(ROCKWALL, TX — January 29, 2018) Folks often ask me why I say “bless” so often. I even have a plaque a friend gave me that says, “Bless”. I suppose I say it because I am blessed. Blessed to know you. Blessed to have kids that love me. Blessed to have 47 years of forgiveness […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — January 22, 2018) Have you heard of the weeping prophet, Jeremiah? I suppose since I heard back from so many self-described Pollyannas last week, that I should give some time to the lamentators in our lives… those that rehearse the difficulties of life, reminding us of the darker side of life. (I’m […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — January 8, 2018) I told someone last week that one of the greatest gifts you can give your children is to make your own funeral arrangements! Some might think that’s rather morbid, but as a Chaplain, I’ve seen many things that revolve around the death of a loved one; the emotion, the […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — January 5, 2018) In the handful of days before New Year’s, I’ve written a novel, taken up fly-fishing, and I’m presently becoming an elk hunter. Yes, that’s a bit of exaggeration, but each of those bucket-listers started as a resolution. I’m a list-nerd, a goal-monger, a resolution-junkie, you could say. Each year […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — January 1, 2018) Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus are all put away. Even the Santa Clauses, snowmen, silk poinsettias and greenery are stowed ‘til after Thanksgiving ’18. I get melancholy when I put all those things away. Most of the doodahs (that’s what my family calls them. They are sometimes referred […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — December 25, 2017) Have you ever heard the phrase, gilding the lily? It’s a term that comes to my mind often, especially when I’m decorating for Christmas. My mantel or my dining room table can always stand up under one more bit of bling, something sparkly and reflective. It’s hard to guild […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — December 22, 2017) We have all heard the negative reports from across our land of instances where the Christmas Season is assailed, and it seems that all the Grinches of Christmas ban together each year in one voice to shout down the traditions of Christmas. Yes, we know the crazy stories of […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — December 18, 2017) Have you noticed the characters in Christmas? We have romanticized the sights and smells, but I think the reality of the scene needs to be re-noticed. Yes, there are angels and glory, awe and surprise, but there is also fear and isolation. Jesus was not born in a palace. […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — December 11, 2017) Have you ever heard of Thankmas? We have friends who celebrate Christmas at Thanksgiving. They’re better parents & in-laws than we are. They get together with their kids at Thanksgiving allowing the in-laws the blessing of having them at Christmas. I was reminded of this when I received the […]
(ROCKWALL, TX — December 7, 2017) The chili simmered on the Coleman stove as I tiptoed around so not to kick dirt in it while gathering wood for a fire. Freezing temperatures neared, and I knew Ireland and I would need to start a toasty campfire before slipping into our sleeping bags. The solar power […]