Wendell Berry beautifully writes in How to be a Poet; Breathe with unconditional breath the unconditioned air. Shun electric wire. Communicate slowly. Live a three-dimensioned life; stay away from screens. Stay away from anything that obscures the place it is in. There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places. The Bible opens with the story of God intentionally planting humanity … Continue reading Only sacred places.
I responded to a prompt over at vocal media and penned my first short story. As with most of what I write you might pick up on some biblical influences. I tried to image what might happen if an estranged son returned to his home town to claim the inheritance left by his recently deceased … Continue reading My first short story…
Movies and television are by far the most popular form of entertainment today, and last night The Hollywood Foreign Press Association handed out its Golden Globes for entertainment excellence. The HFPA is currently facing justified scrutiny for lack of diversity among its membership, and the show last night reflected this need for change, as presenters and … Continue reading The Golden Globes and the Gospel.
Several years ago, I posted this question on my facebook page: “For my friends who don't attend church anywhere or did attend and have stopped, if you are willing to participate and be honest, I'd like to know why? You won't receive any judgment or even a response from me unless you request one. I believe … Continue reading The sad reasons some are losing respect for the Church, and what we should do about it.
Occasionally sleep escapes me. Then when I do sleep, my rest is interrupted by dreams. Not that all dreams are an interruption, many of them are welcomed. Most of my life has been spent standing behind a pulpit or a lectern, so it is only natural that many of my dreaming experiences likewise include these … Continue reading Confident of completion
If you are like me, there is a constant need for guided direction and leadership in our lives, especially when we find ourselves in transitional moments or extended seasons of change. This is perhaps most profoundly true in understanding how our financial choices impact our present and future happiness as defined by financial security. Even … Continue reading Getting to where you want to go.
Some thoughts on the book of Job, in response to a friend's question. It is a troubling book. Depending on the perspective of the reader it may be comforting, but at the same time it raises many questions. Many scholars agree that it was the first book of Scripture written, pre-dating the writing of Genesis. … Continue reading The troubling book of Job.
Rush Limbaugh, the bombastic radio talk show host is dead at 70 from lung cancer. I started listening to Rush Limbaugh on the radio in 1991. I listened religiously, as I have long been fascinated with radio and its influence in our society. Rush and I parted ways after the election of Barak Obama, as … Continue reading My complicated relationship with Rush Limbaugh.
My nephew recently encouraged me to write "whatever God was speaking to me about" unless he added "that ceased with the book of Revelation." I certainly understand his question and concerns, and I think it is one that many people share today. There are many charlatans who claim "Thus saith the Lord" when in fact … Continue reading God whispers…
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.—Galatians 5:6 Marilynne Robinson writes, "To be useful was the best thing the old men ever hoped for themselves, and to be aimless was their worst fear." It is an unusually cold February day here in Oklahoma. It is the 16th, my wedding anniversary. Today … Continue reading The only thing that counts.
