Section » Main Feature Stories
A Quiet Life
With very little fanfare, new neighbors moved into Kerens in July 2009. Six Benedictine monks moved from their home at the Christ in the Desert Abby in New Mexico to establish the new Monastery of Thien Tam. Two of the monks came to Texas to supervise the remodeling of the buildings on their 300-acre property in Kerens. When the work was finished, two
More Articles
Leaps and Bounds
Fortunately, the building has a 30-foot ceiling; otherwise Scott Sapolio would have hit his head many times over. As he rebounds from the trampoline at The Palaestra Gym in Farmers Branch and soars into the air, he likes to reach up and touch the rafters. Scott has taken gymnastic lessons for only about
Feeling the Music
Reneé Shreeves was in junior high when she first encountered a girl who was deaf. Instead of shying away like most children would, Reneé embraced her, becoming fascinated with learning about deaf disabilities. She took her first sign language class that year, and has not stopped signing since. Years
A Friend of Birds
DeAnn W. of Red Oak, Texas may be a neglected pet bird’s best friend. Founder of Wings of Love Bird Haven, Inc. DeAnn has rehabilitated hundreds of exotic birds and placed them in caring homes. Learn more about her work and see the birds that she cares for in our exclusive online video. Visit
Miracles Never Cease!
Margaret Dickens is trying to retire. She has tried twice before. “When you’re a founder, you can’t just leave,” laughed Margaret, who plans to take the title of Emeritus Director of Wings of Hope, the equine therapy center just south of Burleson, a little north of where FM 917 and CR 806 coincide. “This
A Man and His Bug
Life was “happening” for Walter Buchanan and his wife, Billie, and their three children — Joe, Jill and Jan. The family was living in Arkansas when Walter came upon what many would consider “the deal of a lifetime.” “The 1969 VW Beetle became available in March of 1972,” he explained.
Eager to Serve
From a sweet and busy home in the center of Burleson shines a soft ray of hope for families whose lives are hurt by cancer. Her name is Donyelle’ Allen, and this year she heads up Burleson’s Relay For Life team effort. Prepared in advance for such a time as this, Donyelle’ said, “Yes!” to the
Adopting a Best Friend
MEXIA—Limestone Animal Rescue and Adoption Shelter, also known as LARAS House, is a vision that is becoming a reality in more and more concrete ways. Local residents of Mexia and Groesbeck recognized that unwanted dogs and cats were routinely dumped in the country. Whether the residents regarded
Truth, Transparency and Transformation
A few years ago, Jasper Hughes was sleeping under bridges, addicted to and dealing drugs. He had separated from his wife, Linda — who was at the time working for the Dallas Independent School District — and their three young boys. He lived alone, surrounded by prostitutes, drug dealers and gang activity in
Balancing Act
All-around amazing mom, Kristin Rodgers, goes for what she wants and usually gets it. “If I don’t give up, eventually it happens,” Kristin said. “If I keep that faith in myself, God helps me.” Her husband, Bobby, also believes in her. “Every wild idea I have, Bobby just stands back and says,
