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, […]
I have been in fundraising for almost twenty years. During this time, I have witnessed incredible generosity. The ones that have impressed me the most have not been the large gifts, but the sacrificial gifts. Now fundraising success depends on large, transformative gifts. But the individuals that make those gifts often have the financial backing […]
I visited my uncle who is a meticulous woodworker. He has built an impressive number of projects and his craftsmanship is amazing. He has built pretty much anything that can be made of wood and many items have been given away to churches, for fundraisers, and to family. What he does with woodgrain, seams, and […]
I work for an organization that has provided loans and scholarships to United Methodist students for over 150 years. Recently, the office sent me some folders to look through. Most were inquiries and response letters from the 1960’s related to peoples’ interest in providing will or estate gifts to support these students. A couple things […]
I’ve always been an anonymous guy. That gifts, whenever possible, should be given without personal recognition. When you give to others, they should not know the giver. If I’m completely honest, I’ve probably been a little self-righteous about it all. I serve on the board for The Community Outreach, an organization that provides financial assistance, […]
Edited version published in Upper Room – Nov 14, 2007 http://devotional.upperroom.org/devotionals/2007-11-14 A few years ago I was traveling and decided to attend a minor league baseball game. Paging through the program I noticed one of the ads was signed by a ball player. In the third inning it was announced that signature made me the […]
I am not going to claim that my wife and I share in the housework 50/50, but I do try to help. I’ve been known to do dishes, vacuum, make the bed, help with the laundry, and outside yard work is basically my responsibility. What has always amazed me is that when I clean a […]
When I was a kid I had a Sunday paper route which, for the most part, I really enjoyed. I liked walking around in the quiet morning before most people were awake. But one of my fondest memories was on really cold, snowy days dad would pick up my brother and me and we’d go […]