I came hungry. My soul needing to be filled with something beautiful. Something that would take my breath away. It’s dark, but the rising sun will soon engulf the mountain peaks in a fiery blaze of pink and orange tones. It’s why we’re here sitting in the silent of night. I’m hungry for morning’s light…
Author: Brentlee Smith
The Story of My girl, Marty: How the Storms of Life Make the Need For Love Shine Bright
Some dogs are bred, raised, and trained for unique and specific jobs; you’ve got your hunting dogs, cow dogs, herding dogs, show dogs, guard dogs, and well, you get the gist of it- different dogs for different jobs. I’ve always loved to watch different breeds work or compete at what their best at. Seeing them…
When Hearts Feel Heavy.
My heart is heavy friend, and if you’re reading this then there’s a good chance yours is too. So much sorrow, grief, evil, and injustice. It’s heavy. Too heavy for you to bear and too heavy for me. I’ve cried and poured my heart out before the Lord. I begged for his light to shine…
Rainbows and the Claremore Tornado
I laid out clothes on my dresser- jeans, socks, and a pair of tennis shoes. I checked the latest update from the local meteorologist and then set down my phone. I remember trying to reassure myself by thinking, “I’ll fall asleep and then wake up, and the storms will be over.” I crawled under the…
A Legacy of Wonder: Commodore P. Ethridge
Dear Commodore, There are six feet of dirt and almost one hundred and two years between us. We finally made the drive to Cassville, Missouri, when we found out this is where you were laid to rest. I’ve known about you for a few years now; my grandpa is your great-grandson, which would make me…
Betty Little’s Sunshine Cake: An Old-Fashioned Summer Dessert
I think it’s both sweet and funny that Betty’s last name is Little, kind of like God showing a bit of his own sense of humor hidden in her name. While it’s true that she stands no taller than a couple of inches over five feet, the amount of spunk and orneriness that He was…
“Remember that time up at Grand?”
The early years of our time spent up at the lake were almost as pure and genuine as they come. There were no iPhones or social media, so everything that was done was done for the simple fact that it was worth doing. The games, the laughing, the fishing, and the laps in the golf cart weren’t done to be posted on social media, and we weren’t interrupted by phone calls, text messages, or scrolling. It was just a group of families who cherished time with each other in the simplest form. I can almost guarantee that it’s why, when I think back to my very best memories of my childhood, the most vivid scenes I can look back on, the ones that feel so special and carefree…were there.
The White Oak Hills: A Tender Story of Loving the Land My Heart Calls Home
1895, exactly one hundred years before I was born, a group of settlers decided to put down roots in what they would call White Oak in the Northeast corner of Indian Territory, now present-day Oklahoma. Well over a hundred and thirty years later, I know why they would have chosen this place, for I’ve tasted…
I Wish I Were More Like You: A little letter for my little Logan
How often have I caught myself saying “he’s just so much sometimes” when referring to the antics of the youngest of our three boys. I catch myself because I know that I’m actually truly grateful for everything this little guy is, but at the same time it’s hard to explain just how bold, confident and…
Cast Iron for the History, the Hunt, and the Hungry: Discover the Joy of Collecting Vintage Cast Iron
Brentlee reflects on cast iron cooking, driven by nostalgia and a love for history. She emphasizes the joy of collecting vintage pieces, the thrill of discovering them, and their practical benefits. Cast iron’s longevity and storytelling potential create a meaningful connection to family and cooking traditions.