brought them a boy or a girl. So all gifts of clothing, bottles, toys, the diaper bag, and decorations were boy blue. You surprised us, another girl! 

But you did not disappoint us by being a little girl. You were welcomed and loved instantly and secretly I was delighted! Your father was also happy, he had another little girl to spoil and that he did and he named you. Your sister was four and a half years old and was enamored of you because she had a new play thing and filled the Big Sis role of helping take care of you. When you cried, she jumped to serve!

You grew up fast and when Big Sis went to kindergarten you loved being home alone with me. When Big Sis brought books home to read, you enjoyed listening to the stories. So when you turned two years old, I signed you up for story time at our local library. As the years passed we took our once-a- week visit for story time where you grew to love your story time teacher, Miss Michelle. Sometimes while Miss Michelle read and led your group in an activity, I perused the stacks looking for history reference books, etc, while you enjoyed your “big girl school” as you called it. 

When you were eighteen months old, your dad found his dream job which later turned into his career. And a year and a half later, we bought our first house and moved into our four square farmhouse where you and Big Sis had the entire upstairs to run and play. It was there that you had a terrible bike wreck on the pavement and I took you to the doctor. No broken bones, but your knees and legs looked a lot like hamburger for a while. And another bike tragedy occurred when you turned your bike over into the corner patch of prickly pear cactus that was growing out by the carport. You and bikes were a challenge at times, honey!

Stephanie, you were never a morning person. Oh my! When school started that was the beginning of early morning mishaps. While Big Sis was up and eating breakfast and ready to catch the school bus, you were buried under the covers with your butt in the air vowing that you were not getting up. The years flew by but you never became a morning girl. Nope, you were like a grizzly bear fighting every minute to countdown to arrive at school on time. 

Then your dad and I got a divorce. It devastated you girls - I remember you telling me, “I just want to be a family” while you got into the car when he came to pick you up for a visit. You adjusted to the new school and made lots of friends and liked the teachers you had. You enjoyed science projects, you loved the band and begged me to buy a white clarinet. I finally found the money to buy a white one and you were very happy. That same year you wanted to get your long hair permed, so I saved the money and your hair was very pretty. 

Your Big Sis got married when you were 12 and while walking down the aisle as a bridesmaid, tears streamed down your face, emotions were high that day. You became an aunt for the first time when Big Sis had her first baby, a boy. You and I made regular trips to see Tyler and you loved his sweet baby antics. Also, that same year during the month of October you were saved at the Macedonia Freewill Baptist Church and baptized later the next year. Praise God, Stephanie! 

Stephanie and her first nephew, Tyler 

When you were 16, your dad taught you how to drive a vehicle and he started you out with a standard shift. He always said if one could drive a standard, one would never be stranded. He bought your first car; a little baby-blue Ford Escort Hatchback. That car was definitely you, you looked so cute in it! 

I will never forget the winter that we had deep snow. You and some of your friends went to the basketball game at one of the neighboring small towns. I allowed you to go, telling you to travel the main highways and you would be okay. Well……..

I waited up for you that night and finally the front door flew open and you ran and jumped onto my lap crying. You and the girls decided to take the backroads to the ballgame and you got the Escort stuck in a snow bank! You tried to drive out of the snow, but the car would not budge. Suddenly, an old truck appeared in the dark night and an elderly man saw your dilemma and used his truck to pull you out. You said when you and your friends rolled down the windows to thank him, he and the truck were gone, vanished in the night.. You cried telling me that you knew he was an angel whom God sent to help you out! I certainly believed you! 

And then, during your junior year of high school you met Brandon. Like Bella and Edward in the wildly popular movie (that we all loved) Twilight, you claimed you were completely and irrevocably in love with Brandon (but he wasn’t a vampire). And so the next year you married him in August, after you graduated high school. 

Graduated high school, with little sister, Candace and her purple Bear Bear

Wedding day 1996

That same year, your dad and I got remarried and moved back into the farmhouse that we had bought together when you were little. Along with getting your dad back, you gained a sister, Candace, and brother, Stephen Patrick. You were very happy that it all turned out so well. But later you told me you were mad at me when your dad and I got back together and remarried because it seemed the time we were divorced was wasted. But still, you forgave me. 

