Blog

When the East Wing of the White House was torn down without the approval or foreknowledge of the Commission of Fine Arts, an independent federal agency that would have reviewed the proposed project plans, were they submitted, it was a national and personal trauma. Many were shocked that the President would destroy the East Wing without going through proper channels. The President quickly fired the Commission of Fine Arts, assuring they could not interfere with his plans. There was collective...

Saint Francis of Assisi Day

Blessings for a wonderful day and week. Yesterday was one of those days. I try to get my animals out to a blessing of the animals service during the first week of October. I remember how much those services meant to me during the last years of my beautiful animals who have passed on. At any rate, I knew it would be a challenge this year with Lady (the first part of the name was tethered more in hope than reality) Naomi Ruth. She did not disappoint.

We went by the...

Sometimes what seems like the end of the road is really just a new beginning.

Mama Dog, as she was known then, had her babies the day after the city picked her up. Someone kindly called in and reported dogs fighting in the street, probably for food. One dog,, the caller mentioned, looked pregnant. The next day, Mama had her puppies, refusing to let anyone near her. How could she trust them, or anybody for that matter? Mama Dog’s life had been less than ideal, and she had every reason to be...

I am not sure how I first became aware of Dr. Claude Mariottini, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament at Northern Baptist Seminary. He was born in Brazil and has an impressive resume, but what caught my attention was “The love of the text” that shines through when I read his blogs and other writings. Outstanding teachers love their content and count it a sacred task to share those truths with others. He reminds me so much of my own Old Testament instructor, Dr. Briggs, who faithfully shared...

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a horrible tragedy, first and foremost for his wife, children and loved ones but also Turning Point USA and his large following. He was a charismatic leader, a young man in the Rush Limbaugh tradition who thrived on controversy and gave voice to many young people within the conservative movement. His death is not only a tragedy for those who subscribed to his political views but for anyone who really cares about freedom and justice.

There should have...

In this life, it is absolutely essential that we learn the power of laughter. If we don’t learn to laugh, we will doubtless spend more of our lives than necessary with tear-filled eyes. There is always a reason to feel discouraged, but with God there are even more reasons to feel encouraged and hopeful.

A dear friend shared the story of a slip and fall that turned comical. She was leaving an office building with her family through a back door. They moved ahead, and she was taking a little...

Who knew there was a day dedicated to forgiveness?

Maybe you knew, but I didn’t. It turns out September 1 is National Forgiveness Day. Like many others, I had to think about it for a moment, and then I realized that this might just be a good idea. Just a few days ago I told a friend, “Let it go,” when she shared an event from her past that continues to cause her pain years after the actual event. I was not being heartless, but for some time I have been aware of the shadow of past pain that...

Flags, parades, and Uncle Sam. It can only mean one thing: it is time to celebrate the 4th of July. If you're an American, this is a very special day and deserves a very special celebration. I have always loved the fact that in cities and town from New York City to Gahanna, Ohio you can count on high school bands, mayors and local beauty contestants to all march (or wave from a convertible) their down main street.

It is tradition. It is collective joy. It is America.

This year I am going to...

Many churches have seen a downturn in attendance and Sunday School in particular. People are busy trying to catch up on sleep or just trying to get in a little family time on Sunday. Most of all, Sunday School seems so 1990. You remember buses everywhere, contests, and BIG Sunday Schools all over the place. This is, well,2025, and it is so different…right? Well, kind of, but not really.

Things are changing but the funny thing is people still have the same basic needs they had 1,000 years ago....

A friend told me the story of why he entered Bible School. His youth, talent, and impressive oratorical and spiritual gifts captivated people. He felt the call of God in his life. One senior pastor, who he respected, didn’t seem as taken as some others. Instead of telling him how talented he was, this minister kept encouraging him to go to Bible School. Why did he need to go? He could move the crowd with his singing and preaching. People loved to hear him. He could turn the house out. The...

We are entering a new year and it is bursting with surprises. Many of us have faced down discouragement and illness to get to this point. Some of us have seen some moments where we were not sure we would be at the door of another day, or even another moment but here we are about to enter 2025. In traditional churches congregants frequently greet the new year on their knees in prayer. I have been thinking about that a lot lately. The prayer is filled with thanks and gratitude but also with...

Well, the obvious question is, what is Destination Education (DE). To be honest I am not sure when the term popped into my mind but it felt right. We are all headed somewhere for some reason. We have goals, ambitions, hopes and dreams. This one-time adventure, this unique ride, our life here on this earth is our chance to do….what again? Life and eternity are intertwined and for people of faith it is essential to line up one’s life activities with one’s destiny, the ultimate purpose....