Tone of Voice

Disrespect comes in many forms. We’re big on manners in the south. Watch your tone! Don’t take that tone with me! Being called a smart mouth is never a compliment. Our words have a literal meaning but they can also be interpreted differently when spoken in jest or with an emotional tone. We can communicate …

You Owe Me

It gives me pleasure to serve and give to my children and grandchildren. The simple joy I receive is payment enough, but I receive their gratitude and a share of their time as well. Balancing the scales or creating a sense of obligation never crosses my mind. In fact, if anything, we each seek to …

Who Is Jesus?

My grandson will experience his first egg hunt this Easter Sunday. The younger cousins, the ones his mother used to hide eggs for, are making plans. At only eight months, it’s more for us than for him, but there’ll be plenty of pictures. The eggs will be “hidden” in plain sight for him to pick …

RSVP

Handwritten letters have almost entirely disappeared, having been replaced by electronic communication. Invitations, with the exception of weddings, are more than likely texted nowadays. RSVP, when attached to an invitation, once meant the host expected to hear from you. A meal and a place at the table were being reserved in your name at the …