Parrothead Freedom

Tim Riter September 12, 2016

My wife and I lived in Newbury Park, next to Thousand Oaks, for six years until we returned to Temecula just over a year ago. After we moved, a science teacher at our former school and I had this Facebook discussion, just after a hike she took in the open country in Newbury.

Leilani: A flock of green parrots just flew by! Have a great day, birds!

Tim: We have a couple of escaped parrots who live in some tall eucalyptus trees about 100 ft. away. Love to watch them!

L: Parrots are very hardy (her science background came out here, and made this post): they are not invasive, and as long as they have food sources they will be fine. They can tolerate low temperatures, surprisingly....

T: They seem to...

Let God Be God

Tim Riter September 5, 2016

I first knew her as Peggy Yadon, from our church’s high school youth group. She now goes by Peggy Yadon Nilson, and told a story about how her grandson, Jack, announced the answer that has puzzled people for eons, “God only eats bologna sandwiches. Because he likes them.”I long ago accepted God’s deity, but have wondered about his diet for some time. Puzzle solved, thanks to a convinced four year old. But why does Jack have that confidence? His mom provided the answer, “That’s all Jack wants to eat,” so he created God in his own image.Don’t we all...

Blame or Own?

Tim Riter August 29, 2016

Jesus required an impossible goal for those who desire to follow him, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Most of us, usually, agree with that as a goal, even as we realize our flaws. The key for all of us—do we yearn to grow into more righteousness, perfection, or Christlikeness? A friend recently reminded me of that requirement, and what can cause us to fall far short.Imagine the ...

God's in Charge of Who's in Charge. Really

Tim Riter August 22, 2016

Maybe it’s time we all amp down our levels of anxiety about our 2016 Presidential race. Yes, the race is important—the American president holds more power and influence than any other individual. He or she will change history, have no doubt. And many of us have strong concerns about one or both of the major candidates. The latest Real Clear Politics summary has both Trump and Clinton at an unheard of 54% unfavorable rating. 75% of Americans dislike the direction of our country. But ...

Upside Down and Backwards

Tim Riter August 15, 2016

Do you struggle with God's desire that we be righteous, even as you face the reality of your fallenness? I've asked a good friend, Dan DeWitt, to be our guest columnist this week to explore that. I have been wanting to get rid of my lawnmower for several months now. It would cut the grass, but ...

It's Dad's Fault

Tim Riter August 8, 2016

On a solo Sierra trip, to a rarely fished section of Rock Creek well away from most fisherfolk, I spotted a likely spot through the brush that rimmed the wild trout section. I slipped between the willow branches and wild roses, drowned the night crawler a bit without a bite, and carefully backed out, trying not to snag my 9 ft. split bamboo fly rod, or the line, in a vicious branch or rose thorn. But the rod tip struck a branch, the rod flexed and line went all over, taking a good ten minutes to unsnag the mess. Muttering under my breath in frustration, I blamed...

Knowing When to Say When

Tim Riter August 1, 2016

We’ve all had a waitress refill our coffee cup with the line, “Say when,” meaning let me know when to stop pouring. No “when” and we get a lapful of hot coffee, so we learn to say “when.” And I’m slowly learning that “saying when” applies to more than coffee...

What a Mess!

Tim Riter July 25, 2016

So, who ya like for President? Or maybe the question should come out as, who ya dislike the least? Which is the lesser of two evils? If I recited all the problems facing our country, this post would grow into a book. But briefly, both candidates have earned a 58% disapproval rating. 75% of Americans don’t approve of our country’s direction. But even worse is...

Unconventional

Old Faith, New Following