I think it’s time

I think it’s time

We’re almost there! Almost at the end of this Season of Advent culminating in a worldwide celebration of Jesus’ arrival. Through these weeks, we’ve focused not only on the gifts but on the hard facts of this complex love story whose details scandalously defied just...
Some Children See Him…

Some Children See Him…

A little child’s world is one of mystery. This mysterious world is also his/her normal. Discoveries are made every day: hitting your head when you fall out of bed produces pain; touching the flame of a candle, too; lemons look better than they taste; toilet paper can...
A Note From Pastor Don

A Note From Pastor Don

God then confronted Job directly: “Now what do you have to say for yourself? Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?” Job answered: “I’m speechless, in awe – words fail me. I should never have opened my mouth! I’ve talked too much,...
…and the soul felt its worth

…and the soul felt its worth

You’d think it wouldn’t be so. You’d think we’d have found a way to fix it by now. You’d think modern technology would have created a platform or an app or an interface, or whatever geeks call it. You’d think today’s science, all these years after successfully getting...
That’s a Crazy Idea

That’s a Crazy Idea

Many women of my mother’s generation (she would have turned 98 this month) were avid quilters, wresting out opportunities in the midst of never-done housework, to get together and work on quilt tops, and, of course, enjoy the camaraderie of an afternoon (I was never...
Didn’t See That Coming!

Didn’t See That Coming!

It is seen on the face of the competitor after scoring the winning goal in a championship game. It is expressed by an extrovert upon arriving at their surprise birthday party. It is shown in the unbidden tears on the cheeks of a bridegroom looking back and seeing his...
No Need to Rush

No Need to Rush

I’m fascinated by those who are skilled at fine crafts. I recently heard of a man who lives alone up in the hills of Virginia, off-the-grid, and barefoot most of the time, who is an artisan who handcrafts top-quality, hammered dulcimers. Not long ago, in a shop, I saw...
A Piano Man Speaks

A Piano Man Speaks

Mrs. Mullin’s assignment for my practicing piano progressed from 20 minutes a day to 30, then 45, then 60 over the 5 years I went to her for lessons.  After several years away from lessons, and now a piano major in college, Dr. Mead’s practice assignment was 3 hours a...
Invitation? What invitation?

Invitation? What invitation?

For the visit of French friends years ago, we made reservations at a Colonial Tavern in town. On arrival, the hostess directed us to the cellar with its round, vaulted stone ceilings. It quickly gave the period ‘feel’ that was intended. We were seated at a large,...
Do you smell what I smell?

Do you smell what I smell?

In an office where I once worked, the purchasing agent refused to see sales reps in the afternoon, because he couldn’t abide the essence of garlic oozing from their pores if they had eaten some at lunch. Coming inside after sitting around a campfire enjoying s’mores,...