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DALE VINCENT ODOM Dale Vincent Odom, age 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 19, 2026. Born on February 4, 1934, in Lake Preston, South Dakota, Dale was raised in Osceola, South Dakota, where he learned the values of hard work and determination from an early age. Growing up on a family farm, he spent his childhood plowing fields, tending horses, and even riding horseback to school—experiences that shaped the strong work ethic and independent spirit he carried throughout his life. Dale’s adventurous nature led him to work on farms and railroads as a young man, even spending time riding in rodeos. He proudly served his country in the United States Army for six years before beginning the career that would define much of his working life. Dale spent 47 years as a professional truck driver, traveling countless miles across the country and taking pride in the honest work he loved. For more than 30 years, he was a proud and active member of the New Boston American Legion and the New Boston VFW. Throughout his life, Dale called many places home, including South Dakota, Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, Texas, and, finally, Arkansas. No matter where he lived, he built lasting friendships through his kindness, easygoing nature, and genuine love of people. Music was one of Dale’s greatest joys. As a guitar player, he performed with the band Country Stars and cherished gathering with family and friends for country music jamborees. Dale also found peace in the outdoors. Whether spending time outside, enjoying nature, or simply sitting on the porch watching the day go by, he appreciated life’s simple pleasures and treasured the moments shared with those he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilford and Ada Odom; his siblings, Jack Odom, Beverly Anderson, and Lee Odom; and his three children, Jack Odom, Ronnie Odom, and Dee Odom. Dale is lovingly remembered by his devoted spouse, Bonnie Malone of Foreman, Arkansas; his son, Dan Odom of Wichita, Kansas; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous loving friends and extended family members. Dale’s legacy is one of service, hard work, and a deep appreciation for family, friendship, and the simple blessings of life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Bates-Rolf Funeral Home in New Boston, Texas, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend as they gather to honor and celebrate Dale’s life and the many memories he leaves behind.

ROBERT STACY TIDWELL Robert Stacy Tidwell of De Kalb, Texas, passed away on July 20, 2026, in Texarkana, Arkansas, at the age of 69. Stacy was born on January 31, 1957, to Bobby Joe and Wanda Payne Tidwell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby Joe and Wanda Payne Tidwell; his beloved wife, Mitzi Tidwell; and his brother, Joe Stanley Tidwell. Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Alex Hart and wife, Cattlin, of Simms, Texas; his sister, LaJuan Garrett and husband, Danny; his grandson, James Day; two nephews, Clay Garrett and wife, Mary, and Tyler Garrett and wife, Morgan; one niece, Kayla Blackstone and husband, Chad; along with numerous extended family members and many dear friends. Stacy had a passion for vegetable gardening and was an avid reader throughout his life. His thirst for knowledge was unmatched, and he seemed to know a lot about nearly everything. He especially enjoyed reading encyclopedias and was admired for his remarkable memory and wide-ranging intellect. Alongside his father and son, he enjoyed hobby farming, creating treasured memories that spanned generations. To those who knew him best, Stacy was affectionately known as “Wild Man,” a nickname given by his friends that reflected his adventurous spirit and unforgettable personality. To his son Alex’s friends, he was fondly known as “Captain Stacy,” a title that spoke to the respect and affection he earned from everyone around him. Stacy will be remembered for his intelligence, his curiosity, his love of family, and the countless stories and conversations he shared with those fortunate enough to know him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. Cremation is under the direction of Bates Family Funeral Home. Memorial services will be announced and held at a later date. Online registration at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.

LAVOICE GARRETT EVANS WRIGHT Lavoice Garrett Evans Wright, age 89, of Orem, Utah, passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 16th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Lavoice was born on December 15, 1936, in New Boston, Texas, to Rufus Clay and Virginia Hill Garrett. She was raised in Bowie County and graduated from Hooks High School in 1954, where she excelled in volleyball and basketball and was crowned Homecoming Queen. On July 13, 1954, she married the love of her life, Marion Royce Evans. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. She will be laid to rest beside him at Myrtle Springs Cemetery in Hooks, Texas. She later married Dean Wright. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lavoice served three full-time missions and faithfully served in many Church callings. She loved painting, volunteering, spending time with family and friends, and playing games late into the night. She will be remembered for her kindness, generous spirit, deep faith, and love for others. Lavoice is survived by her four children, Randy Evans (Karen), Kim Evans, Mark Evans (Maria), and Jennifer Evans (Jennifer Welch); 48 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sisters, Peggy Freeman and Reba Garrett; her twin brother, Joyce Garrett; and her younger brother, Jerry Garrett. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Royce Evans; her husband Dean Wright; her parents; her infant sister, Bobbie Jean Garrett; her sister, Annie Bell Whitecotton; her brothers, Gilbert Garrett and Harold Garrett; her grandson, Michael Evans; and her great-grandson Owen Evans. Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 11:00 am at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem, UT 84097. Family and friends may visit that morning from 10-10:45 am at the funeral home. Visitation will be on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Bates-Rolf Funeral Home - 502 S. McCoy Blvd - New Boston, Texas 75570. Interment to follow at Myrtle Springs Cemetery - Hooks, Texas.

