Monthly Archives: March 2020

“Lights on for safety.” “Make sure that safety (on the gun) is on.” Safety training in my Navy days, seemingly every week. “Let’s get back to making music.” Money-wise, it’s a safety net, or a “golden parachute.” We need to … Continue reading →

Coronavirus, pandemic, self-isolation, social distancing – a month ago these were unfamiliar terms.  Now they are a major part of our very existence.  These are difficult times for all of us.  We are anxious about the anticipated unknown.   Our level … Continue reading →

Elizabeth Barrett Browning gave us these words in one of her famous poems.  Love can bring out the poet in us, as that emotion stirs within. In Greek (the language of the New Testament), there are several words for love.  C. S. … Continue reading →

The past week had been a bit jarring for me as I worried and obsessed about news I had received.  In my mind I convinced myself I was letting the Lord handle it and remind me that I was not … Continue reading →

Keep in touch – easy to say – more difficult to do.  Even in the calmest of times, keeping in touch with friends and relatives takes purposeful action on both sides.  Right now, we are being asked not to touch.  … Continue reading →

The Bible contains a number of imprecatory or cursing psalms. The Lutheran lectionary carefully skips verses with curses in them. Here’s a sample of one in which the psalmist prays for God to curse his enemies. “Let their table be … Continue reading →

Like most churches, Joy Lutheran has stopped having public worship services during the Corona crisis.  Pastor Art, however, held a live online service that was accessible through Facebook.  Paulette has a Facebook account, and we were able be a part … Continue reading →

We are deeply into a global pandemic. Consumed, obsessed, we wonder when it will end. How do we quantify “the long haul”? Weeks, or months yet? What of Easter? Maybe we should stick to our Lenten discipline. Ponder how God … Continue reading →

How often I have slid down the slippery slope of pride.  It’s so easy.   In our thinking we lift ourselves up, by putting others down. “I” would never say a thing like . . . “I” would never be as … Continue reading →

Ah, the teacher in me has said those words many times in my career. I set up procedures for my students to follow (different from rules because rules have consequences).  Procedures are just “steps” to make learning and my classroom operate … Continue reading →