Category Archives: Uncategorized

In Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Romans, I was struck by the observation that the twelfth chapters of these books talk about the body of Christ, meaning the church. Twelve disciples, twelve tribes. Hmmmm.. It’s only coincidence, because Paul … Continue reading →

“Here, O Lord, Your Servants Gather,” a hymn celebrating Christian unity, comes to us from Japan. In Japanese: Sekai no tomo to te o tsunagi. The hymn was written in Japanese by a Methodist pastor, Tokuo Yamaguichi.  (1900-1995)  It was composed … Continue reading →

Jesus chose His disciples.  Each of them different.  Each with their own life in progress: work, families, some healthy, some troubled, some with “issues.”  They were a “hand chosen” group of soon to be followers of our Lord. I like to think, our … Continue reading →

If you served in the military since 1910 or were a student in the last 30+ years, you know the weight of backpacks. Many of you were in the military. The backpack, knapsack or rucksack or many other names they … Continue reading →

Last night, Rich and I joined some church members to serve dinner to the residents of the local Dismas House. We enjoyed a homemade meal of chili, cornbread, salad, brownies, and ice cream. It was a delicious feast.  If you … Continue reading →

Today commemorates Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), an influential Cistercian Abbot who I find at times inspiring and other times appalling.  He was the son a Burgundian nobleman who at age 25 joined the new reformed monastic order of the Cistercians. … Continue reading →

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were creations of Walt Disney. Can you name the Dwarfs? Bashful, Sneezy, Sleepy, Dopey, Happy, Doc and Grumpy. Speaking for myself, I believe I would struggle to be around Grumpy all the time. Have … Continue reading →

Navy men really had a “bro code”. Here’s an example. If a guy was being an annoying wise acre, one would say to another, “take care of my lightwork, wouldya?” Meaning, the annoying wise acre isn’t worth my time. When … Continue reading →

“To be your presence is our mission here.”  Oh yes, this is the mission of our congregation, of our larger church body, and of Christians throughout the world.  It’s also a thoughtful and beautiful hymn. Who is the composer of … Continue reading →

Have you heard that expression, “That was a piece of cake?” Do you think that applies to your life? Has your life, up to this point, been easy as a so called, piece of cake?  Easy? Smooth sailing? No bumps in … Continue reading →