SANDRA JEAN FOSTER Sandra Jean Foster, age 52, of Fouke, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Sandra was born on July 24, 1973, in Texarkana, Texas, to James Daniels and Leanne Stephens Huggins. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, fiancée, and friend whose kind heart and caring spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her mother, Leanne Stephens Huggins; her grandfather, Wiston Daniels; her grandmother, Billie Jean Byrd; her uncles, Steven Daniels and John Daniels; her aunt, Caroline Walls; and her cousins, Ralph Beasley and Steven Daniels. Sandra is survived by her beloved fiancé, Jack Kevin Hensley; her daughter, Cassie Hampton and husband, Brandon, of Portsmouth, Ohio; her son, Robert Jordan of Glenwood, Arkansas; her two step-children, Destiney and Tyler Hensley; her father, James Daniels of Genoa, Arkansas; her sisters, Debra Bailey and husband, Jason, of DeKalb, Texas; Jennifer Jordan and husband, Wes, of West Portsmouth, Ohio; and Joanne Plowman and husband, Chuck, of Foreman, Arkansas; her step-sister, Tina Hensley; her aunt, Anna Endsley and husband Ron and uncle Troy Daniels and wife Erachel. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends who will cherish her memory. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at New Hope Cemetery in DeKalb, Texas. Sandra’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Though she has departed this life, the love she shared and the memories she created will remain a lasting comfort to her family and friends. Online registration at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.

CHARLES EDWARD HILLIS Charles Edward Hillis, 82, of Simms, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Charles was born on July 8, 1944, in Malta, Texas, to Clifford and Mabel Talley Hillis. Affectionately known as “Uncle Fat”, he was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful pastor, and friend to many. On May 30, 1964, Charles married Toney Morris. Together they shared more than 62 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. Charles faithfully served as the pastor of Trinity Full Gospel Church in Corley, Texas for over 36 years, where he dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel, encouraging others, and shepherding his congregation with compassion and unwavering faith. When he wasn’t ministering, he found great joy in fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Mabel Talley Hillis; three brothers; and two sisters. Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Toney Hillis of Simms, Texas; his sons, Paul Hillis and wife Marilyn, and Michael Hillis; his daughters, Lisa Littleton and husband Jason, and Brandy Rachael; his brothers, George Hillis and Tommy Hillis; his sisters, Jenny Ann Surratt, and Judy Chapman; seven grandsons, six granddaughters, and five great-grandchildren, along with numerous extended family members, church family, and dear friends. Services will be 2:00 PM Monday, July 20, 2026 at Victory Holiness Tabernacle in New Boston, Texas with Rev. Mark Vaughn and Rev. Jimmie Ferrell officiating. Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery in New Boston, Texas under the direction of Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb, Texas. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunday, July 19, 2026 at Victory Holiness Tabernacle in New Boston, Texas. Charles will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his love for God’s Word, his dedication to his family, and the countless lives he touched through his ministry. His legacy of faith, kindness, and devotion will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him. Online registration at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.

