Dogwood Journal

09/05/2024

If you know me, you know I like to write. Over the years, I've written several short stories based on things in my life. Most were published as blog posts on Dogwood Journal or on my previous blog before that.

Recently, I gathered nine of my favorite stories and one new one. I polished them up a little and compiled them in a book that is now published and available on Amazon: "Angel Dogs, Louisiana Swamps, and Living to Tell the Story."

You'll find comedy, anecdotes, moments of reflection, and more. The book was designed to be something that can be read in one sitting or could be broken up into something to read when you need to get your mind off something else.

Please consider investing $10 and adding this book to your library. I enjoyed making it, and I hope it entertains you as well.

-- Brian

Angel Dogs, Louisiana Swamps, and Living to Tell the Story: A Collection of Short Stories by Brian Harris

06/30/2023

Chances are if you've lived in Montgomery you've heard all the bad things about it. You might have even said them yourself. So many people who grow up here leave without a second thought, but what would happen if we chose to stay and make a positive impact? How can we begin to love our city and not leave her behind? Check out this blog find out some of the ways to begin loving Montgomery!

Most people who are born in Montgomery hate it here. If you spent a large chunk of your formative years in our city, then you’ve probably heard it all.

06/30/2023

Bake like an expert without all the hard work! This Apple Cobbler recipe is perfect for busy nights.

This super simple apple cobbler takes about 5 minutes to put together and you can do it in the pan you are cooking in!

06/30/2023

Working remotely doesn't have to mean being unproductive! Follow these tips from Mike Chitwood and get stuff done: 🤩➡️

How, then, does one remain productive with so many distractions? Simple: Airplane Mode!

06/29/2023

"The difference between average people and extraordinary people is three words...'and then some.'" Beth Gillem's dad taught her at a young age to give her all and then some. Click the link to learn about the power of the "and then some" mentality.

Recently I was reminded of three little words I was taught as a young child that have changed everything for me. The words “and then some…”

06/29/2023

One of the best ways to work through a difficult time is to acknowledge it and share it with others. Check out this blog from Brian where he does just that!

We have to talk and share with each other. Maybe it’s not here on a blog post or on social media - but talk. Don’t hold it in. Let your truth be told.

06/28/2023

Many people are searching for new work opportunities right now. We hope this blog about revamping your resume will help give you the edge you need!

Your resume is the way to provide a summary of your experiences, abilities, skills, and accomplishments. It is the perfect tool to showcase who you are and all that you are capable of, so you want to make sure it is done just right! Here are a few tips on how you can revamp your resume: […]

06/28/2023

You can only pick one today because all the queso has run out. Which do you pick - salsa or guac?

06/28/2023

If you're anything like us, you love Disney/Pixar movies! As a matter of fact, after a heated conversation in the office, Brian decided to rank them all (excluding sequels) from worst to best. Sound off below and let us know, do you agree with his ranking?

At Dogwood, you’ll find a lot of fans of Pixar films. Enough that when the announcement about Onward being released to digital early that it inspired a great deal of conversation on Slack amongst the staff. Lauren kicked off the conversation with a declaration to the staff that “If you haven’t...

06/27/2023

Have you ever thought about the amount of stuff that you own? Does it ever overwhelm you? Check out this blog from Beth about how practicing minimalism has brought peace to her house and helped her create the home she always wanted!

Minimalism at its core is the removal of all but essentials needed for daily life. What those essentials are is up to you. This will determine how extreme...

06/27/2023

Writing Tip #1: Write about the things you care about! Passion drives your pen forward. If you aren't passionate about whatever it is you're writing about, it's going to be much more difficult to write about it. So if you find yourself wanting to write but feeling stuck, pick something you love and go for it!

06/27/2023

No matter your age, your marital status, or your job – you’re not off the hook for spreading the gospel. You are called to love God and love others. Click the link to read the full article!

No matter your age, your marital status, or your job - you’re not off the hook. You are called to love God and love others.

06/26/2023

No matter how old you get, sometimes you just need to call your dad. Click the link to read this touching blog written by Blair Andress in memory of his father.

My Daddy was a brilliant man. He forgot more than most men will ever know. Once, years ago, Miranda and I kept hearing a dripping noise as we tried to drift off to sleep. I finally told her I was calling Daddy. “Your father cannot diagnose a drip over the phone,” she said. After a […]

06/26/2023

Some of us would be lost without our lists! Lists help us keep track of tasks, clear our minds, and even keep us motivated. Check out this blog about how life-changing lists can be!

