Monthly Archives: July 2023

As a kid, I remember that the end of July marked the halfway point in our summer vacation from school.  The summer that seemed endless when school got out in June was now limited to one more month, August.  The … Continue reading →

        Do you wear braids or have you ever braided someone else’s hair into a braid? Perhaps you have braided yarn or string for a project you have created. You might be a horse owner and have braided its mane or … Continue reading →

For the most part, I am an optimistic, happy person. Sometimes however, I catch myself falling into the grip of negativity. I know other people do as well and I know it is not healthy physically or mentally. I think … Continue reading →

This Sunday’s Old Testament reading told the story of Jacob’s flight from his brother Esau (Genesis 28:10-19a). When the sun set, Jacob found a comfortable rock and went to sleep for the night. While sleeping, he had a dream. In … Continue reading →

Like most Lutheran kids, I memorized Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Although most people quickly forgot what they had learned from the Small Catechism, it’s still stuck in my mind. I’ve long advocated that people review the Catechism from time to time. It was meant for … Continue reading →

Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seems to go right or all the news you get is bad?  I had one of those day the other day.  It got so when the phone rang, my first … Continue reading →

Along with love, it’s what the world needs now. When we look at what the world “deals” in, it’s everything antithetical to hope. Take your pick: negative vibes, divisive politics, false idols, creature comforts, self-centeredness, expressing hate with guns, social … Continue reading →

In July I celebrate the birthday of a dear, dear friend of mine.  We met in kindergarten where we discovered we shared the name “Judy.”  We soon learned our birthdays were only 5 days apart!  Friendship at five is fairly … Continue reading →

        My dad was in the Army Air Corps (before Air Force) during WWII.  He was issued a devotional booklet along with all his gear. (He reached the rank of Captain, was a cryptographer, and deployed to Iwo Jima.)  Dad had a very … Continue reading →

Relationships are funny things. Some last a life time and some last a few days.  I have long term relationships with friends I have known for my entire life and I have had some relationships that lasted less than a … Continue reading →