Advent is a time of preparation. It is the four weeks leading up to Christmas and the anticipation of the coming of Jesus into the world. Candles are used to symbolize this journey. The first candle is the Prophecy or Hope candle. Typically a purple candle, it is in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, […]
It seems that bells aren’t used as much anymore. I remember the long rope to the bell tower and the deep “tong” would toll, announcing the church service was beginning. Not sure if its real purpose was a shaming technique – hey sleepy heads, you missed church again. Town squares used to have chimes that […]
This past week, as we have gotten closer to Thanksgiving, there have been conversations about eating and favorites. Turkey, green-bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and pie are always high on my “looking forward to eating” list. When I think back to my childhood, our regular meals were pretty modest. Growing up as a preacher’s kid, I […]
James 3: 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. First of all, if you want to read a challenging book in the Bible, pick James. It’s a letter written by the half-brother of Jesus, who didn’t believe his […]
We were able to travel to southeast Utah and visited a couple national parks with unique and beautiful rock formations. The topography of the area is so unusual and breath-taking. As we were walking trails and observing various rock structures, we came upon many gnarly pine trees. Later I found out these were Utah juniper […]
I was an elementary school principal in a lower income school. When winter time rolled around, we were always aware and concerned about kids that came under-dressed. Many students came without gloves and hats, but an amazing number of kids came without winter coats or coats heavy enough to keep the cold away. One particularly […]
Over the summer, I have been on a preaching and book tour. It’s been fun to be in a number of churches, to talk about my book Simply Grace and, because I donate all the funds from preaching and the book, to be able to financially help our ministry in Haiti. This past Sunday, I […]
I’ve always loved sugar cookies. Simple sugar cookies. I like black coffee. Don’t need sugar or mocha or words that include frappe or chino. My clothes aren’t flashy. Just ask my daughters-in-law and kids. Prefer my windows down instead of air conditioning. Don’t believe in car starters. I can watch waves roll in or enjoy […]
Fifty years ago, we were at a camp somewhere in Wisconsin. Probably thirty people were glued to a 12 inch, black and white TV. Seriously, twelve inches. Smaller than most people’s computer screens. Seriously thirty people. At least. Seriously, black and white TV. Google it. We were watching Neil Armstrong bounce down a ladder to […]
My granddaughter discovered Fused Bead kits. They are little, colored, plastic cylinders that you place on peg boards. After your design is finished, you fuse them together with a hot iron. She knows I like baseball so created a baseball design for me that I use as a coaster. Other common patterns are hearts and […]