Disconcerting is the only word for it. This past Sunday was a fine, relaxing, normal day out here in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Well, not exactly normal. My wife, Marilyn, was away up north visiting the grandkids, so I was alone taking care of the cats, chickens, birds, raccoons, squirrels, and deer. When I sloughed out of bed, made coffee, and glanced out the window, I saw a herd of white tail deer feeding in our front yard. The leader of the herd lifted its head and our eyes met. With a nod, she said they’d allow me… Continue reading

I suppose there’s some similarity between the photos of this past weekend’s downing of the Chinese Spy Balloon and that of the Challenger disaster. But, of course, there are no true similarities, and so any implied comparison is insensitive and shallow. I suppose there’s a chance this recent incident could be one more precursor to an eventual WW III with our Asian competitor. We all certainly hope not, but every day our leaders seem to be mindlessly leading our world in this direction—if not with China, with Russia, or North Korea, or all three. But I couldn’t help but notice… Continue reading

Saint Paul issued special warnings to the Christians at both Rome and Corinth. To the Romans he wrote: For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4) To the Corinthians he went into more detail: Now these things are warnings for us, not to desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to dance.” We must not indulge in immorality… Continue reading

Thirty-seven years ago this weekend, seven astronauts suffered a horrendous death as the space shuttle Challenger exploded in mid-air seventy-three seconds after takeoff. Almost anyone, at least in America, who was alive at that moment has the visual image of that explosion etched in our memories.  Where were you when it happened? I was just about to begin my first solo pastorate at a small country Presbyterian church. I was in my office preparing the notes for my first sermon to my new congregation. I paused to watched the television broadcast of the live launch from Cape Canaveral, and with… Continue reading

I’m a grandfather. I didn’t just become one—I’ve been one for eleven years. And I’ve got six wonderful grandchildren. Actually, I should say Marilyn and I are grandparents. Marilyn is the good grandparent, the cuddly one, the one to whom the grandchildren naturally gravitate. I’m the old grouchy guy in the corner. One of the things I’ve come to realize about myself after seventy years is that I’m just not naturally comfortable with children. I used to jokingly call young children “rugrats” or “ankle biters”, but it never struck me until I became a grandfather that these titles were for… Continue reading

Have you ever received a gift, that wasn’t, well, what you were expecting? Maybe it was a bit of a disappointment. Maybe you had your heart set on something else, or you had in your mind something a bit more appealing? Your taste buds were all set for something really, really sweet, only to discover it was sour or bland, spicy or hot! You said, “Thanks! I really…ah…appreciate it!” but your heart was saying, “Really? Seriously?!” And then the giver, noticing the deer-in-the-headlights look in your eyes or your awkward smile, says sheepishly, “Well, it’s the intention that matters.” Well,… Continue reading

Fred grew up in a small coastal New England town. Like most other New Englanders, Fred loved sea food. Though there were many sea food restaurants in his small town, from the time he had his first taste of Cod, he and his family were devoted customers of Abrezzi’s Fish & Chips! Occasionally they might eat somewhere else, if invited by a friend who was buying, but otherwise, it was always and only Abrezzi’s.  And, of course, they would never even set foot in Petra’s Fish & Chips! Fred didn’t really know why—he grew up hearing lots of despicable rumors.… Continue reading