Your baby boy arrived the next year and you had your daughter a year later. You and Brandon bought ten acres of farm land that was close to us. Then you went to work for your dad managing his heating and air business in Joplin. You were the office manager for 14 years and ran the office and took care of all of the accounting by yourself. You were a whiz at everything you did and your dad was grateful and happy that you kept everything in order. I was happy to watch the kids every summer or whenever `you needed me to babysit. They were with us a lot when you and Brandon went on vacations. I’m so glad your dad and I bonded with you all. Those ties can never be taken away. You and Brandon traveled a lot and you always wanted to take me on a cruise. 

In December, 2012, you followed God’s calling and graduated Nursing School. We were so proud to have an RN in our family! During nursing school when the studies got overwhelming and your confidence wanned, you called me and we would talk about it and I encouraged you to keep going and that God would never let you down. He brought you to your calling and He would see you through. And you got through it! 

Nursing School graduate! 

When your dad had his debilitating heart attack in 2013, you were right by his side and helped us understand what was happening. You walked us through all the ins and outs of his quad-bypass heart surgery. Then my mom, your Grandma Faye, died in the fall of that same year; you rushed to her side, ministering so gently as she lay in her bed dying. Again, you helped me through that sad time and told me what to expect with her passing. 

As the years passed and your kids grew up, Kynsey made you a grandma when her first son was born and then another little baby boy was born a year later. I remember how happy and excited you were! You wanted the grandkids to call you Nie Nie and you saw the boys as much as you could working around your hospital schedule. You always spent as much time as you could with your grandkids! And as Kendal and Kynsey added to the number of grandkids you had, you were so happy and could not wait to see them and play with them. And they loved you dearly.

                  

Your dad and I were very sad when you told us that you were divorcing Brandon. I had hoped that the generational family curse of divorce would not touch you kids, but alas, it was not meant to be. We had to accept your decision and pray that all went well. We never meddled in your lives.

You bought a cute little bungalow in Joplin and worked as an RN on the heart floor at Mercy Joplin. We were so proud of you and your accomplishments. 

When your dad died on a cold January morning, I remember talking to you on the phone, crying and asking you to hurry down because I needed you. You gave me hope when it seemed like there was no hope - you reminded me to lean on God and let Him help me through the trying time. 

Three years later you came down to my house to tell me that you had met a new man and you and he were dating exclusively and were very happy. I was thrilled to know that you found someone whom you seemed to care about. I was a little concerned when you decided to marry him only a couple of months after you met, but again, I never meddle, so I accepted it. 

2nd time around 2019

After you got married, you moved to Nevada and went to work at the hospital there. You sold your house in Joplin and seemed very happy. We discussed my future and you wanted to help me with my health and issues, especially when I got elderly, so I moved to Nevada and rented a house from your husband to be near you. While I did not like living there, when God whispered to me, “She needs you,” I stayed because of you. Indeed, you did need me desperately!

You were career-driven and started nursing school again and achieved your Bachelor in Nursing degree in due time. You were working on your Masters degree in Hospital Administration and you had plans of moving into higher levels in your career. You left the Nevada Hospital and went to work for Cox Barton County Hospital in Lamar. Oh, how happy you were! You loved your job, you thought highly of the hospital and the workers there. And they thought highly of you, Stephanie. 

During my stay there in that small town near you (we lived 2 miles apart), my happiness about your new marriage faded. It was soon apparent that yes, indeed you did need me to be there with you. 

I remember you telling me that you felt so alone up there, because Nevada was 73 miles from Neosho, and you didn’t really care for living that far north, but you made the best of it. As time went on while I was with you and your husband, I saw and heard many things that truly bothered me. I witnessed his arguing and cussing, ranting and raving; it seemed he was grasping at straws trying to find things to be mad at you over! It was very disturbing to me.

And then Kendal finally got married! You were ecstatically happy for him and you loved your new daughter-in-law. We always enjoyed driving down to see the kids. We got to spend time together and have deep conversations. I knew you were not nearly as happy as you once had been. But you kept it to yourself; perhaps you didn’t want to worry me. I remember everything I saw and heard and I have it all written down -14 pages of your life there.

I lived in distress the 2 years and 10 months while I lived there. But all I could do was pray about it. I prayed day and night and kept a watch out for you. You were a very private person and didn’t divulge a lot about what you were going through in your marriage. I specifically remember you talking to me and asking me what I thought you should do. I thought about it for a moment and I heard your dad's answer in my head, so I advised you on a matter and I do believe that you were putting that plan into motion. Except you ran out of time.  

