Life is short - begin every day with a smile!
I might be just a bit biased here, but in my humble opinion, the “Mountain Empire” region of southwestern Virginia and upper-east Tennessee is home to some of the most beautiful scenery on planet Earth.
A case in point: Just a short drive from my home lies the scenic duo of Holston Mountain and Shady Valley, Tennessee.
Do you enjoy watching the birds dine at your backyard bird feeders?
If so, you might be wondering just what you can do to prevent the neighborhood squirrels from wiping out your birdie buffet before the birdies have a chance to get their fair share.
My dad loved playing his guitar and singing, and I have many wonderful memories of him performing for an audience of one.
Although he mostly played classic country and gospel, he could play just about anything he heard on the radio.
One of his absolute favorites was “Wildwood Flower” by the Carter Family.
If you’re old enough to remember President Ronald Reagan, you probably also remember his negotiations with the Soviets about nuclear disarmament.
And you probably remember his frequent use of the term “Trust, but verify“.
Many people believe Reagan himself coined that term, but it’s actually an old Russian proverb that the former President used as leverage against the Soviet government itself.
I believe we would all be wise to apply that simple phrase to our own lives.
If you’re an animal lover you’d probably do anything within your power to rescue a helpless kitten or puppy that had been abandoned and in need of care.
But would you do the same for a “wild” animal?
I’m guessing the answer is yes. After all, God’s creatures are God’s creatures, even the “wild” ones.