As Christmas approaches, a familiar ritual begins here at the Miller house: accommodating our ever-expanding circle of relatives and friends for our holiday dinner.
First, we need a solid headcount. This is serious business— standby status is not acceptable. Once we confirm the final count, Alison takes charge of menu planning, and I start organizing the dining experience.
After some quick measuring and calculations, it’s time for the annual knuckle-scraping extension of the dining table. Usually a two- or three-person job, I take it on solo. After a few thumps with a rubber mallet and a healthy contribution to the swear jar, the table is maxed out. As I apply a few Band-Aids, I realize just how much smaller the formal dining room feels now. Next, we need more chairs—lots of them.
A quick sweep of our palatial estate reveals a set of Adirondack chairs, some adjustable office chairs, and a couple of bar stools—none of which will work. But what about that ottoman in the den? It’s chair-like, comfortable, and slightly low—maybe suitable for a young adult with no back issues or someone very long-waisted. Wait, I think there are some folding chairs in the attic.
After wiping off the cobwebs, mission accomplished! We have just enough chairs to accommodate everyone. But we’re living on the edge—one unexpected guest, like a cousin's girlfriend or a last-minute lonely heart invite, and our carefully balanced setup could be thrown into chaos.
Here’s an idea, I can ask our aunt to skip the somewhat questionable green bean casserole and just bring one of her wingback chairs. Ah, never mind. A little chair drama is well worth the memories we create while celebrating another Christmas together. Happy holidays to you and yours!
Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President
the cover: Natalie Goodin, photographed by Kyle Mitchell
Wiley Post Was a Visionary
By Amy Dee Stephens
Oklahoma pilot Wiley Post was a true visionary, overcoming blindness in one eye to revolutionize aeronautics. He discovered the jet stream, set multiple flight records, and invented the pressurized suit, which inspired modern astronaut suits. Soon, a monument, Beacon of Vision, will stand on Route 66 in Edmond, at Post Road, to honor his achievements and embody his pioneering spirit.
Artist Nathan Pratt, who designed the monument, explains, “I want this sculpture to represent Wiley Post’s boldness. Despite his visual disability, depression, and even time in the state reformatory, he overcame it all.” Pratt, who has dreamed of this project for over a decade, took matters into his own hands, designing the prototype and searching for a location, eager to honor Post’s legacy.
Wiley Post Was a Risk-Taker Wiley Post’s adventurous spirit began early. He learned to fly at a young age, gaining experience in a flight circus, and eventually making the first solo flight around the world in 1933. Pratt, raised in a family of artists, drew from a creative nature. His father, Harvey Pratt, a renowned forensic artist, and his mother, a stained-glass artist, influenced Nathan to pursue chainsaw carving—an art form he had never attempted before.
Nathan’s journey also involved taking risks. After carving chainsaw art to support himself in his twenties, he joined the police academy, inspired by his father. But Nathan soon realized it wasn’t the right fit and left to follow his artistic passions. “We all need second chances,” Pratt says, drawing parallels to Post, who was arrested for armed robbery in his youth, served a year in prison, and turned his life around to become a global aviation pioneer.
Wiley Post Was an Innovator
Pratt’s career continued to evolve. He began creating largescale public art, including giant illuminated flowers at the Myriad Gardens. This experience deepened his interest in public art, and Pratt’s inventive spirit led him to explore new artistic techniques and even create kitchen devices. With four U.S. utility patents and several more in development, Pratt’s innovation mirrors that of his muse, Wiley Post.
Wiley Post Still Inspires
Eighteen months ago, Pratt presented his Beacon of Vision to Edmond’s Director of Public Art, Cinda Covel. While awaiting approval, Pratt transformed the design from traditional bronze into an Art Deco stainless steel sculpture, reflecting the era in which Post lived. The riveted steel panels symbolize the link to aviation manufacturing, and a granite compass at the base will honor Post’s time in the Granite, Oklahoma prison.
