The First Century followers of Jesus faced some hard days. One of their number had been stoned, and after Stephen was killed, it seemed a rage poured out against all who called themselves members of The Way. The book of Acts says a great persecution broke out against the church. Then a moving verse follows: … More The Scattered
Too much of a good thing can wear you down. We’ve had a lot of rain lately in my area of the world, and I’m ready for a reprieve. I say that as I sit in my warm, dry house, protected from the elements. Who am I to complain? My mind moves to others who … More Rain on the Righteous
I have a vivid memory from my childhood, and it’s not a pretty one. While I don’t remember what prompted the outburst, I had a temper-tantrum in my mother’s presence and told her, “I’m tired of being good! It’s too hard!” I was obviously exasperated about something, and my parents’ guidance on good behavior had … More It takes effort
I was supposed to have a meeting at 5 p.m. and then rush to ESL class before 6:30, but I couldn’t figure out why no one was showing up for the meeting. Then I realized — it’s Valentine’s Day. They must have rescheduled and didn’t tell me. So, I had time to go home, feed … More This is Love
It’s been a day of contrasts. Much of my morning was spent with police officers and an unruly patron. My lunch was with a dear friend over tomato soup and quiche. My afternoon was caught up again with some of our regular patrons and a complaint aimed at a colleague, while my dinner was spent … More For and Against
I had a birthday last month which had me thinking about life, years, and, to be honest, mortality. Nothing like a birthday to give you a reality check. If birthdays haven’t done that for you, then you’re not old enough. Just sayin’. I am using Christmas and birthday cards this year to pray for the … More Counting Life
When I say the phrase “theme song,” what comes to mind? Maybe the tune to your favorite TV show or movie, or the song that is shared by you and your spouse? A theme song is like a brand — it defines and brings recognition to something or someone. The great songwriter David wrote in … More My theme song
I know when I write this question, people will interpret it in polar opposite ways, but I’m willing to take the chance. In 1933, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote to his grandmother: The question is really: Christianity or Germanism? And the sooner the conflict is revealed in the clear light of day the better.* So, I sit … More The Question
Reading biographies and books on history not only remind us that there is nothing new under the sun, but helps us find courageous examples to follow in our present trying times. I find much to learn through the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who watched and lived through the Nazi rise to power in the 1930s … More Walk the Talk
It’s been a busy week of interviews at the library. With a couple of positions open, I’ve interviewed about eight different people. When I say different, I mean different, unique, interesting. You learn a lot about human nature when you ask the same question to more than one person. Each one brings their own background, … More Making an impression