I still white-knuckle it when I recall fishing in Alaska with my friends. It was one of those picture-perfect days, and the guide found great spots for us to flyfish from the shore. When it got slow, we would move on to other spots, making … Read more
This year, I gave up ice cream for Lent. Consider it a sacrifice on a very small scale. Recently, we babysat our grandchildren, and they noticed that there was no ice cream in the house. I quickly got in the car and picked up some ice … Read more
These days, I find that I am stressed — I'm juggling a bunch of deadlines. While I was praying recently, I began thinking about the distractions and pressures that tend to pull me away from following Jesus. Stress, anxiety, and worry are … Read more
No doubt you recall the hymn, "What a Friend we have in Jesus". Just typing out these words has me humming the tune. It always seemed like such a happy, upbeat song, especially for children. Not so! I looked up the background of the hymn … Read more
Years ago, I helped in cleaning out my grandmother's house after she died. Anyone having engaged in a similar role will know how difficult it can be, and yet, there are certain surprises. In fact, for me it was like a gift waiting to be … Read more
A few weeks ago, an article appeared in the newspaper, entitled "Why GenXers Aren't Going Back to Church." You can imagine that there was a wide variety of reasons for people 41-56 years old. Some were busy with work and kids. Others were … Read more
Many churches celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration on August 6, based on the story in today's verses. We know what "mountaintop" experiences are, but this is not about anything that we do, rather that we become aware of what God is … Read more
One of the joys of grandparenting is that the parents need a babysitter. We get the call, and in an instant, a sleepover is arranged at our house. Several weekends ago, I was up early with my five-year-old grandson making breakfast, … Read more
I still remember my great-aunt from the hills of Kentucky, USA. Aunt Anise had an old, covered water well in her backyard, which was absolutely amazing for a city boy like me. She also wrung chickens by the neck, plucked their feathers, … Read more
Recently, I spent time with my four-year old grandson. We played ball with the dog. I pushed him on a swing set with fits of glee and laughter. We took a walk to Locust Grove under a warm sun and blue sky. Yet, over the day hung a dark … Read more