Yes, social media can often come across as unsocial, or even anti, but it enables us to establish new relationships and rekindle some from earlier days. Facebook taught me a great spiritual lesson not long ago. Two good friends faced serious health issues at the same time, one with COVID, the other with cancer, and I asked if I could share their need on Facebook. The former agreed and wanted to stay anonymous, with good reason; John Prothero, the latter, allowed the use of his name and picture. At least ten times as many responded with an emoticon or comment for…
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Our Vast and Varied World
Pulling out of Temecula onto I-15 at 4 AM 2 years ago, I had one primary goal. To test myself, to push my limits, to see if at 70 I could repeat the feat done at 28: riding over 1,000 miles on 2 wheels in under 24 hours. Oh yeah, I had other goals, to meet Jerry in Butte as we hit 3 of the states I had not ridden in, and then to meet Mick and Brad and head to Banff. Dawn had not yet…Then serendipity struck…
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Grace Givers
Quite a few decades back, when Dad still lived and could fish his beloved Sierra streams, we pulled off to the side of the road about where the South Fork of Oak Creek joined the main stream. With the limit then at ten per day per person and having 14, we agreed we’d each just get three to stay safe and went off in different directions for an hour or so. I pulled in three nice ones early and kept fishing, planning on releasing any I caught. Yeah, next hole I landed the biggest yet. BUT…
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Understanding Faith and Trump
Last week’s post, “Understanding Pro-Life and Biden,” had a fine discussion. Some thought I suggested voting for Biden—not at all. The purpose of the post was to help us understand the critical need to understand those with different views on issues that the Bible does not directly address as required…But understanding goes in two directions and…This week I ask those who favor Biden, or disapprove of Trump because they are not the same, to strive to understand why Christians can vote for Trump. Turn about is fair play. Once more, I ask you to understand, not to agree.
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painting by Leilani Strong Smith
Mix It Up
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…
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Lean on Us
About a month ago, I had the honor of being on the faculty at the 50th Anniversary of the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, near Santa Cruz, CA. I taught two workshops, preached at the Palm Sunday worship, met with conferees and fellow faculty and editors. Yeah, hectic and rushed and crushed. But MH lies in the coastal redwoods with a canyon carved by Bean Creek and with ample trails. Strolling among the redwoods with a friend works well to restore a drained soul, and I took full advantage of it. On a trail on a steep hillside…
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Image and Headline from Canadian Press and Colin Perkel
Atheist Pastor Keeps Her Job
“Atheist Pastor Keeps Her Job” Fake news? Sadly no. The headline on cp24.com was all too true. Before a trial for heresy began, Rev. Gretta Vosper, the church she pastors in Toronto, and the denomination reached a settlement, leaving her free to pastor the church. The Right Rev. Richard Bott, head of the United Church in Canada, proclaimed his pleasure…
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