Monthly Archives: July 2025

I watched a video series that followed five Amish youth during their rumspringa in Great Britain. Rumspringa (running around) is a time in some Amish communities when older teens are allowed to experience the outside world before they decide if they will be baptized … Continue reading →

From Porgy and Bess, Gershwin shared, “Summertime and the living is easy…” Well, those of us in Florida, know that sometimes the oppressive heat of summer is NOT easy. If instead we focus on the warmth coming from within us, … Continue reading →

There is a lot of information out there. Cyberspace has an infinite number of factoids, data, websites and apps. It is mindboggling to say the least. We can feel overwhelmed, even guilty if we think about everything we’re missing. We … Continue reading →

I’m thinking about neighbors as I write this, because I’m expecting new neighbors today.  We’ve enjoyed two different couples in that home since we moved in, and I’m anxious to meet the new folks.  One thing that’s guaranteed, they’ll be … Continue reading →

Do you talk to yourself? It doesn’t have to be out loud, but our thoughts do jump around in our mind. It would be wonderful if all thoughts or self-conversations were always uplifting and positive. Alas, we are human.  We sin. … Continue reading →

I recently returned from a trip to Vermont. During this visit, we went on an outing to Mt.Washington which is in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the tallest point inthe northeast. We took a cog train to the … Continue reading →

A long time ago when I was a senior in high school, I went on a spiritual retreat with my classmates. It was a two-night sojourn at the Immaculata Retreat House which was located in Willimantic Connecticut for over 60 … Continue reading →

I might have done better as a pastor if I ever could have figured out how a person becomes a Christian. Yes, I know about Baptism. I am grateful that the Holy Spirit works in Baptism to make us part … Continue reading →

During my freshman year of college I took a baby programming course, and I remember (which is amazing, since it was the fall of 1961) the first assignment very well. The professor asked us to write detailed instructions for tying … Continue reading →

It’s an ongoing story, actually. God’s story, with a chapter that is played out every morning in Swenson Hall, where church work blends with a recovery meeting. Many of you reading this are members, so you know the particulars. You … Continue reading →