SARA LYNN SMITH WOOD Sara Lynn Smith Wood, 90, of Newnan, Georgia passed away peacefully Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Brookdale Senior Living in Newnan where she was a resident 7 years. She was born August 30, 1935 in Tyler, Texas to the late Isaac B. Smith and Anna Lola Gay Smith of Avery, Texas. Sara grew up in Spring Hill, Texas and was a 1953 graduate of DeKalb, TX High School. Further, she is a 1956 graduate of the Registered Nursing Program at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. After college, she taught the Nursing Program at Texarkana College in Texarkana, TX. She also worked at various health organizations across Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida and Georgia. After her husband’s retirement, they moved from Fairburn, GA, where they resided for 20 years and she was an active member of the First Methodist Church, to Newnan, GA where she resided for 22 years. Sara enjoyed collecting antiques, traveling, thrifting, reading, classical music, gardening and spending time with her family. Throughout her life, Sara faced numerous health challenges with remarkable strength and grace. She was a four-time cancer survivor and also endured congestive heart failure, undergoing quadruple bypass surgery, as well as diabetes, glaucoma, and, later in life, a double amputation in 2022. Despite these hardships, she never failed to greet others with a warm smile, always ready to offer a hug and listen to their story first. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a son, Stanley Scott Wood and her husband, Stanley Medford Wood of Avery, Texas. Sara is survived by her sister, Kathryn Ann Newmann; her sister-in-law, Wyvonne O’Rear; her daughter, Julie Wood Parker of Newnan; and her son Seth Wood, Sr., also of Newnan. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Lauren Wood, Natalie White, Seth Wood, Jr. and William (Clint) Wread; and her great-grandchildren: Lexie Shirey, Marlee Wread, William Clint Wread, Jr., Kenneth Levi Wread, Woods Emmitt Schlehuber, Miles Alan Wood and Mia Louise Wood. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Brookdale Senior Living and Sacred Journey/Adoration Hospice for their compassionate and dedicated care. Memorial services will be held July 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m at Bates Family Funeral Home in DeKalb, Texas. Visitation will be help July 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m at Bates Family Funeral Home. Inurnment will take place at Avery, Cemetery in Avery, Texas. Online registration at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.

DOUGLAS KEITH HALL Douglas Keith Hall, 65, of Plano, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, in Plano, Texas. Doug was born on March 6, 1961, in Dallas, Texas, to Cecil and Mary Pinkham Hall. From an early age, he demonstrated a deep faith and commitment to serving others. At just 11 years old, he received his Baptist minister’s license and began his journey as an evangelist, sharing God’s Word with compassion and conviction throughout his life. Professionally, Doug dedicated his career to helping others as a psychologist. He owned and operated his own psychiatry practice in Dallas, Texas, where he was respected for his knowledge, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of his patients. His life’s work reflected his genuine desire to bring hope, healing, and understanding to those he served. Doug was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Hall. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving mother, Mary Hall of McKinney, Texas; his brother, David Hall and wife, Kelly, of Ballwin, Missouri; his brother, Michael Hall and wife, Jennifer, of Amarillo, Texas; several nieces and nephews; along with numerous other relatives and cherished family friends who will miss him dearly. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Woodman Cemetery in DeKalb, Texas, with Matthew McKay officiating. Services are under the direction of Bates Family Funeral Home. Online registration at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Monica Gwen Green, age 69, of Simms, Texas, passed away on July 8, 2026. She was born on July 19, 1956, in Naples, Texas, to Wayne and Glenda Oliver. She married Kelly Green on July 7, 1975. Together, they made a life in Simms with their two boys centered around family and the love of country life. Monica loved her grandchildren, her garden, and growing all kinds of plants. She especially loved canning and cooking the things she grew. She is preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Glenda Oliver; her stepfather, Melvin Oliver; her husband, Kelly Green; and her brother, Bruce Oliver. Monica is survived by her sons, Phillip Green (Brandy) and Barry Green; five grandchildren, Dustyn Green (Brenna), Sierra Green (Charles), Kaden Green (Sarah), Blade Green (Abegail), and Canden Green; five great grandchildren; one brother, Steve Oliver (Angela); and several nieces and nephews. Cremation is under the direction of Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb, Texas. A memorial service to honor Monica’s life will be held at a later date. Online registration is available at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Augusta O. ‘Gussie’ Cowan, age 85 of Simms, Texas passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2026 in a local nursing facility. Ms. Cowan was born August 25, 1940 to Jimmie Lee and Tee Gaines in Boxelder, Texas. She was a Homemaker, Texarkana Gazette Courier, Print Shop Owner and lover of all animal kind. She is preceded in death by her parents, Husband, Billy Gene Cowan, a brother, Douglas Gaines and a niece, Dawn Gaines. ‘Gussie’ is lovingly remembered by her brother, Donald Gaines of Boxelder, Texas, several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. in the bates Rolf Chapelm, New Boston with Bro. Steve Minter officiating. Private Interment will follow in Boxelder Cemetery, Boxelder, Texas. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. before services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ASPCA OR Boxelder Cemetery Association, C/O Jamie Huddleston, 11854 FM 909, Bogata, Texas 75417.