Though Post never lived in Edmond, he is buried nearby at Memorial Cemetery. His legacy lives on through the replica of his airplane at the Oklahoma History Center and artifacts from his tragic 1935 plane crash, displayed at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. Pratt hopes to complete the Beacon of Vision during the 2026 Route 66 Centennial. While fundraising continues, Pratt encourages people to contribute, saying, “Even small donations help build a shared sense of ownership in this monument to a man whose vision changed the world.” Visit BeaconOfVision.com to learn more or donate.
Photo courtesy of Oklahoma Historical Society
Rendering by Tyler Koehl
Photo by: Armando Rivera
Nathan Pratt
Wiley Post
Nhinja Sushi & Wok
By Laura Beam
What started with two rambunctious toddlers being typical energetic boys in a restaurant, led parents Kang and Mary Nhin to envision a new style of dining. “Even at my own restaurant, Kang’s Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar, I remember feeling slightly embarrassed by my sons’ behavior one day. I thought, ‘If we feel this way in our own restaurant with young children, how do others feel?’” That milestone moment sparked an idea for a fresh casual sushi spot where families could enjoy top-notch sushi and homemade wok’d meals at affordable prices in a laid-back atmosphere.
In 2010, the Nhins opened their flagship restaurant, Nhinja Sushi & Wok, on North May Avenue in OKC. Fourteen years later, with three growing, thriving sons and five Nhinja restaurant locations throughout the metro, the Nhins epitomize the success that comes with hard work and dedication. Their showstopping sushi rolls, saucy rice and noodle bowls, delicious wraps, and tasty starters are the perfect bite for lunch or dinner with friends or family, take-out for a cozy night at home, and stunning catering platters that dazzle any crowd.
On a Roll
Striking the perfect balance between superior ingredients and an affordable menu, Nhinja’s fresh-casual style is a winwin for today’s busy lifestyles. Customers order at the counter and food is prepared and cooked after you order it, not before. “It’s not sitting there in a metal pan,” Mary explains. “It may take a bit more time, but it provides a fresher dining experience. Customers receive a dish crafted specifically for them, often with higher quality and customization.”
Chief menu creator, Kang, always uses the freshest vegetables, never using vacuum-packed, pre-cut vegetables.
“We never put filler in our proteins,” Mary adds. “We use 100% beef, chicken, and seafood, seasoned with blended spices.” And you can taste the goodness in every delectable bite! Not to be missed, their signature sauces are a highlight all their own–delicate and natural, yet full-bodied in flavor. The signature house soy garlic, Japanese sweet honey sauce, sweet Thai chili sauce, Dynamite sauce, and spicy mayo are good enough to eat with a spoon–and no one will judge you if you do!
Among the most popular sushi selections are the Thunder Roll featuring tempura shrimp, the Nhinja Roll with salmon, cream cheese, and jalapeno, and the Spider Roll with tempura soft shell crab.
In a Bowl
Sushi isn’t the only star of the show at this go-to favorite metro restaurant. Deliciously filling rice and noodle bowls offer a sensational variety of flavors for every taste. Dive into a steamy serving of Mandarin Orange, Crispy Honey, General TSO’s, or Spicy Kung Pao, among others, with your choice of chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, and white or brown rice.
In the mood for soup, salad, or starters? Try the Miso Soup to warm you on a chilly day. And don’t miss the fantastic starters like fresh, crunchy lettuce wraps, tasty spring rolls and egg rolls, Poke Bowl, and the popular Nhinja Poppers–rice balls stuffed with salmon, tempura fried and served with spicy mayo. It just gets better with every bite!
Visit nhinja.com for the five metro locations, catering, party platters, and family meals.
LAURA BEAM
Account Executive, editor, and writer with experience in radio, newspaper and magazines. Interested in what Outlook can do for your business? Contact her at laura@edmondoutlook.com
Kobe, Mary, Kang, & Jojo Nhin
Homesteading for Health and Sustainability
By Taylor Bollinger
Melissa Garcia has already welcomed one million members, with another ten thousand waiting to get in the door – of her Facebook group that is. Inside this digital hot spot, Melissa teaches members how to homestead from their sprawling acreages, cramped apartments, and everywhere in between.
