Take My Hand Again

Never Have I Ever

October 19, 2026 by Nancy Leave a Comment

Never have I ever lived in a house with a big, wrap-around porch and a long staircase for stacking pumpkins on each step. I’ve been blessed to live in some nice, comfortable homes in my lifetime, but nope. Not one with a big front porch like that. Still that never stopped me from carving pumpkins with my boys when they were young or from creating smaller displays of pumpkins, mums, and Indian corn over the years. October brings all those memories back, and more.

For instance, never have I ever traveled through New England to take in the fall colors everyone exclaims about in Vermont or Maine. I’ve seen photos. I know they are multi-colored and awe-inspiring, but never have I ever seen them with my own eyes.

I did, however, see the multi-colored leaves in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee every year for the first twenty years of my life. And for almost 50 years now I’ve watched with anticipation for the first hint of gold in the Colorado aspen, knowing that the glorious golden show they put on annually is about to appear. It never gets old driving up in to the mountains to see the aspen groves aglow or gaze at a mountain side with pockets of gold gleaming amidst the evergreens. And we do get some color here, too! The red maples offer bright contrast and the foothills covered in scrub oak look like a patchwork quilt is being pulled up over their shoulders in preparation for winter. I’m not too deprived after all.

Fall is a wonderful time for hiking. Never have I ever hiked to the top of Pike’s Peak, America’s Mountain that towers over Colorado Springs where I live. But I have hiked on parts of it, and I’ve ridden to the top on the cog railroad and gotten to see the marmots that live among the rocks above tree line. Hot chocolate and homemade donuts at the Visitor Center are more my speed these days than climbing 14,115 feet, so I guess I’ll never do it, but I’m proud of everyone I know who reached the top on two legs.

Never have I ever been a barrel racer at a rodeo or ridden in to the arena in a sequined outfit on a white horse as “The Girl of the West,” but I grew up with a horse named Dolly who was my best friend, and I took riding lessons from my talented equestrian granddaughter in my seventies.

Never have I ever seen the dancing lights of the aurora borealis, but many times “I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky” as John Denver sang. Never have I ever swum with dolphins, but I’ve been on a boat in the midst of a super pod of 2,000 dolphins with tears running down my face at the sheer majesty of them. Never have I ever played hockey, but I once got to drive a Zamboni!

There are so many “nevers” I could mention, but those of us in the autumn of our lives will be happier thinking about all the things we’ve been blessed to experience rather than regretting what we may have missed. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s to “never say never.” Many of the things we haven’t seen or done could still happen. So stay ready!

We Pledge Allegiance

July 2, 2025 by Nancy 16 Comments

Our culture is quick to slap labels on people. One of the most recent is “Christian Nationalist.” It is used by some as an insult, but as I look at the definition of each word I’m proud to say, “I guess that’s me!” I’m a follower of Jesus Christ and I am a patriotic American. So slap a label on me if you must. I’ll wear it proudly as I praise God for preserving our country against enemies domestic and foreign and celebrate Independence Day on July 4^th!

Most of us can remember beginning each school day standing by our desks with our hands over our hearts and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. We stood a bit taller the first day of school in our plaid dresses and stiff jeans as we recited those well-revered words.

Patriots among us still watch for opportunities to stand and say the pledge, even as we sadly see those opportunities dwindle. First there was an effort to remove the words “under God” from the pledge, then fewer and fewer schools kept the reciting of the pledge as a part of each school day. Yet those words forever in our hearts still sound out every U.S. citizen’s allegiance to his or her country.

It’s said if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. What we need to remember, however, even in our later years, is that it makes a big difference for what we choose to stand. We need to choose our loyalties carefully, and then put our hearts and souls into defending those choices till the end of our days.

Our allegiance to our Lord God can co-exist quite convivially with our allegiance to our country. But we must never forget which allegiance is greater—which allegiance carries with it an eternal citizenship and the guarantee that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6). That’s our loyalty and allegiance to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Granddaughters Fran and Amanda, now all grown up, with the cake they made!

Yes, it’s important for us to pledge allegiance to our country, and never take her freedoms and benefits for granted. But even more important is our allegiance to the God under whom our country was created. As a common slogan says, we “stand for the flag and kneel for the cross.” Our true allegiance, our undying loyalty once we are believers in Him and His Son Jesus Christ, must be always and only to the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. To Him we pledge our allegiance. After all, our true citizenship is in heaven.

It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.

–George Washington

Grumpy or Grateful?

