My late friend and spiritual mentor, John Therkelson, gave me a copy of Thomas Merton's Life and Holiness as a Christmas gift in 1993. Like almost all the books John recommended, Life and Holiness left a lasting impression on me. Recently, as part of my daily devotional, I re-read Life and Holiness, each day reading one of the … Continue reading Life and Holiness by Thomas Merton
The stench was nearly unbearable but the words ringing loudly in her consciousness steeled her resolve in a way she was unable to fully understand. She couldn't deny that this place was not at all what she had envisioned. Perhaps a spot under a tree with a portable tent. Or maybe a simple 10 x … Continue reading Live This Way in 2019
As a child there is no doubt that I experienced more joy in the weeks leading up to Christmas than I did at any other time of the year. I mean, really, so many exciting things were going on: Mom baking cookies (pinwheels and fruitcake cookies!), preparing candy (divinity and peanut butter fudge!) and boiling … Continue reading The Challenge of the Nativity
I was never a big Patrick Swayze fan - God rest his soul. The movies in which he starred always seemed pretty shallow and predictable to me - although I must admit, MOST modern movies are, in fact, shallow and predictable. Come to think of it, I am often shallow and predictable. Maybe I'm just … Continue reading Joy, India Style
Back in October, I read with great interest the news that the United Kingdom was proposing a ban on plastic straws. For the record, I think it’s a good idea. But my reasons for supporting such a proposal may be different from the British government’s reasons. I’ve been an opponent of straws since my college … Continue reading Why Straws Suck
In my experience one of the most effective antidotes for a foul mood is the simple exercise of listing things for which I am grateful. A thoughtful review of such a list can cure a bout of self-pity like nothing else. Creating real gratitude lists, mentally or in actual written form, is a common exercise … Continue reading Delighted Gratitude
Mr. C's Enlightening Train RideMr C was sitting quietly in his seat as the subway car came to a slow stop at the next station. Among the 10 or 15 people that made their way into the already crowded car, Mr C noticed a slightly disheveled woman followed closely by two very active boys. The … Continue reading First Listen and Understand
For several years now, I have been getting most of my international and national news coverage from the BBC News website. I must thank our dear friend and missions pastor, Julie Broderson, for steering me to the BBC. Julie recommended reviewing this news source as a way to personally cultivate a global perspective. It is … Continue reading He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
I love fall. I absolutely LOVE it! There are the chilly temps, skies so blue and bright you can't stop looking, and the sound of leaves rustling in the cool breeze. Then come the crispness of that first frosty morning, the cozy feeling of settling into a warm bed covered with thick hand-quilted blankets and … Continue reading Ah, Fall!
“Therefore I urge you to imitate me.” 1 Co 4:16 “We did this... in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.” 2 Thes 3:9 --------- Richard, one of our long-time pastors, once asked a penetrating question: “Are you living a life worth imitating?” To be honest, it felt a little presumptuous … Continue reading Be Like Mike
