Perseverance
Persevere – now that’s a word that many of us may strive to do and would like to say we can do, yet often fall short of doing. To persevere is to continue firmly, perhaps even obstinately, in a course … Continue reading →
Gardening Is for Sissies Too
Last week I was surprised when a woman, whom I consider to be a real gardening pro, said: “No matter how hard or how long I work, or how loyally I read the how-to-garden manuals or go to the extension … Continue reading →
My One Room Schoolhouse
When I opened my mailbox the other day, I could hardly believe my eyes. There was a letter from Mrs. Pearl Focken, my first teacher – ever. She had seen an article in one of the local Nebraska papers about … Continue reading →
Post 4th of July Thoughts
It just doesn’t seem possible that another Independence Day has been celebrated and is finished – already almost vanished from our memory. For most of us, the 4th of July is a day of festivities, of get-togethers with family and … Continue reading →
Remembering Adam (1981-2011)
On June 11, 2011, Adam, an intelligent, handsome, energetic young man, left this universe near Herbert Glacier in Alaska in a tragic hiking accident. He was a special friend, a generous person, a great dancer, a good listener, and someone … Continue reading →
Going Home – Part 2
In my last blog I wrote about the excitement of returning to my little town Clatonia, Nebraska to lead a workshop and preach (see June 1, 2012 blog). Sometimes our remembrances or our expectations of a place can be much … Continue reading →
Going Home
When this blog is posted on June 1, I will be in my hometown of Clatonia, Nebraska leading a workshop and preaching in the tiny little Methodist Church where my grandparents, my father, and my sister and I were baptized … Continue reading →
Taking Sabbath
A friend of mine recently told me, ‘Life feels like a fast-moving treadmill for me. I’m involved in far too many activities. I have too many problems and concerns to look after. I know I am too busy.’ Unfortunately when … Continue reading →
So Who is Family?
From time to time I’ve thought about what Jesus said when someone told him that his mother and brothers were outside waiting to speak to him. “So who are my mother and brothers?” he asked. And then he answered his … Continue reading →
Life’s Gifts
Every now and then a special gift happens to us – a kind of miracle that brings so much joy and happiness to our lives. That gift happened at my church, the huge Cathedral of St. John the Divine in … Continue reading →