November 26, 2024 by Nancy 16 Comments

Once a week I gather around a table in an assisted living facility nearby with a group of seasoned saints to go over a lesson from The Hope of Glory. This is just the most recent of several groups I’ve been privileged to meet with over the years, but I’ve gotten to know and cherish these ladies in a special way.

As with most volunteer assignments from the Lord, I feel sure I am blessed more by our time together than they are. I breeze in from my busy life with a report on the daily weather or other happenings in the “outside world” about which they are curious, and then we settle down to our lesson. We always close with prayer requests, and this is when the blessings just seem to pour out on the table like so many cups of spilled coffee.

Of course there are the normal complaints about slow service in the dining hall or delayed response times when they push a button for help. We discuss everyone’s latest aches and pains. Concerns are expressed about a prodigal adult child or grandchild, and more often than I’d like, we pray for someone’s illness or impending surgery. Yet no matter what needs we share, before we bow our heads to pray someone always expresses a sentiment of gratitude, and that grateful spirit permeates the room.

“I’m so grateful my son calls me now and we have a better relationship,” Nan reports. “Of course it’s not as often as I’d like, but it’s more than before so I’m grateful.”

“My family is moving me to Kansas to be near two of my daughters,” June announces. “I don’t mind because they are doing all the work and I know it will be a good thing. I’m so grateful for how they take care of me.” With tears in our eyes at losing her from our group, we still share in her gratitude.

“When I think back over the jobs I’ve had in my life, it amazes me that I’m able to live in a place like this,” Myrth reflects. “I mean I never made a lot of money, but God has provided this for me, and I’m grateful.”

All these women have experienced significant losses in their lives. They all have reasons to be grumpy, yet they choose gratitude instead. I’ve learned from them that it’s their faith, their personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which makes this possible.

So this week our lesson is titled “Attitude of Gratitude” and our key verse is from 1 Thessalonians 5:18: Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. As I read these words from the lesson, I’ll say a silent prayer that they speak to each of our hearts, including mine:

A grateful heart doesn’t search for what’s missing, but delights in what’s present. A grateful heart expects the best from others, and gives its best in return. A grateful heart forgets what might have been, and enjoys every moment of each new day as it comes. A grateful heart is a prayer of its own—one that fills the heavens with praise!

May we all be less grumpy and more grateful this Thanksgiving.

Too Old?

February 19, 2024 by Nancy 12 Comments

All the talking heads on TV are currently postulating about who is or isn’t too old to run for President of the United States. As someone whose last birthday put her a year closer to 80 than 70, it frustrates me that so often chronological age is the only factor mentioned. What we should be concerned about is not age, but mental acuity and physical stamina.

My friend Lois who resides in the assisted living community where I volunteer has written five books in the last few years and is expecting delivery of the most recent one any day now. She’s 88. I’m sure she’s bright enough to run for president of anything if only her darn hip was better. And yes, there are people in care facilities all over the country, many younger than I, who aren’t doing as well. But it’s simply wrong to paint all 88-year-olds with the same brush.

Research shows that people who stay engaged, have passion about something, and are open to learning new things often make a difference in society far longer than many assume. Those with a strong faith thrive even longer.

We don’t have to look far for notable examples. Warren Buffet, at 93, still serves as Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and is often consulted for his investment advice by people decades younger. Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, is 80. He’s frequently interviewed for his political perspectives and seems to be able to recall every important date in American history back to the American Revolution.

And what of celebrities we’ve known and loved who are still going strong into what some consider old age? Willie Nelson recently celebrated his 90^th birthday “on the road again!” His voice may not be as strong as it once was but there’s no questioning his talent—and he has no problem remembering the lyrics to his songs.

Dolly Parton is performing and recording at 78. Martha Stewart, 82, is still sought out for her business acumen as well as her cooking and homemaking skills. Cher released a new album last year at 77. (Well, most of her parts are that old!)

Would I want the demanding schedule of campaigning for a national office at my age? Not really. But I wouldn’t have wanted to do that at 40 either. I’m grateful to have the energy to write, volunteer, keep up with grandkids, and make it to Zumba class a few times a week. But those who maintain the mental acuity and stamina to follow their political passion should go for it. It’s been said, “It’s not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years.” Let’s not label everyone who is chronologically gifted “too old” too soon!