And then, your 46th birthday came round on January 19, 2025. You went with your husband to a plumber’s yearly certification seminar in Columbia and was gone for 3 days. I told you that I’d take you out to lunch soon. You wanted to go to Subway for a sandwich because he never wanted to eat there; so we ate lots of sub sandwiches together while I was there.

I remember you coming through my door a week before you died. You were beautiful - you had just had hair extensions put in and your hair was curled and gorgeous. I told you how pretty you were and your smile lit up the living room. I can envision you sitting on the sofa talking about what was going on, telling me about your mother-in-law’s health dilemma, (your husband sat in the car while you came in to see me and you explained that he was talking to his sister about their mother) and we made plans to go to Subway soon for your birthday lunch! You were sad because your dad’s death anniversary was coming up. Each year it has always been an extremely sad occasion and something that we mourn every year. 

And after a while we hugged goodbye, said our “I love yous” and you were gone. That was the last time I’d ever see you again. You were 3 months away from getting your Masters degree. You had plans for your future and you were planning to go see Kendal and Kynsey and your grandbabies in the next week or so. But you died on Saturday night, February 1, but of course the coroner pronounced you Sunday morning, February 2 when the authorities found you.

That Sunday morning, February 2, 2025, I went to church as usual and I texted you. I didn’t hear from you but that wasn’t unusual because sometimes you were busy doing homework. When I got home from church at noon your husband texted me asking about what time I would be home from church, I told him I was already home, but he didn’t answer back. 

That was a red flag because I thought you two were probably arguing again. Dread set in, and I texted you asking how you were. No answer. I sat there for a few minutes praying and I clearly knew God wanted me to go to your house and see you. I grew angry this time and I planned to talk to you both about what was going on. I was going to tell you about we have a short time to live and we should live it as happy as we can and to stop the fighting

I arrived at your house, Stephanie, about 12:30 and your car was not there, neither was your husband’s. So I texted you both that I was waiting for you and needed to talk to you. Dread grew into fear. Still I waited. The day was sunny and not freezing, but cold. I prayed. And finally, a silver car drove up behind me. It was your husband, his daughter and his son. I thought, “Something’s going on and he’s involved his kids in it. I was perturbed and angrier. 

When I stepped out of my car to face them, he said, “Stephanie died last night.” 

My world collapsed, I did not faint, but I felt myself spinning and churning; the dread had turned into absolute panic and terror. That was not true, Stephanie, you were not dead, you were hiding and I would find you and help you! 

Alas, it was true. I insisted on seeing you, I could not accept that you were dead! When I saw you, my beautiful baby girl, in the funeral home, my heart shattered like the ice in the creek where your car landed. My heart had broken with the other deaths I had endured, especially that of your dad, but now it felt as though I had no heart, no breath, no life. But you were laying there like a beautiful Sleeping Beauty! In death you were still beautiful and I thank God that there were no visible wounds from the wreck.

My Sweetheart, it has been a year since that day. I relive it and go over the story your husband gave us and I contemplate all the questions that remain unanswered. It haunts me! We want closure, but we will never get it. In the whirlwind of the 3 days - Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday - Kynsey did order an autopsy and that stopped your husband’s plan to cremate you immediately. Thank God that Kynsey demanded the autopsy because even though your husband got extremely angry about it, the autopsy answered a couple of questions surrounding the mystery of your car wreck. Yet it created more questions and concern that we did not get the truth of what happened Saturday night and why you ended up upside down in your vehicle in a creek bed.  

     

Three people know what happened February 1 & 2, 2025: You, your husband, and God. And in the end someday God will judge and maybe justice will be served. I honestly hope that there was no foul play involved in your car wreck. But the many questions we all have serve to fuel the fire of dirty deeds. If we could only see your phone, that would help answer some questions. But, we get nothing from him; he has swiftly cut us out of his life. He never liked either one of the kids and you knew that. You tried to change his mind about Kendal and Kynsey, but he would not budge on that issue. It was his loss!

As soon as you died, I knew I had to move out of his house....and I wanted to go home to Neosho. So in the turmoil of grieving, I started packing up things preparing for a move when the weather got warmer. My family did not want me up there at all...they begged me to move out sooner and just come down here to stay with someone until the movers could get the job done, Stephanie. But I stayed until the bitter end. It was for the best. 

