Mix It Up

Tim Riter June 8, 2020

Leilani Strong Smith, a very good friend, writer, artist, and educator recently put this painting and text on her blog “Godhead Here in Hiding.”

“Most of the oil paints I use are made from minerals that give the paints its characteristic colors. The child-like thrill I feel when I squeeze the paint from the tube onto the palette is visceral. But my highest joy comes from mixing the bold colors together. I can dull the color or brighten a color, depending on what paints I mix. From the mixing of any two colors many more colors can be made! Sometimes I am surprised by the color produced, and sometimes I can predict what colors will be created.

When I paint, I am reminded that God does not want a mixing of…

Friends With Benefits

Tim Riter June 1, 2020

Friends with benefits. This common term describes “a friend with whom one has sex without a romantic relationship or commitment” (dictionary.com). But you already knew that, right? And while the term is fairly recent, it’s gone by a number of names for quite some time. I’m sure you already know them. But don’t expect…

No Whining

Tim Riter May 25, 2020

I understand how many Christians have genuine concerns for our changing culture, where we’ve abandoned the Judeo/Christian ethic. I share that. But perhaps we should tweak our attitudes in how we respond. A friend on FB recently mentioned a post on spiritual matters that was deleted by the FB “Powers That Be.” A flood…

Challenge Yourself

Tim Riter May 18, 2020

Paul the apostle implied we need to challenge our limits, “…become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants…Instead…we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:13-15). Growth is normal when following Jesus, but we can’t grow when we’re content with mediocrity, when we cling to our current state. So we push our limits. Move beyond…

Go Slow

Tim Riter May 11, 2020

Remember the title a few weeks ago for a post “Start Hard?” Now it’s “Go Slow.” This apparent contradiction doesn’t necessarily express early onset dementia, but reflects the complexity and paradoxes of life. In setting up the coffee pot for the next AM, I fill the pot and pour it into the reservoir. I’ve learned to start the flow slowly, but once established, I can gush it in, like the pic. Without spilling. But starting fast would…

Jump into the Flames

Tim Riter May 4, 2020

God and I have an unusual approach/avoidance issue. I love him and am drawn to him, yet simultaneously draw back. I see the threat he represents to my complacency and self will, and resist those changes. Ironically, unless I resolve that paradox, I’ll be torn, stuck in the middle, and will never receive the best he offers. Worst of all, I know that. Deeply…

Try the Unexpected

Tim Riter April 27, 2020

We purchased this Hoover vacuum over 25 years back, when just about all our floors had carpeting. So it got a lot of use, with only a few minor repairs. One of those occurred last week, when the rubber drive belt connecting the shaft to the roller shredded itself. Wearing an N95 COVID mask, I picked up a new belt at a local store, and utterly failed to get the new one on. Before, I’d slide out the roller, put the belt on it, then use a screwdriver to pull the belt onto the shaft. Well, either the rubber is more stiff than before, or my hand strength isn’t quite what it was. Assume…

Start Hard--Iron Butt 1

Tim Riter April 20, 2020

Some ideas, like fine wines, require time to mature, to age, to get ready to go public. Back in 2018, I attempted an Iron Butt Ride, over 1,000 miles on 2 wheels under 24 hours, at the age of 70. Those experiences spent some time simmering, and will be shared once each month for a bit. The plan: to jump on I-15 and head north to Dillon MT, 1,080 miles north.

Unconventional

Old Faith, New Following