Many children’s stories opened up with the phrase, “Once upon a time…”. When I was a child, the old timers started many of their stories with, “When I was a boy…”. It was the men in Liberty overalls form of “Once upon a time…” Now, I am probably labeled an old timer by most even though I don’t wear overalls.
Continue reading “Once Upon a Time…”Some Thoughts About The Journey
I just received my fourth passport in the mail, and it sparked a little reflection. Most of you know that passports are valid for ten years. I received my first passport in 1991 and have kept them current since then. My new slick and shiny passport will expire in 2031 and I will be 76 years old. Hence the reflection…
Continue reading “Some Thoughts About The Journey”Root Causes
Philosophers, sociologists, theologians, and politicians have had their turn at explaining why we have problems and how to fix them. It is ironic that simultaneously some want to blame one problem on root causes while avoiding the root causes of others. Many problems have a beginning with some standard that was either twisted, ignored, or outright transgressed.
Continue reading “Root Causes”Simple Pleasures
Some folks just don’t know how to be happy! They chase a dream that is just beyond their grasp and are blind to the blessings in their hand.
Continue reading “Simple Pleasures”Overcoming Evil
A lingering question is asked these days given the situation we see in our world, “What can we do?” It is an earthly question with a spiritual answer. Much of what people see as a cultural shift, political upheaval, or religious persecution is a spiritual manifestation.
Continue reading “Overcoming Evil”The Broken Among the Broken
My mother grew up during the Great Depression in a sharecropper’s family. I remember her saying that she did not think of herself as being poor because just about everyone she knew was in the same situation.
We live in a very broken world, but we have adjusted our eyes to the darkness and call it normal.
Continue reading “The Broken Among the Broken”Journey Update: March 2021
One of my favorite mission scriptures is Mark 16:15 (NKJV) where Jesus told His disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” He left no place untouched and left no one out—His Gospel is to all the world and to every person. The word “creature” in this scripture is not a demeaning term but speaks to the original formation of the being. The world divides men into races, politics, football teams, classes, etc., but God sees all people as the original formation who were created to be in a personal relationship with Himself.
Continue reading “Journey Update: March 2021”Alone
I have travelled long distances alone. I am not saying it is a preferred way to travel but not an unpleasant experience as some may think. There is joy and comfort with traveling partners or family but being alone has some pluses also. I love being with people but sometimes I need a little solitude. I can be quite comfortable being alone.
Continue reading “Alone”KISS (Keep It Simple Saints)
Yeah, I Christianized the acrostic a little. Most of us have heard of the acrostic KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid), so my modified version is a little less offensive.
Human beings can complicate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Sometimes we just need to get two pieces of white bread, smear some PB&J on it and go with it.
Continue reading “KISS (Keep It Simple Saints)”Words Matter!
I was a juror in a civil case many years ago. A woman was suing the family of a teenage driver in a traffic accident for damages. I have forgotten many of the details, but I will never forget one moment in the trial.
Continue reading “Words Matter!”