I'm happy now that I'm back in Neosho, the place that you were born and where I've lived for over 40 years. It's home until I go home...

I will end my memories, my dear daughter. There are many more that I remember about you, of course, but I can’t write a book here. Instead, I am rejoicing because you were saved by the blood of Jesus Christ and baptized in the water. And you are home in heaven with everyone else. No one will ever mistreat you again!

I will never let your memory die, sweetheart!

And, yeah, I had a Subway sandwich the other day in your honor! I felt you beside me as I ordered it.

Until the time comes when I see you again, I wait…. Momma 

Stephanie Jennings Branham Crabtree Obituary

 

STEPHANIE JENNINGS BRANHAM CRABTREE 

Stephanie Karen (Jennings) Branham Crabtree, 46, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in Nevada, Missouri after a tragic automobile accident, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.

Stephanie was born January 19, 1979, in Neosho, Missouri, to the late Stephen Jennings and Karen (Utter) Jennings. Stephanie graduated in 1996 from Purdy High School. She was the office manager and helped run her father’s business, AAA Refrigeration & A/C, in Joplin for 14 years. She was a devoted worker to her father’s business and she inherited that work ethic from him. She was dedicated to caring for others, was an exceptional Registered Nurse, currently the Staff Educator at Cox Barton County Hospital, Lamar, and was nearly finished with her master’s degree in nursing administration.

She was a Christian who was devoted to her family and always supported and nurtured them, she loved all animals, enjoyed swimming and the great outdoors, traveled extensively, crafting, singing, and she inherited her musical ability from her Grandpa Leroy Jennings.

Stephanie married Brandon Branham in August, 1996 at Purdy, Missouri, and two children were born to that union, Kendal and Kynsey. He survives. Stephanie married Donald Crabtree in 2019 in Joplin, Missouri. He survives.

Stephanie is survived by a large family both on her father's side and her mother's side. Those immediate survivors include her mother, Karen Jennings, Neosho Missouri, her step-grandmother, Nancy Utter, Montana; her children, Kendal and wife Bryana Branham, Arkansas, Kynsey and husband Trent Brown, Arkansas; her siblings, Kimberly and husband Mike Ruede, Florida, and Candace and husband Cody McConnaughey, Neosho, and one brother Stephen Patrick Jennings, Joplin. Her grandchildren, Braxton, Brexxleigh, Jameson, Jensen, Kadynse, Kymber, Harper, and Hazel; four nephews, Tyler Burton and wife Karyssa, USAF, Andrew Burton and wife Brianna, USAF, and Noah and Caleb McConnaughey; one niece, Lydia McConnaughey; and one great-niece Claira Burton, and two great-nephews, Creed Burton, and Maverick Burton. Other survivors are her mother-in-law, AJ Irvin, Lamar, Christy Rodriguez, Nevada, step-daughter and step-son Ashley Starbuck and Tristan Crabtree, Nevada, and step-grandchildren, Aaliyah and Alexis Starbuck, and Logan Crabtree of Nevada. Stephanie is survived by a large family both on her father's side and her mother's side - many Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins who mourn her passing and will forever miss her. 

She was cremated and a Celebration of Life was held in July, 2025, where her ashes were buried at the Rocky Comfort Cemetery atop her father's grave. Stephanie's spirit and the love she shared will remain in our hearts forever.

 

 

Healing Hearts: Goals for the New Year

 This year my One Word to focus on and implement in my daily life is Abide. I want to live my new year slow, simple, and stable while abiding with Jesus. I'm hoping as I strive to abide in Him I will stop taking my life choices and decisions into my own hands and look to Jesus for the answer. 

My goals for the year is

1 being Thankful

2 being grateful 

3 being content

4 being obedient

2025 was a big year full of changes and heartache. I made hasty decisions that caused messes that I had to clean up....however, God saved the day and helped me clean up the messes. I'm praying that God allows my new year to remains stable and constant with very little changes, I crave peace and calm, no personal death in the family, I hope my health gets patched up and I regain some energy back so that I can be slow, simple, and stable. 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." --Jeremiah 29:11. 

No matter what transpires though, Jesus will get me through it. I must ABIDE in Him and listen because every day I battle an attack from Satan. Satan loves to steal my joy and cause me problems. 

"And the world is passing away and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever." --John 2:17. 