Robert Lee Hooks, age 82 of New Boston, Texas passed away at his home on Sunday., July 5. 2026. Mr. Hooks was born January 31, 1944 to Matthew and Mattie Lee Hooks in Foreman, Arkansas. He was retired from Red River Army Depot where he was a Fork Lift Operator. Mr. Hooks was also a United States Navy and United States Air Force Veteran and is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Andrea Hooks, brother, Chester Hooks and grandmother, Georgia Compton. Mr. Hooks is lovingly remembered by his wife, Shirley Hooks, daughter, DeAundrea McIver, son, Robbie Hooks and wife Holland, 8 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, July 11, 2026 in the Bates Rolf Chapel, New Boston. Interment will follow in DeKalb Cemetery, DeKalb, Texas under the direction of Bates Rolf Funeral Home, New Boston, Texas. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday, July 10, 2026 at the funeral home.

By Connie Pinkham Several times in scripture a council is spoken of. The Sanhedrin in our New Testament was the Jewish council made up of chief priests, scribes, and elders. This council handled the religious governance of the Jewish population. That council was involved in the trials of Jesus. (Matthew 26:57 ff) Acts 15 tells about a council meeting in Jerusalem. The apostles met with leaders of the Christian community to resolve some disputes about Gentile believers expected to adhere to Jewish traditions and requirements of the Jewish ceremonial law. Today, there are councils that are instrumental in governing our cities and hearing the wishes of citizens. Our schools have student councils that serve to give students a voice. To be sure, neither of them are always effective. Councils can easily get sidetracked and caught up in power plays. The Sanhedrin sure did. They didn’t want to lose their political power and position to a so-called Messiah who was not a conqueror. Jesus didn’t play by their rules so they wanted to get rid of Him. Imagine that. I have been churched my entire life. I seldom remember when I was not in the building if the church was assembled for any reason. I have read the Bible from cover to cover, more than once. I have done dozens of Bible studies independent of church. Yet, I continue to find out how little I know. Recently, I came face to face with a divine council spoken of in scripture. In all my reading and studying, I had not noticed what I now plainly see. Now, do not misunderstand. I am not a scholar. I do not pretend to have answers and explanations for all things scripture. On the other hand, I am fascinated when something in the pages of my Bible seem to just jump off the page, and I am not intimidated nor hesitant to search it out and inquire of The Writer of those scriptures for His illumination. You would easily agree that there are, in fact, angelic beings. Right? God’s angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, we see that depicted every Christmas with one little angel. But scripture tells us, “… a large group of angels from heaven also appeared.” (Luke 2:13 NIrV) The spiritual realm is not sparely populated. 2 Kings 6:15 and following teaches us that the hills around the prophet Elisha were full of “…horses and chariots…”, the hidden angel army of God, obviously involved in the battle that was being fought. In Joshua 5:13-15 we see Joshua encountering the “commander of the Amy of the Lord…”. The original Hebrew word is tsaba meaning a mass of persons organized for war. Matthew 26:53 records Jesus speaking about how His Father could “… provide Me with more than twelve legions [more than 80,000] of angels?” (Amplified Bible) And of course Revelation speaks at length about the armies of heaven. Yep. God’s heavenly realm is full of His angelic servants. I knew that in my head. Yet I never thought about how involved they are in God’s activities. “When Your holy angels gather together… Who among the angels is like the LORD? God is highly respected among His holy angels. He’s more wonderful than all those who are around Him.” (Psalm 89:5-7 NIrV) Gather together, around Him? What a meeting! “God (capital G) standeth in the congregation of the mighty; He judgeth among the gods (little g)” (Psalm 82:1 KJV capitalization added by me) That word translated God/gods is the Hebrew word elohiym and is a word that carries the idea of authority and strength. It indicates a divine being. Who are these little-g gods? “Now there was a day when the sons of God (elohiym) came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” (Job 1:6-7 NASB) Present themselves? Elohiym? And Satan (accuser) also came? Looks like it is assembly day in heaven, and what a scene!! These sons of God and the adversary is in the presence of the Creator Elohiym God, discussing humans. Wow. Let me be clear. Godoes not need opinions and advice from angels. Nor does he need it from me, or from you. But we know He desires a connection and bond with us…a relationship. He went to great length to make that possible in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is obvious that He has often chosen to use His angelic beings in His activities, just as He might choose to use humans like you and me. Some are tasked with small things, some greater. Some even involving nations. Time and again scripture tells of them appearing in human form, (always male by the way). In the book of Daniel we even read of conflict between angelic forces. Daniel needed help but the coming help came against resistance. “…your words were heard, and I have come in response…the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days, then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.” (Daniel 10:12-13 NASB) Prince? Who are these princes? The prince of Persia standing in the way, Michael the archangel coming to assist? What’s going on in the unseen realm of Daniel 10? The Hebrew word sar is translated as prince, it has the idea of someone in charge. It seems there are princes in the angelic realm on both sides! Galatians 3:19 tells us that because of wrong-doing, law was given to address and define what wrong-doing actually was/is, and it was added and…ordained thru angels! Acts 7:53 and Hebrews 2:2 both speak of angels being involved in human affairs. There IS a spiritual realm. There ARE angelic divine creatures. They are NOT at my disposal. I have more questions than answers, but my Creator God just gets bigger and my reality gets smaller each time I study and realize how infinite is His realm, and what a minute place I occupy. Yet, “He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 2:13-14 NASB) Hallelujah