Melissa’s journey as an online entrepreneur began over a decade ago, when she found herself laid off from her family’s primary source of income and responsible for the care of four chronically ill family members.
Rather than seeing her sudden change in employment as a setback, Melissa and her husband saw it as an opportunity. “Daniel knew I’d always wanted to take my blogging hobby to the next level,” Melissa said, “so it was kind of time to sink or swim.” Thankfully, she swam.
Melissa started sharing the holistic approaches her family used to supplement their healthcare when modern medicine fell short. “I began looking into the products we purchased, the deodorant we used, the detergent we washed our clothes with, and people wanted to know about it too.”
With a focus on “getting back to the basics and
living a more self-sufficient lifestyle,” Melissa’s skills grew to include gardening, canning, and freeze-drying food that sustained them during cross-country RV travel.
Melissa shares how to start your homestead, cook from scratch and grow and preserve your own food. Though her audience has grown beyond what she ever thought possible, Melissa’s mission remains the same: “Our goal is to inspire and educate others that no matter where they live, they can homestead and embrace a simpler way of life.”
Whether her followers are drawn by health or sustainability, they stay for her passion, personality, and practical approach to homesteading. “It doesn’t matter what kind of yard you have, or income you earn, or abilities you bring to the table, you can start your homesteading journey. And it can make a difference for your home and health.”
Though she can’t predict where her platform might lead, Melissa says she’ll follow the path with full faith. “God had a plan for my family. Now I’m able to provide for them, while also helping people – it’s my dream job.”
Learn more about Melissa’s journey and explore extensive resources at theoklahomahomesteader.com.
Taylor Garcia, Ryan Garcia, Daniel Garcia, Melissa Garcia, and Kori Dunn
Reflections of Natalie's Frozen Journey
By Taylor Bollinger
Since Frozen’s 2013 release, there’s no counting the imaginary icicles that have been slung from tiny hands, or the tuneless renditions of “Let It Go” that have been belted from back seats.
The film, its charming characters, and its inescapable score have taken the world by wintry storm, most recently evidenced by the North American Broadway tour which for a season starred Edmond’s own Natalie Goodin as Elsa.
Natalie calls her stint as Elsa a “magical experience,” and it was one she applied talent, time, and tireless effort to earn. “From the moment I took my first dance class at Dance Unlimited in Edmond at the age of three, I was hooked,” Natalie said.
By her senior year, Natalie knew she wanted to pursue a career in musical theater. “I auditioned for collegiate programs. The preparation for academic and performance evaluations was intense. When I got the call from the University of Oklahoma, I knew it was the right fit.”
There, Natalie expanded her portfolio with local performances and summer stock shows across the country. But during her senior year, the pandemic stalled the industry, leaving Natalie’s future uncertain.
“It was a tough time for everyone, but OU supported us with a virtual showcase,” she shared. “I signed with Hybrid Agency that summer.”
After working various jobs in Oklahoma, Natalie made the spontaneous decision to move to New York City in January of 2022 – alone. “I hit the ground running,” she said. “I was juggling side hustles and auditions. I remember when I got the call to audition for Frozen. I had 24 hours to prepare.”
Natalie advanced through each stage of the audition process, and was selected by Disney to join the cast in Houston as part of the ensemble, where Natalie says she “relished every moment on stage.”
“Walking on stage for the first time as Elsa, I thought, ‘There’s no turning back now,’” she said. “It felt surreal to achieve a dream I’d chased for so long, and I credit my family for the unwavering support.”
The Frozen tour came to a close in September 2023. Natalie reflected on her journey, “These past two years have been the most magical experience of my life. The show’s message about love and sisterhood resonates deeply, and it’s been rewarding to bring that light to audiences.”
