Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

The Pinecone | October 2025 • 9 • Reflections By Maxie Dunnam October Vesper Services 6:30pm | Performing Arts Center Everybody needs someone to hold them up and to encourage them when they face pain and adversity. When Nathaniel Hawthorne came home in utter despair and failure after losing his job in the Customs House, his wife responded, “Now you can write that book you have always wanted to write.” Under that kind of uplifting support, Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter, one of the greatest pieces of literature the world has known. The truth is there is someone there, for each of us, who will perform that saving work in our life—if we will get beyond our self-sufficient pride and share with another who is willing to listen and to care. The way to get help is to ask for it—at least let someone know we need it.Also, each of us can be that needed source of encouragement for another. THE SUPPORTWE NEED October 2: Senior Pastor Bob Turner White Station Church of Christ October 9: Hickman Ewing Lay Leader First Evangelical October 16: Rev JimMcKinney St. Luke's UMC October 23: Director Butch Odom Church Health Center Wellness Program October 30: Remembrance of Residents A Celebration of Saints Today, the fragrant healing scent of coffee brewing helped to coax these tired and sleepy lids apart, that I might look upon a new day now in progress, be encouraged by its goodness, and take on a gladdened heart! As I sipped, and nursed with care that cup of kindness, a gentle rapping at my door, as I recall bid me scan with anxious eyes, the corridor, and quite surprised, I saw this spritely figure waving as it scurried down the hall. The proof that she was here lay at my doorway. Atop the table there were biscuits, golden brown! Each tantalizing tart exemplified this baker’s art. It sure surpassed the best of all the bakers of renown! My portion opened up, like a steamy buttered cup to be adorned, I felt, with scrumptious jams or jelly. Conversation put to rest, I then consumed my treat with zest, and afterwords, I thought I heard a joyful singing in my belly! Yes, that biscuit did me good, made my coffee twice as good! It was the kind you’d think you’d find in a mansion or a palace! No magic here, though it might seem, this morning’s culinary dream came from the kitchen of the sweet and loving soul we know as “Alice”! Each month we meet for an hour and share our writings with everyone. Please enjoy these poems written by Steve Tittle. Poetry & Writing Club JOIN THE CLUB OCTOBER 6TH AT 9:30 AM IN THE LCR ODE TO A BISCUIT On our balcony soon, in the middle of June, we’ll suspend our red vessels of nectar, see the hummingbirds gather, work themselves in a lather, each claiming our porch as their personal sector. Much like “king of the hill”, they exert their own will, but ownership lasts just a moment or two. Unusual I think, they get more than one drink, ere the next claimant’s there for attempting his coup. In the small maple tree just a few feet away, they perch to rest up from their most recent duel. Shiny feathers they preen ‘till they’re neatened and clean, then it’s back to the feeders to drink and refuel. Like bees from a hive, they constantly dive, and not one can find rest ’til the fading of light. But, so wonderfully sweet is that sugary treat that, if not for the darkness, they’d go it all night! HUMMINGBIRDS Steve Tittle