Are you a list maker? I am. Ever since I can remember I have made lists of things I need to accomplish. Once I even made a list of the lists I needed to make! I am not suggesting you go quite that extreme, but if list-making is not one of your daily habits, I […]

06/25/2023

It’s a daunting question to answer – what do you want to do with your life? Few people could probably answer it confidently. Finding a career that allows you to combine your passions and skills can be difficult. We hope these tips from Stratice will help to lead you in the right direction:

There aren’t many classes that teach you how to know which “next steps” to take in your career. College degree or not - you might find yourself wandering...

06/25/2023

What untold stories do you have inside you? Write them down! We all have a story to tell.

06/25/2023

Have you been wanting to turn your unfinished attic into a usable living space? Adding an extra room likely increases the value of your home in major ways. Click the link to learn more about how to do it and get ideas for what to turn your new space into!

Have you been wanting to turn your unfinished attic into a usable living space? Adding an extra room likely increases the value of your home in major ways. Seldom used attic space is the perfect way to expand your home without the frustrations of laying new foundations. Deciding on the best attic tr...

06/24/2023

In an increasingly unsettled and chaotic world, where do we find our rest? Or a better question, who is our rest? Click the link to read this encouraging article from Dr. Kevil Blackwell!

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Hebrews 4: 9-10. (ESV) It is overtly obvious to me and likely you as well, that this world is becoming increasingly unsettled. As a result, we […]

06/24/2023

When the world is not ok, what do you do? What can you do?

There are no adequate words to describe all the different hardships our world has faced in the last year. From the pandemic to politics, they seem to be sn*******ng and for many, myself included, life is very unnerving at times. When the world is not ok, what do you do? What can you do? I […]

06/23/2023

We all need something to keep us grounded - find freedom from worry and insecurity in Christ's unending love and promise of hope!

When we know Christ as our Savior, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit into something that is imperishable, completely undefiled, and unfading.

06/23/2023

Add something new to your plate with these yummy venison recipes. Don't miss out on a culinary adventure!

If you’ve never tried deer meat (venison) you should definitely give it a try - you may be surprised how much you like it!

06/23/2023

All of us struggle with doubt at some point in our lives. We doubt if God is listening. We doubt if he sees what's happening in our lives. We might even doubt if he's there. So why do we doubt? Is it okay? Is it even good? Click the link to read the full blog.

I wrote a blog at the very end of 2020 basically explaining why 2020 was a difficult year for me. It all boiled down to doubts.

06/22/2023

Professional doesn't equal perfection and that's a hard lesson to learn especially for self-proclaimed perfectionists. In this blog, Tracy Riggs with CMbT Photography shares some encouragement that imperfect things are often the ones that help us grow.

Professional doesn’t mean perfect…what a mind-blowing concept for me. I almost always get positive responses from my work, but all I see are the issues – the places each image is flawed. My boyfriend (also a photographer) watched a YouTube video last week by a professional big-name photographe...

06/22/2023

Have you tried out all of the different types of fidget toys? If not, why not?

I have a 7-year-old daughter who is OBSESSED with fidget toys. This sweet child is living and breathing fidget toys. If she is not playing with them or making them (more about that later) then she is scouring the internet for where to buy them or watching videos of other kids playing with fidget toy...

06/21/2023

The Old Testament Law isn't usually a topic that many people get excited about. Modern-day Christians usually don't even see it as something that impacts them at all. Check out this blog where Lauren shares some of the ways in which she's learned to view the OT Law through a new lens.

I grew up with an understanding of the Old Testament law that was less than complete. To be honest it was shallow at best and totally unbiblical at worst. Statements like, “the law was rigid and impossibly hard to make us more thankful for the gift of salvation that Jesus gives” were not uncommo...

06/21/2023

If you choose writing, who are you writing for?

06/21/2023

Craving a delicious movie night snack? Find out which ones are sure to make your family's at-home theatre experience exceptional!

Though some theatres remain open, several families are choosing to bring the movies home to take extra precautions during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. With a good set up and the right snacks, your family can have the ultimate at-home movie theatre experience. Here are some tips to create the best....

06/20/2023

Keep your four-legged family members happy & healthy with these super simple safety tips from Ashton Wells.

One of the not-so-awesome results of becoming a dog trainer is that the cute social media videos of dogs and kids interacting are ruined for you.

06/20/2023

What's your favorite vegetable?

06/20/2023

Sometimes storms are problems that life throws at us and sometimes, they are literal storms, tornados, or floods! With Spring around the corner, make sure that your home is prepared to be alerted for severe weather that can pop up at a moment's notice. Click the link to learn all about the best weather alert radios and apps!

No matter whether you choose a weather radio or a weather app for your severe weather alerts, the most important thing is that you are alerted!