Looking ahead, Natalie continues to pursue her passion for performing while also earning an MBA in arts management (and planning a wedding!). Amid the excitement, she offers this encouragement to others: “So often people sell themselves short, believing that their dream is impractical. But If you work hard and stay focused, your dreams can become your reality. I would hate for someone to wake up 20 years from now and regret that they never went after their dream.”
Follow Natalie’s journey on Instagram at @Natalie_Goodin.
Natalie Goodin
Photo: @themichaelkushner
Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree and Blackberry Farm
When was the tree farm started and how large is it?
My father, who was an avid arborist, and I started the tree farm in 1977. We planted our first evergreens to be cultivated for Christmas trees in 1982. The Edmond farm which I now own and manage consists of approximately 45 acres of Christmas trees, 25 acres of landscape trees, and four acres of blackberries. The farm’s first rotation had 250 trees and has now grown to thousands per year.
What are some of the Christmas tree varieties you offer?
Fresh Noble, Nordmann, Grand, and Douglas fir trees are available. Also we grow Virginia, Scotch, Austrian, Loblolly, and White pines, Leyland and Blue Ice cypress for customers’ harvesting.
Do visitors get to select their own Christmas trees?
Yes. Sorghum Mill is open for families to come and find the perfect tree for their holiday celebration. People are looking for an experience when it comes to choosing a tree and usually want to harvest it themselves. I really enjoy watching children running through the trees, seeing people being joyful and full of the holiday spirit as they hunt for their trees.
Do you wrap and load the trees for customers?
Yes. Once a tree is selected, it is shaken, netted, drilled, and loaded.
What other holiday décor do you offer?
We have beautiful fresh wreaths, garland, door swags, and mantle pieces. Tree stands, preservative, and disposal bags are available. Customers enjoy free refreshments while shopping.
Do you assist customers in harvesting their trees?
Yes, we provide bow saws for people wanting to cut down their own tree and will assist them in doing so if desired. Transporting trees from the field to the processing area is available.
What other trees do you offer for sale throughout the year?
We offer the public a large variety of deciduous and evergreen trees grown on the farm for spring and fall landscape plantings.
When can visitors come and pick blackberries?
From June to mid-July, families love coming to the farm to pick their own blackberries, offering another opportunity for families to create lasting memories they will cherish for years.
Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree Farm is located at 7121 Midwest Lane in Edmond. It is open for the holiday season from the Friday after Thanksgiving on weekdays 1-7 pm and weekends 10am-7pm.
John Knight, owner
Severed Sacredness
Jessie’s Journey to Recovery
By Taylor Bollinger
“It’s Jessie. She’s hurt. She’s hurt real bad.”
These are the words that interrupted Lisa Boone’s patio lunch in 2009. They interrupted her entire life. On the other end of the phone, her son went on to explain that Lisa’s 15-year-old daughter Jessie had skied into the base of an Aspen tree while on a youth group trip to Colorado.
In her newly released book, “Severed Sacredness: The Miraculous Journey of Jessie Boone,” Lisa outlines the details of the accident that derailed her life, and the road they took to rebuild it. Anyone would call the events improbable. Lisa calls them miracles.
Following the emergency surgery to debride her frontal lobe and remove both sides of her skull, Jessie spent 40 grueling days and nights in the Colorado PICU before returning to Oklahoma via medi-flight. Despite multiple medical setbacks, the Boones continued to champion their daughter’s recovery through their unwavering belief and medical advocacy. Eventually, Jessie received skull reconstruction surgery and her recovery continued to progress. Though some effects of her injury will always linger, Jessie is employed part-time now and enjoys traveling and trying new things. “She is joyful,” Lisa describes. “She is the sweetest, kindest human that you would ever hope to meet. She’s like a walking scripture.”
ending for anyone encountering hardship. She focuses instead on a truth more universal: “Even in the darkest forests, we are not alone.” Lisa admits, “There were moments when this didn’t feel true, and during one of them, Lisa promised that if God brought Jessie through her injury, then she’d put it all in a book. “God did. And so I’m keeping my promise.”
Even in the darkest forests, we are not alone.