What about you? Have you set a goal or goals for the new year? If you have, I wish you well and I hope your year is filled with all that's good. 

HEALING HEARTS: My One Word for 2026: ABIDE

The sun will be rising on a new year, 2026! 

 December 31, 2025

Every year I choose, or I ask God for, one word for the new year; a word that will be useful, meaningful, and with a purpose that I can apply to living everyday. A word that I can focus and meditate on, one that will help me grow in my faith journey.

Tonight I said to God, “What’s my one word for this coming year?” and I went on reading on my Kindle.  

Within one minute, I heard, “Abide.” 

Oh my! I was surprised that God answered so quickly! I love the word abide and I’m so happy that God’s response was quick and sure. 

I looked up the word. Abide is in the Bible; it means to remain, dwell, stay connected, and continue in a relationship with God and His Word, drawing life and power from Him. Like a branch connected to a vine, leading to spiritual fruitfulness and steadfastness in faith. It’s not just a one-time decision but an active, ongoing, intimate connection of living in, by, and through Christ’s presence and commands. 

Key meanings of abide: 

1 Remain or to dwell: to stay in a place or state, emphasizing a continuous presence, like dwelling in God’s presence. Psalm 91:1. 

2 Stay connected: to be vitally linked to Jesus (the Vine) for life and fruit, as taught in John 15:4-5. 

3 Live by or through: to live in, by, and through God’s Word and Spirit, making it your daily source of life. 1 John 3:24. 

4 Stand Firm: to persist in faith, love, and commitment, holding fast against opposition. 1 John 4:15. 

With faith and obedience, abiding involves confessing Jesus as the Son of God and keeping His commandments showing a firm commitment. It’s about maintaining fellowship with Jesus so He can produce fruit in and through you. Relying on Jesus’ grace and life-giving presence, not your own strength will help you bear spiritual fruit. 

So, I declare ABIDE is my one word that I will continually focus on, pray about, and chase this coming new year. I love the word, and of course it's perfect….because it comes from our Heavenly Father, the giver of all things good! 

Happy New Year and may your year be filled with all good things and overflowing with God’s abundant blessings. Amen! 

 

The Christmas Promise: A True Story

The Christmas Promise  

December 9, 1971                             

Karen Utter had never strapped on a pair of roller skates in her life, yet here she was, inching along the roller rink’s railing on the wall. Inside Skateland, scents of popcorn, people, and sugary cotton candy mingled with the sharp tang of the icy December night that seeped in every time the door swung open. The other girls zipped by her, their laughter and shouts blending with the popular song, Take It Easy sung by The Eagles as it blared from the overhead speakers, making the wooden floor beneath them rumble. Strobe lights cast sparkling orbs over the walls and ceiling, creating a mesmerizing, kaleidoscopic effect.

The rink was festooned with faux evergreen wreaths adorned with bright red bows, and mini-Christmas trees twinkled from every corner. Karen's breath came in fast, nervous puffs as she struggled to stay upright, her knuckles white from gripping the railing.

She was here for Shirley Sims' sixteenth birthday party. Shirley's friends glided effortlessly across the rink, their movements fluid and graceful, while Karen felt like a baby deer on ice. But determination burned in her brown eyes; she was resolved to enjoy the night without breaking a bone.

Suddenly, Shirley skated up to Karen, her face flushed and eyes sparkling. "Karen, follow me. There’s someone I want you to meet!" she called breathlessly before zipping off towards the benches.

"Um, give me a minute!" Karen called after her, creeping along the railing. She finally reached Shirley, who stood next to a blonde-haired young man. His eyes were bright blue, and his smile was warm and inviting.

"Here, let me help you," he said, extending his hand. His grip was firm and reassuring as he guided Karen to the bench. She flailed and stumbled but managed to reach the safety of the seat.

Fumbling with the skates, Karen pulled at the laces and slipped them off, feeling the cold, rough surface of the floor under her feet. "Whew! That was close, but I managed not to fall!" Pride laced her voice.

Shirley grinned and gestured to the young man. "Karen, this is Steve Jennings. We’ve known each other for a long time. He wanted to meet you!"

Karen looked up into Steve’s face, noticing how his hair swooped down over his forehead, reminding her of Hermey, the elf from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. His smile caught her by surprise as he bent down and brushed her cheek with his lips. "Hello, Karen, sweetheart."

