Consumption versus Creation

Hello from a hospital waiting room, Before you worry, it is not for me. I am visiting. It’s been a fabulous couple days weather wise, and the weekend predicts more of the same. It might be the nicest 4-5 day stretch I remember in a very long time. The nights have not required the AC,Continue reading “Consumption versus Creation”

What’s the Difference between Bravery and Courage?

Hello on a post 4th weekend, the semiquincentennial 4th, To say there had been a lot of energy and importance, excitement and pomp placed on this 4th would be a gargantuan understatement, but indeed though only 250 years, which is an incredibly short period of time in the history of human annals, it’s been anContinue reading “What’s the Difference between Bravery and Courage?”

Why Respect Matters

Hello from the diner, When I come to the diner today, I remember how this family establishment has become part of the collective memory of my time in Bloomsburg. There was a period where I was here most every morning and names like Dave, Doug, or Father Fennessy, seated at the left counter as youContinue reading “Why Respect Matters”

To Lament or To Learn

Hello from the micro-acre, The summer I did my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at St. Luke’s in my hometown of Sioux City, there was a lot on my plate. I had been diagnosed with what then was determined to be Ulcerative Colitis, I was on leave from the seminary, was planning a wedding at theContinue reading “To Lament or To Learn”

Innate Goodness: Possible or Not?

Hello from the Magee, The weekend was a bit lowkey, but I think I enjoy that much more than I did once upon a time. And yet in my solitude, my brain is constantly wondering about who we are as humans. One of my traveling friends, someone with a few years on me, but brilliantContinue reading “Innate Goodness: Possible or Not?”

Trying to Make Sense of it All

Hello at the beginning of another week, One of my former students was quite exasperated with me when she lived at my house because I was at some points a real pain, albeit unintentionally. She was the first of a number of students and exchange students who would live with me, and I must giveContinue reading “Trying to Make Sense of it All”

Justice or Partiality: it is a Choice

Hello at the beginning of April, The reality of Spring seems more likely this past week. While the rather usual cyclical weather, both reminding us of the lengthy winter and teasing us the possibility of spring, continues, the increasing hours of light does assist in my more hopeful attitude. As I write it is HolyContinue reading “Justice or Partiality: it is a Choice”

If I Could Do It All Over

Hello from snowy February evening, As I ponder and worry about the world we have created, pensive as I wonder if we will survive the unending chaos that confronts me from all platforms we seem to incessantly absorb, I am reminded of that adage of what if I could go back in time, but knowContinue reading “If I Could Do It All Over”

A Vision for What is Possible

Hello at the beginning of another week, My appreciation for history is because of the amazing history teacher, Mr. Larry Flom. Additionally, he taught my civics class and American Government class. The importance of understanding the role of our government and how it works. He taught me both in terms of understanding and appreciating theContinue reading “A Vision for What is Possible”

Finally Understanding my Father’s Passion

Hello on another chilly weekend, The week here in Bloomsburg, which began with the most significant snowfall I’ve experienced in my decade and a half, and then cold that is a bit uncharacteristic of Pennsylvania. The single digits or below zero windchills are not typical, like what an upper Midwestern boy knew from time inContinue reading “Finally Understanding my Father’s Passion”