In her book, Lisa shares a series of odd-defying events. She tells how Jessie’s uncle happened to be on the same mountain the day of the accident, and explains how Jessie repeatedly overcame obstacles that experts predicted she wouldn’t. She shares how community members, strangers and nurses offered just the right support at just the right time, and the unbelievable moments between.
“I have so many beautiful stories about hope showing up right in the middle of the hard times,” Lisa says. “I want everyone who needs that hope to get their hands on my book. Or my email address. I want them to know they are never, ever alone.”
In addition to telling Jessie’s incredible story, “Severed Sacredness” also includes a resource section with specific and meaningful ways to extend help to others encountering hard times. Learn more about Lisa’s story at severedsacredness.com.
In both her book and conversation, Lisa does not focus on her daughter’s positive outcome. She knows that is not a guaranteed
Lisa and Jessie Boone
Handyman’s Prairie Haven
By Amy Dee Stephens
West Guthrie is now home to the largest free-standing round building in the United States. The rotunda-style structure was built by Jay Branson over an eight-year period. It was initially a workshop for Jay, but the hand-crafted building was too unique and elaborate to remain private. In October, the Bransons unveiled Prairie Haven as a one-of-a-kind venue for weddings and events for up to 500 people!
Jay’s inspiration for the building dates back to the 1980s when he visited Washington D.C. as a young man. “While touring the Capital and other rotundas, I was amazed by their grandeur,” said Jay. “I never in my heart thought I’d have the opportunity to build one.”
Thirty-some years later, the opportunity arrived following a family tragedy. “My first wife passed away,” said Jay. “Our three daughters still lived at home. They turned the house into a shrine, if you will, with lots of photos sitting around. The best way for me to handle it was to stay busy outside,” Jay said. Jay decided his motor home needed a shed. He wanted to put the motor home in the center of a building and add 15 ft. all around for a workshop, and then, his long-ago interest in round buildings reemerged. Surprisingly, Jay did not follow an architectural plan. Instead, he relied on knowledge from his construction career, designing it as he went along. The Styrofoam and concrete walls were just 4 ft. tall when he met and married his new wife, Valarie. “And she didn’t take off running when she saw my round building project. She was a trooper and joined in,” Jay said.
From Sketch to Dome
After Jay and Valarie constructed and plastered the 20 ft. high walls, Jay sat down at the kitchen table with a pad of paper and sketched out a segment of the dome—and then he proceeded
It saved my life and gave me a purpose for getting up, and not giving up.
to build it. The dome’s precise, wooden honeycomb-shaped pieces, which he calls “diamonds,” are made of 15,400 pieces of rotresistant hardwood, including poplar, sassafras, and cherry wood.
“I chose poplar for the dome’s frame because it keeps its shape,” Jay said. “Indiana has the largest poplar forest, so I connected with a friend, who put me in touch with the Amish community. I communicated my lumber order by writing letters. The Amish cut down the trees, sawed them up, and shipped them.”
Building the dome and tower on a low budget required creative engineering. Jay and Valarie used a one-man lift and a variety of remote-controlled winches for installing the ceiling. Jay became adept at rappelling and even rigged up a lounge chair from the rafter so he could take short naps. Although the Bransons had a few scares along the way, nothing compared to the two bouts of cancer that he faced.
“Sometimes I could only work a little at a time, but the dome was a blessing in disguise. It saved my life and gave me a purpose for getting up, not giving up,” Jay said.
Now that the building is officially ready to receive guests, Jay looks back on his journey with pride. “It took years of time and effort, but now I get to enjoy it every day,” Jay said. “You can’t believe the look of joy on people’s faces when they see it. What I developed can’t be seen anywhere else. I hope it brings other people joy for many years to come.”
Visit prairiehavenevents.com to learn more.
Valarie and Jay Branson
The House FM
By Maria Veres
There is hope! This is the central message of The House FM, a listenersupported Christian radio station that’s been spreading encouragement for more than 30 years. Now based in Edmond, the station reaches audiences throughout Oklahoma and beyond.