By Pam Kumpe Across from the shelter, a weathered van sat with both side doors rolled open. A black dog stood at the entrance like a faithful guard, though his open mouth and wagging tail made him look more like he was welcoming visitors than warning them away. Inside, a short, stocky older man covered in faded tattoos looked up at me. “Hi, I’m Pam.” I smiled. “Would you like a cold Gatorade?” He shook his head. “Nah. I don’t drink those sports drinks.” I held one up, beads of condensation sliding down the bottle. “This one has your name on it. It could cool you off in a hurry.” He raised an eyebrow. “That cold?” “So cold it’ll make you forget this Texas heat for a minute.” A grin finally appeared. “Well… all right. I reckon I’ll give it a try.” He reached over the dog to take the bottle. “Thank you. This heat’s been wearing me out.” As he twisted off the cap, I noticed a neatly made bed tucked into the back of the van. A few shelves held everyday necessities. It wasn’t much, but it was home—for him and his dog—as they wandered from one highway to the next. The dog leaned against my leg. “Who’s this handsome fellow?” “Thor,” the man said proudly. “His name means thunder.” “He doesn’t seem much like thunder.” Blue chuckled. “No. He’s mostly sunshine.” “I can believe that.” As if joining the conversation, Thor lowered his head into a food bowl and proudly emerged with a worn tennis ball clamped between his teeth. He nudged it toward me. Blue laughed. “Go ahead. Throw it. He’ll catch it before it ever hits the ground.” I tossed it across the grass where it did bounce, but it was my throw that made that happen. Thor exploded after it, soaring through the air with surprising grace. Seconds later he was back, placing the ball neatly at my feet, ready for another round. Again. And again. For the next several minutes, the three of us forgot about the blazing head in the afternoon. We simply laughed while one happy dog chased the same ball with the same enthusiasm every single time. “He’s amazing,” I said, rubbing Thor’s ears. “I could fall in love with this dog.” “He’s my best buddy,” Blue replied. “We travel all over the country together. I get my Social Security check every month, and when money runs low, we stop near shelters for a few days. Then we’re back on the road. Mississippi’s our next stop.” I looked toward the group gathered beneath a nearby tree. “They warned me your dog might bite.” Blue smiled. “He only bites people who give him a reason.” “So…I passed the test?” “You scratched his ears before you asked anything from him. Dogs notice things like that.” I laughed. “I’m not always easy to figure out.” “Neither am I,” he said. “I just love the road. I guess I always will.” Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out one of the Scripture cards I carry. “I’d like you to have this.” He read it aloud. “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.”—Psalm 37:3 He slipped the card carefully into his pocket. “Thank you.” “I’ll be praying the Lord watches over both of you.” Before I could turn away, Blue stopped me. “Would you pray for Thor and me right now?” “I’d be honored.” So beside an old van, with one hand resting on a black dog whose tail never seemed to stop wagging, I prayed that God would protect them, guide every mile ahead, and remind them they were never traveling alone. Walking back to my car, I couldn’t help counting my own blessings—a bed waiting at home, air conditioning, a refrigerator full of food, and a little miniature schnauzer, Annie Grace, who would soon greet me at the door. Then I noticed the slobber covering my left hand. I laughed because maybe that’s what kindness looks like sometimes. A little messy. The Lord has a way of reminding me that contentment isn’t found in how much we own but in recognizing His goodness wherever we are. Blue had a van. Thor had a tennis ball. Together, they had joy. I want to keep noticing the lonely hearts God places within my reach. I want to keep tossing kindness the way I tossed that tennis ball, trusting Him with whatever comes next. And if I come away with a little dog drool on my hand every now and then ...well, that’s probably a small price to pay for a lesson I’ll never forget.