May 23, 2022 - Sunday was the 6th Sunday of Easter. As promised by all the local channels, our part of the world got a nice rain last night. We had almost 2 inches in downtown Joaquin. Sunday morning also saw some cooler temperatures. All the plants in my little gardens and containers appreciate rain, and I appreciate not having to water. It is usually much later in the summer when I have to start watering every day.

May 4, 2022 - Sunday was the 3rd Sunday of Easter. We have had rain, wind, nice low humidity days and not-so-nice high humidity days. Typical spring in East Texas—with some wild weather thanks to climate change. In last week’s Sunday School lesson, the author spoke about our denomination United Methodist) and our stand to protect the planet from misuse by us humans. We are supposed to be the stewards of this beautiful earth, but we haven’t done a very good job.

April 18, 2022 - Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Sunday was Easter and the most important holy day on the Christian calendar. Unfortunately, the church universal has split east and west: The eastern, or Orthodox Church, celebrates Easter next Sunday. Whichever date one celebrates, we all can agree that Easter came late this year. Everything is turning green or blooming. Nature is such a wonderful gift from God! As we ponder what resurrection means, we can enjoy Easter by being with friends and family—at home, in church, and in glorious nature.

April 4, 2022 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. It has been two weeks since I wrote the Paxton article and weekly newsletter because I was out of town visiting family. I saw my kids and my brother and sister-in-law, getting caught up on all their doings. I also made several stops at plant nurseries and a bookstore. It goes without saying that I came back with more plants to be planted. Playing gardener is my pandemic therapy. Having these nice days full of warmth and sunshine is good for the soul.

March 15, 2022 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Our small congregation of Paxton Methodists met Sunday, the 2nd Sunday in Lent. We are about 10 days into Lent, forty days of introspection, prayer, and thought. Our church ancestors set aside these forty days so we can prepare ourselves for Easter. This year, Easter comes late—April 17th. I am hoping and, yes, praying that we have seen the last of the freezing temperatures. I have always been told to wait until after Easter to plant vegetables but such will put gardeners later than usual in 2022.