So, right off the bat, November has a little something for almost everyone: an extra hour of sleep! (My apologies to those with small children and pets who are unclear on the concepts of time . . . and sleep.) Twice a year people start talking about abolishing Day Light Saving Time. They say it…
Category: A Faith in Process
Notes from the Journey
An Attitude of Gratitude
There is Thanksgiving Day. But what about a Thanksgiving Month? I like to use November to remember, count, and celebrate my blessings. To be honest, 30 days is not enough time to remember all that I have been given. It is not enough to remember all the ways I have been protected and loved. But…
Halloween: Did You Know?
The word Halloween or Hallowe’en dates to about 1745 and is of Christian origin. The word “Hallowe’en” is a contraction of “All Hallows’ Eve” (meaning the evening before All Hallows’ or All Saints’ Day). Although the phrase “All Hallows’” is found in Old English, “All Hallows’ Eve” is itself not seen until 1556. Here are…
A Black Cat Crossing Your Path…
… means that the cat is going somewhere.
Furry Escape Artist
Life went on quite smoothly for some time, and we were again lulled into a false sense of security. It was then that Missy discovered that she could climb up the wood pile and get over the fence. Frantic hunts ensued, with humans calling her name and trespassing through neighbors’ yards. Sometimes Missy would answer…
Then They Met Jesus…
(adapted from monologues written in 1992 as sermon illustrations) The Rich Young Ruler His clothes are of the finest cloth. His posture is noble. He is clearly “somebody.” And yet, when he looks at you, he betrays no pride or arrogance. (Well, maybe a little. He is, after all, very young.) He speaks. ‘I am…
What FDR Really Meant:
Then They Met Jesus …
(adapted from monologues written in 1992 as sermon illustrations) Simon Peter He pauses in the hot sun as he kneels on the shore by his net and squints up at you. You are surprised by his size when he stands up. As he speaks, his eyes roam over the scene: the boats, the lake, the…
A Prayer
“Dear Lord,be good to me. The sea is so wide and my boat is so small.” Irish Fisherman’s Prayer But now the Lord who created you, O Israel, says: Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I…
Jack o’ lantern
A jack-o’-lantern is a carved pumpkin, turnip, or other root vegetable lantern associated with Halloween. Its name comes from the phenomenon of a strange light flickering over peat bogs, called will-o’-the-wisp or jack-o’-lantern. The name is also tied to the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a drunkard who bargains with Satan and is doomed to…