Her face warmed, her heart bouncing. No one had ever greeted her like that; most boys at school were far less charming.

Shirley explained, "Steve’s on leave from the Air Force. He just came inside to see who all was here. And here we are!" Shirley laughed and skated away to join the other girls on the floor.

"I just got into town yesterday," Steve said, his voice easy and smooth. "My brother and cousin wanted to cruise around the square, then we decided to come here. Are you from Neosho?"

"No, I’m from Granby," Karen replied, tying her sneakers tight, embarrassment creeping into her voice. She glanced at Steve’s military green fatigue jacket. "Are you from Neosho?"

"Born and raised here," Steve replied. "Hey, are you still in school, or are you on Christmas break?"

"Two days left before break."

"I’ll pick you up after school tomorrow, okay?" Steve’s smile was dazzling, his voice hopeful.

"Groovy, I won’t have to ride the bus!" Karen beamed.

Steve waited for Karen in the bustling high school lobby the next day. Teenagers spilled into the hallways, scurrying around with Christmas break on their minds. Freshly baked sugar cookies from the Home Ec class mingled with the musty smell of lockers, No. 2 yellow pencils, and textbooks. Karen spotted Steve waving to catch her attention amidst the chaos. "Hi, Steve! You found me in this sea of bodies!"

"My eyes will find you wherever you are, Karen. Here, let me take that for you." He eased the flower-power cloth book bag off her shoulder and led her outside to a gold 1966 Ford Mustang. The door groaned as he opened it, and she slid onto the cold vinyl seat.

"Do you want to cruise the square in Neosho before you go home?" he asked, turning the car onto the highway. Tommy James and the Shondells' Crystal Blue Persuasion song flowed from the eight-track player. 

Karen bit her lower lip, torn between her desire to spend time with Steve and her responsibility to her family. "I’m sorry, but I need to get home. My brothers will be alone, and Mom expects me to have supper ready."

Steve nodded in understanding. He took her home, but he picked her up from high school the next day, and they made plans to go out on Friday night. When Friday came, they cruised the square several times before heading to Joplin, where they bowled a few games. The bowling alley’s din of crashing pins and cheers echoed around them, mingling with the smell of waxed floors and the taste of greasy fries they shared.

After bowling, they walked two blocks on Joplin's Main Street to a downtown park lit with thousands of twinkling lights. A vintage blow mold set of holiday choir singers stood near the water fountain, now shut off for winter. Some of the paint was peeling off the faces of the plastic singers, but Karen loved the old set anyway. Sparkling golden lights bathed the evergreen trees, and lighted displays lined the sidewalks. The place was magical.

As they walked hand in hand amid the sparkling lights, Steve told her about his time in the military and that he was going to Iceland in the spring. He came from a big family—ten brothers and sisters—who lived on a farm outside Neosho. Karen shared her story, the eldest and only girl among four brothers, her mom working long hours to support them. She loved writing and cherished her little transistor radio for all the latest musical hits it provided when she was alone in her bedroom.

"Your hands are cold," Steve said, taking Karen’s left hand and tucking it into his coat pocket with his own. She felt warmth spread through her, not just from the physical contact but also from Steve's kindness and happiness.

They returned to the Mustang parked along Main Street. A few snowflakes dusted the windshield, and icy puffs of wind coughed over them. The car provided much-needed warmth.

The days that followed were filled with shared moments, laughter, and growing affection. Karen met Steve’s large family, who welcomed her warmly, and he joined her family for several dinners, fitting in seamlessly.

Two days before Steve returned to the Air Force base, they sat in his Mustang at the Dog ‘n Suds, waiting for their chili dogs and root beers. Steve reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small jewelry box. "I got you something."

"Oh, I haven’t had time to get you anything!" Her heart quivered as she saw the box, surprise and embarrassment mingling through her. "You didn’t have to…"

Steve beamed, opening the lid to reveal a tiny gold ring shaped with the infinity symbol with a sparkling diamond chip in the center. "It’s a promise ring. Promise me you’ll wait for me. You said you like writing. Maybe we can write letters back and forth while I’m gone. You’ll be a senior next year. Maybe after graduation, we can see what happens next?"

Surprise hitched in her voice as the diamond winked at her in the dashboard lights. "I’ll wait for you, Steve. I promise."

A warm kiss sealed their Christmas moment, promising a future filled with love and hope.