A Word of Encouragement
The House FM began 32 years ago in Ponca City, Oklahoma. It soon expanded to the OKC area and now has three local signals, including 100.1 in Edmond. It broadcasts on many other signals throughout the state.
Programming is also streaming online and through their popular app, The House FM. “However people want to listen, we want to be there with our
music and our message,” says Tony Weir, CEO of Ministry of The House.
The House FM is on the air 24/7, offering family-friendly, judgment-free contemporary Christian music. Its sister station, House of Praise, broadcasts a mix of Christian music and Bible-based teaching.
Connecting with the Community
The House also engages with the community off the air, with a presence at Christian concerts and events throughout the metro area. This month you can catch them at several holiday parades. They also serve Oklahomans by partnering with a different nonprofit ministry every month.
For those in need of prayer, requests can be posted on the digital Prayer Wall on the station’s website. The entire staff prays over each request, and so do members of the online audience.
In the mood for holiday music?
The House of Praise is streaming nonstop Christmas songs now through December 25.
But after the ornaments have been packed away, The House will
still be there, offering its message of encouragement. “We want people to know there is hope no matter what situation you’re in,” says Tony. “Your Creator loves you and wants the best for you.”
Visit The House FM online at thehousefm.com, or listen at 100.1 FM in Edmond.
(l to r) A Salvation Army representative at the station's 2023 "Feed A Family" event with Operations Manager Ashley Hibler and CEO Tony Weir.
Crossings Community Church
By Maria Veres
From its small beginnings in 1959, Crossings Community Church has blossomed into one of the metro area’s most vibrant congregations. And its presence in Edmond is growing fast. The non-denominational church recently expanded the Edmond location to offer more ministries for members of all ages. They’ll soon break ground on a second Edmond campus.
Growing with Edmond
Located near Covell and Kelley, Crossings Edmond just completed a 6,200-square-foot expansion. The renovation quadrupled the amount of
adult classrooms, allowing more space for Bible studies, support groups, and the church’s popular CareSeries programs. There’s more room for the kids as well.
Location Pastor Marc Taylor shepherds the Edmond congregation. Sermons are normally streamed via video, with live, in-person worship at every service.
For residents on the east side of Edmond, there’s even more good news. Crossings is about to break ground on an East Edmond campus at Covell and Air Depot. Details are still being worked out, but the church hopes to open the new location in spring 2026.
A Welcoming Church Family
Crossings has a threefold mission: Live by faith, be a voice of hope, and be known by love. Their central focus is to help people find and follow Jesus.
The church offers many growth and service opportunities for members of all ages, from kids to seniors. They have a strong focus on community outreach, serving those in need throughout OKC and all over the world.
“We want to make a difference in
people’s lives and in the community,” says Jennifer Ayotte, Director of Communications. “Crossings is a place where you can come as you are and create meaningful relationships as you grow in your faith.”
Crossings Community Church Edmond campus is located at 1500 West Covell. Learn more at crossings.church.
A Well-Adjusted Giraffe
By Taylor Bollinger
A giraffe walks into a chiropractor’s office… It sounds like the opening line of a joke, and that’s not exactly how it happened, but it is true that Joren Whitley, doctor of chiropractic, treats a variety of unusual clientele at his Edmond clinic, Oklahoma Chiropractic.
His growing animal practice began with a pivotal encounter at Petco, when a lady brought her pet lizard to him, needing a chiropractic adjustment. "That experience was a revelation—I thought, ‘I’m an exotic animal chiropractor now! How do I explore this?’”
Joren's studies at chiropractic school included the treatment of animals in addition to people. Armed with the knowledge and certification to treat animals, Joren took to social media to share the benefits of animal adjustment.
His animal practice soon expanded from cats, dogs, and horses, to more exotic species. “I posted a video of myself adjusting a tiger, and it was somehow wrongly flagged as animal abuse.” My social media accounts went wild with activity.
