Deserts Like Eden

 When we were little our Grandma (Ruth Wells) made matching outfits to give her grandchildren every year at Christmas.  It was always the last present we opened and the one that drew the most excitement from this giggling pile of little girls.  She would spend weeks measuring us and keeping her patterns and material hidden … Continue reading The Cowboy & the Seamstress

What is a Veteran? A “veteran” –whether active duty, discharged, retired or reserve—is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America”, for an amount of “Up to, and including his life." That is honor.Jim:                       I am honored to be asked to speak about … Continue reading My Story as a Vet – by Jim and Chloie Jan Wells

When I came clean to Erik about missing Bryce’s kindergarten graduation, I did so with a little apprehension.  He had been so insistent and felt so passionately about me being there for Bryce.  And while it had been well over a year and the kids could hardly remember anything that had happened, I still felt … Continue reading Storytelling: Part II, continued from yesterday

I come from a family of storytellers.  Admittedly, we tell the same stories over and over.  But we laugh just as much after the 20th time as we did the first time.  And if someone is around who has never heard our stories, it's like Christmas morning for us.  Settle in for some entertainment, my friend!  … Continue reading Storytelling: Part I

I just hate when bloggers fall off the radar for several weeks, leaving their readers either 1) wondering where they went, or 2) forgetting they ever existed.  I hope if you’re reading this you aren’t in the second group.  And if you are - HI, I’m back.When I started blogging this summer, I was committed … Continue reading Never Enough

If this blog tells you anything about me, you will know I am always looking for an oasis in the desert, a garden in the wasteland.  God is so faithful to bring rest to me on the hottest of summer days and even in the midst of life's biggest worries that would try and consume me.  … Continue reading Rest for the Weary

I drive WEST….anytime I’m at my parents’ house in Tahoka, I can’t wait to get alone in my car and head west.   On Texas Highway 380, I pass my dad’s old farm and recall the years of tractors and weeds and hail storms.  I remember the times it seemed to rain on the opposite side … Continue reading Highway 380 West

Have you had an abortion?  If so, you are on my mind today.  Dear sister, you are one of the reasons I feel so compelled to speak out about what is happening in our nation regarding abortion.  Please bear with me as I sort through what I want to say.  I promise I will come … Continue reading Sisters Arise!

I have spent years trying to get out of the desert.  I can’t recall the exact moment I stepped into it, but in a way I feel I have never and perhaps will never leave the desert.In January, 2000 Erik and I moved to Arizona with a 3-year-old and a newborn baby.  Erik had just … Continue reading Life in the Desert

Sunday, June 15, 2003   Erik had been in cardiac ICU for days.  He was on the transplant list at Status 1A which meant he required two intravenous drugs around the clock and doctors had given him less than 20 days to live without a heart transplant.  It had been almost 40 days.  Waiting on … Continue reading Transplant Day – July 3, 2003