THE END

Author's Note: I dedicate my story to all of my sweet, silly, and wonderful girlfriends during our Junior year in high school. We had such a blast and I'll never forget all of you! With love & Merry Christmas! 

 

HEALNG HEARTS: All I Want For Christmas Is Peace

 

Jesus assures us in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Those words have taken on a deeper meaning for me this year. 2025 has held more heartache than I ever imagined. It began the day I was told my precious daughter, Stephanie, had died in a car accident on February 1. There are no words for that kind of devastation. There were days I didn’t know how to breathe, let alone how to keep moving. But through every trembling step, Jesus walked beside me. His presence steadied me when nothing else could.

Ten months have passed since those heartbreaking words, “Stephanie died last night,” first echoed in my ears. In these months of grief, sorrow, and searching, my one prayer has been simple: Lord, please give me peace. Not the world’s kind—fleeting, shallow, temporary—but His peace… the kind that anchors the soul.

And today, with a grateful heart, I can say He answered. Not all at once, but like honey dripping over a buttermilk biscuit. It filled the empty places in my heart with hope, comfort, and the steady whisper that healing is happening one day at a time.

Those we love who were saved and have gone on before us—they’re home. Safe. Whole. No longer part of this broken world. And somehow, that truth brings peace that holds me together and lifts my eyes toward eternity.

My prayer has been answered. Praise God for His unfailing love.

From My Heart to Yours

If this season finds you carrying a quiet ache, a longing, or a prayer you’ve whispered over and over, I want you to know you’re not alone. The same God who met me in the deepest valley will meet you in yours. His peace is strong enough to steady you, gentle enough to soothe you, and faithful enough to carry you through the holidays and beyond. I’m praying His sweet, healing peace washes over you today.

Prayer

O Lord, thank You for walking this life journey with us. Thank You for hearing our cries, our questions, and our whispered prayers. In this holy Advent season, prepare our hearts to welcome Christ our Lord—the King of Kings and the giver of perfect peace. Amen.

HEALING HEARTS: Blessed Assurance

 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble,, but take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33. 

Everyone faces troubles and problems in our lives - sometimes by our poor choices/decisions, sometimes because someone else caused them, or sometimes just because we live in a sinful world and things are going to happen to us. 

When the problems come, immediately turn to Christ Jesus - He is the one who holds us in His arms and helps us handle whatever comes our way. 

Learn to take one day at a time, praise the Lord each and every day, and do not allow those negative thoughts and problems to overcome you. We have blessed assurance through the promises of God to help us. 

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walks in the light of Your presence, O Lord." Psalm 89:15. 

HEALING HEARTS: Strength For This Day and Season

 

Strength for This Day and Season

Autumn has arrived with its familiar beauty. It has always been my favorite time of year. From September through December, the world seems touched by a special kind of wonder.

But this year feels different. My heart is heavy, and my spirit is low. Stephanie isn't here anymore. It’s been nine months since those words shattered my world: “Stephanie died last night.” In the wake of that loss came wave after wave of heartbreak and hardship. And yet—looking back—I see something remarkable. I made it through each one. Every time I faced what I didn’t think I could, somehow, I did. Each day brought just enough strength to continue.

That strength wasn’t mine. It was God’s.

In Deuteronomy 33:25, we are reminded that “As your days, so shall your strength be.” God promises us the exact measure of strength we need for each day—not for tomorrow, not for next week—but for today. His provision always matches our need.

As I reflect on all I’ve endured, I realize He has never failed to give me what I needed to survive the day. My strength and energy come from my Creator, not from my own doing. Exercise, rest, and eating might help our bodies, but only God’s Spirit sustains us.

So, when my emotions overwhelm me and the holidays stir deep sadness, I will trust that Jesus walks beside me—and, when I cannot walk, He carries me. I will get through this season. I will be okay, because God’s promise still holds true.

We all struggle with something, for we live in a sinful world and daily struggles can mess with us! It doesn't have to be grief and loss, the things humans deal with are real and no one has a perfect life. God knows that and God supplies our needs. 

In this season of thanksgiving, may we all pause to see how God, our Creator, equips us daily—with grace, strength, and mercy to face whatever comes. Let us open our eyes to His presence and our hearts to His divine help, giving thanks for His unending care.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us strength for this day—no more, no less—just enough to make it through. Help us trust Your promise, especially when our hearts are broken. Amen.

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