Donkey Days

September 26, 2023 by Nancy 20 Comments

Some volunteer assignments are such a good fit that you feel like you should be paying for the privilege of being involved. That’s how I’ve felt since I started spending Friday mornings helping with the “Seniors at the Ranch” program sponsored by the Flying Horse Foundation at Flying Horse Ranch north of Colorado Springs.

I first heard about the program from my granddaughter Ellie who works with kids in the Equine Assisted Learning program at the foundation. She knew I had a passion for both horses and seniors so thought the senior program would be a good fit for me, and sure-as-shootin’ she was right!

As a van load of seniors from a senior living facility first arrives at the ranch with their staff assistants, they are quick to exclaim about the beauty of the surroundings. Whether exiting the van under their own power or with the help of a walker or a wheelchair lift, the amazement is the same. Just the drive through the beautiful countryside to arrive at the ranch is a joyful break from their normal routines, but then the real fun begins.

First they make their way to a beautiful, comfortably furnished patio outside the 10,500 square-foot, stunning barn featuring a stagecoach, carriage, and covered wagon. Then the visitors are introduced to two of the permanent residents of Flying Horse Ranch, miniature donkeys Bridgette, 29, and Carlie, 28. These precious creatures are just the right height for sidling up to a seated senior for a scratch on the head or a nuzzle. As the seniors sip on lemonade or coffee, staff member Heather Howell answers all the questions they have about the donkeys and the 1400-acre cattle and horse ranch. It’s especially entertaining when we serve Bridgette and Carlie their mushy snack, as they no longer have teeth to chew anything harder. Many of the senior guests identify with that problem and laugh!

Before meeting our dynamic duo I had no idea that donkeys bear the distinct shape of a cross on their backs. Called the mark of Christ, legend has it that God gave them this marking because it was a donkey that carried Mary into Bethlehem and another that Jesus rode into Jerusalem. So the donkeys provide inspiration for a faith message, too.

What I’ve loved most, however, is hearing the stories brought to seniors’ minds just by being at the ranch, looking out at horses grazing in rolling meadows, and scratching curly-headed donkeys between the ears.

“My sister and I grew up on a ranch in eastern Colorado,” Charlotte shared. “We delivered newspapers on horseback before school every morning, but sometimes when we put our horse back in the corral we set the latch so he could eventually get out. He would show up at our school a while later. The teacher would point out that our horse had gotten out again, and we’d explain that it took both of us to get him home. We never did go back to school the rest of the day!”

One sunny Friday morning a wheelchair-bound senior named Maria chuckled to herself before sharing her story with me. “I lived in northern New Mexico growing up. My cousin and I once climbed on a cow that was sitting on the ground thinking we could ride it into the barn. She was five and I was three. Of course the cow stood up and dumped us onto the ground, but we didn’t have far to fall.”

Would those memories have surfaced without an outing to the ranch? Maybe, maybe not. I just know I was privileged to be there when they did, and I’m every bit as blessed by those donkey days as the seniors who visit.

To schedule a senior group for a visit, please email seniors@flyinghorsefoundation.org.

The Love Passage

February 14, 2023 by Nancy 8 Comments

Of all the places in the Bible that talk about love, the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians is known as the “love passage.” In it, Paul describes love as patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not proud, rude, self-seeking or easily angered. He says love keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Moreover love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, and never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Paul was writing to believers in Corinth, but the Word is speaking to us about loving in this way today.

Young couples getting married often choose this passage to be read at their weddings—even those who may not have studied the Bible at all—just because they know the content is appropriate for the occasion. We should pray they will go back and read it again, paying close attention to Paul’s instruction, so his description of love can become the basis for a long-lasting marriage.

Yet who of us can live up to Paul’s standard of loving, as described in this passage? Truly no one can unless he or she first draws from the unending source of God’s love, unless the Holy Spirit supplies all the love needed for any and every situation.

Once we understand the nature of God’s love, we will understand how calling on His love to fill us up will make it so much easier to love others, even seniors we know who may be having a bad day. God’s love is unconditional, meaning there is nothing we can do to make Him love us less and nothing we can do to make Him love us more. God demonstrated His love for us by sending Christ to die for our sins so we may dwell with Him forever.

God’s love is trustworthy. It will never fail us. God will never say, “I can’t help you love that difficult person, you’re on your own.” Rather He will say, once we ask Him for help, “Sure, take some of My love, and give it generously.”

1 Corinthians 13 ends with verse 13: And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. What a sad world this would be without love. Let’s celebrate it on Valentine’s Day and every day, and praise God for giving it to us in abundance.