“I had to clarify that I’m a licensed animal chiropractor,” he explained. After resolving the misunderstanding, he gained a significant following, receiving requests from across the globe, including opportunities to work in Africa with Cape buffalo, gazelles, zebras, and giraffes.
There can be skepticism, but I want to showcase how valuable this treatment can be for animal health and wellness.
Once home, word of mouth continued to spread. That is how Joren met his tallest client. “A woman in Oklahoma requested treatment for Gerry, her giraffe,” he said. Gerry had caught one of the ossicones on his head in his food container, causing some discomfort in his jaw and upper neck.
“Gerry was very responsive to the treatment,” Joren explained. “His range of motion improved, and it was an incredible experience to offer him relief.” Gerry’s owner said
that in addition to the physical relief, Gerry’s body language was clear: He enjoyed it.
Working with larger animals presents its own challenges, of course. It requires meticulous planning and attention to safety. “Adjusting a giraffe, for example, involves careful maneuvers and an understanding of their unique anatomy.”
When it comes to chiropractic health in animals, Joren says owners are the first line of defense. “Sometimes, it’s the small changes—like a dog that no longer wants to jump on the bed—that can indicate a problem,” he explains. By partnering closely with pet owners, he is able to provide informed and effective care, helping to enhance the quality of life for many animals.
“I had a patient come in crying because she felt like she was going to have to put her dog down. The relief of realizing she had more time with her best friend was immeasurable. That is why I do what I do,” he said.
Through his work, Joren aims to educate both the public and the veterinary community about the benefits of chiropractic care for animals. “There can be skepticism, but I want to showcase how valuable this treatment can be for animal health and wellness,” he affirms.
As a dedicated professional and advocate for animal chiropractic care, Dr. Joren Whitley is building greater acceptance and understanding in this evolving field, and he’s collecting some pretty unique stories along the way.
Learn more about chiropractic care for pets and people at oklahomachiro.com.
Chiropractor Joren Whitley with patient, Gerry the giraffe
Christmas In My Heart
By Louise Tucker Jones
I can’t believe it’s December with Christmas around the corner, and I’m having a hard time getting into the holiday mood. It has been a difficult year, especially with breast cancer surgery. But I am beyond thankful that God has given me a great pathology report. However, even though my spirit is jumping for joy my energy level is running low. The doctor says that’s normal, which may be the first time anyone has ever called me “normal.”
I’m thinking some of you might also be lacking a little pre-holiday excitement. So how do we do Christmas when life’s stresses try to take our joy? I don’t know
about you, but I pray. I tell God I’m tired, unhappy, lonely, sad, sick—whatever I’m feeling. Too often I focus on my fears, failures and fatigue rather than positive things and even sink into a pityparty. Sound familiar? I promise there is a better way to spend Christmas and here’s what I know.
Somewhere in the deepest part of our hearts, God speaks peace. It may be only a whisper or it may be as loud as thunder. It may come as a call or text from a friend. It may be a special feeling. It’s different for all of us. But somewhere in the stillness of our hearts, God speaks love. It could be at a Christmas Eve candlelight service or a simple family gathering. It may be while serving food at a homeless shelter or sitting beside a loved one in the hospital. It may even be while shopping. Only you will know that voice—that special feeling.
And Christmas? Well, it comes whether we are ready or not and the great thing is we get to choose what kind of Christmas we have. It can be a big celebration with lots of guests or a quiet time with friends or family. For me,
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, no matter the place or type of celebration. No other gift is needed. As long as I have Jesus it will be Christmas in my heart. Wishing you the same!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows. LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.
a look back A Wintery Edmond
It was 1992. George H. W. Bush was President, the grunge look dominated fashion with its ripped jeans, hoodies, and flannel shirts, and Edmondite Shannon Miller competed in the 1992 Olympics, becoming one of the most decorated gymnasts in the U.S.
Pictured above, Chris, Rexi, and Byron Graham pose for a photo with a snowman outside their Edmond home in 1992. Byron was a long-time wrestling and baseball coach and teacher at Edmond Memorial and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2004. His wife, Chris, taught school in Edmond for decades.
