Yearly Archives: 2015


Spreading the Joy

For many, Christmas is a time solely for friends and family, but for Don and Brenda Pope, Christmas is about spreading joy to all. “Christmas is a time when everyone gets along, and that is really what Christianity is all about — serving each other and loving each other,” Don humbly admitted. During the […]


A Season of Change

When Jason and Laurie Ruiz graduated from high school, they both attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University, a Christian university in Waxahachie. The school offered a strong music program and music ministry, both of which were passions for Jason. “Laurie and I knew each other, but we didn’t actually hit it off until several […]


A Winter Wonderland

“Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right in your front window…” Christmas traditions are created every year around the world, but at Alden and Tammy Daniels’ home in Red Oak, the best ones remain the same. With a waving, smiling, cookie-eating Santa in the front window and unique ornaments hanging from several […]


Holiday Cheer

The night before Christmas, all through many homes, there are in fact many creatures stirring. Whether the sounds are parents wrapping gifts, people singing and socializing or children’s feet scampering about the halls with giddy excitement, Christmas is a bustling time full of fun and energy. Once the young ones have moved away, some […]


Overcoming Obstacles

When the skilled auto industry jobs started shutting down in Michigan, Crystal Lewinson and her husband, Leslie, knew it was time for a change in address for their family. A sister living in the Dallas Metroplex encouraged them to move to Texas. “It took some convincing, but we packed up the children and drove […]


A Good Trip

For Tommy Brisco, every moment is about quality. From his 81-year vantage point, he has no regrets. “If my life ended tomorrow,” he said, “it’s been a good trip.” Making several drives each week on behalf of people who receive Meals on Wheels, Tommy sees roadrunners almost every day. As he travels, musing on […]


Have Dress Will Travel

Almost everyone thinks about traveling through time, but in reality none actually do so. From its vintage beginning, a very special, filmy, beauty of a dress actually did travel through time and space, finally stopping in Ellis County as part of the Traveling Dress Project. The journey began mid-century, and the gown journeyed until […]


A Thrilling Musical Message

December is here, and once again crowds of area residents will pack First Baptist Church of Corsicana’s vestibule awaiting the opening of the sanctuary doors and an experience that has become a Christmas tradition. Excited anticipation and music greet folks as they take their seats. A beautiful “tree” dominates the expansive sanctuary with its […]


Seeing Beyond Ordinary

Whether she’s elbow-deep in Styrofoam or playing Ping-Pong with 88-year-olds, Paula Benjamin is smiling. This world traveler learned the value of positivity early in life, and people who know her well catch her enthusiasm for making things happen. A self-taught artist with a can-do attitude, Paula has served the city of Burleson for 18 […]


A Public Servant

During his younger years when acting was his first love, Officer Ray Hall, loaded with charm and charisma, dreamed of the day he would be a movie star. But, the Hollywood dream became a vapor as life landed him homeless in his car time and time again. Ray can hardly remember a time when […]