Ride Free

Tim Riter July 13, 2015

Just after graduating from college, I worked long enough to buy a Honda 350 Scrambler motorcycle and to save a few bucks, and took off for Canada. My only objective: visit a former college roommate who had moved to Kamloops. No other plan, no watch, just a few maps and a little cash. The only time frame: return for the start of grad school in late August.

The primary road above, through the redwoods of northern California, saw a lot of detours. Every intriguing sign, every interesting side road, every wild hair changed the route. 10 states and 2 countries, 30 days and 6,000 miles, and my life changed

How Far Will You Follow His Will?

Tim Riter July 6, 2015

Since moving back to our hometown of Temecula three weeks ago, we’ve enjoyed savoring the flavors of local churches. Some pretty large, some pretty small, some in the middle, but the message today at Oakstone Community Church caused me to think. Quite a bit. The text began with 2 Timothy 1:1, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…” but then the pastor pointed out the difference from Paul’s first letter to Timothy, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the command of God…"

A change of just one word, but with...

Life--Relentless

Tim Riter June 29, 2015

Three days ago, the small tan clump in the foreground looked like the abundant and green tower of pampas grass in the background. Then two days ago, it got shaved to a significantly smaller “stump.” But by yesterday, it had begun to grow again. Look carefully, six inch pale green shoots demonstrate the relentlessness of life. I hope the generous application of Round Up will kill the roots, but several doses might be required. Why? Life persistently holds on and typically doesn’t give up easily. I suspect God intentionally ...

The Power of Yielding

Tim Riter June 22, 2015

Paradoxes comprise faith, and that continues to attract me—I like the concept of a God I can’t comprehend fully. Like Jesus’ statement, “if you save your life you’ll lose it.” Or, the tension between what we do and what God does in transforming us. I’ve battled that one. A lot...

Connecting

Tim Riter June 15, 2015

Many may not identify at first with my next statement, but work with me a bit, OK? I missed church the last two weeks. The pic above tells why I physically missed it. Six years ago we rented out our Temecula house and moved to Thousand Oaks for a job, planning on returning to our home of 21 years. Those six years of renters’ neglect transformed a nice house into one needing work. Just one example, the once-green bank became what you see above—barren and dead, except for an 8’ tall weed/tree, along with a broken fence. Interior issues were worse. So, the last two weeks I missed church to get the place ready to move back in. I realize some followers attend worship rarely or sporadically, and “miss” it more than I. But they may not miss it. Get it?

Here’s why I spiritually missed it, and why...

No Fear?

Tim Riter June 8, 2015

The year? 1974. The era? The Watergate frenzy peaked as people wondered if the Nixon presidency could survive the flood of revelations about the break in. Earlier in the day, I finagled a private tour of the Rhode Island State Capitol to see its charter—the first American colony to have full religious liberty, signed by the King of England himself.

As I looked at the charter in a back room, the nearby telex chattered—Nixon scheduled a major address that evening, called Vice President Gerald Ford back to DC, and reportedly would resign. In early evening I rode the Honda into Groton CN not long before the speech, and spotted “The Grotto,” a long, low bar. One that had a TV. Free. A wall separated the dark bar from the entry, so I turned right and peered inside. Kind of a redneck crowd, where a long-haired hippie biker might not be welcome.

So...

Transitions

Tim Riter June 2, 2015

That barren pic above is my classroom, after the final group of students has gone, with most of the decorations removed. My room for six years; my school for eight. Just last week while writing an in class essay, one student saw me taking out the guts of the notebooks for the classes I’ve taught and said, “Mr. Riter, that’s so sad. Your life’s work going in the trash.”

Counter Cultural--At Last

Tim Riter May 25, 2015

The role of faith in American culture is changing. Swiftly and strongly. A recent Pew poll revealed that in 2007, 78.4% of Americans identified themselves as Christian. For 2015, that number dropped to 70.6%, or about 1% each year. Court rulings have powered gay marriage being viewed positively by a majority of Americans, mostly in just the last five years. In a Facebook discussion, a friend from high school days stated that I, a minister who provides Christian weddings, should be required to marry gay couples who ask for my services.

Where are we heading?

Unconventional

Old Faith, New Following