From a one-room Schoolhouse to Oxford: Learning from a Humble Giant

Hello from the coffee shop on a sunny morning, There are other things I must do today, but I am a bit in shock this morning. Much like Grandparents or Parents, we see them as immortal as we do not know life without them. I am feeling much the same with another parallel occurrence yesterday.Continue reading “From a one-room Schoolhouse to Oxford: Learning from a Humble Giant”

Thankfulness in a Solitary Manner

Hello from the study on the Acre, It is about 1:30 or so on a Thanksgiving afternoon here in Pennsylvania. It is not like other Thanksgivings I have experienced, at least for the most part. Then again, it is not the first time I have spent one alone. That is simply how life works whenContinue reading “Thankfulness in a Solitary Manner”

The Interconnectivity of Freedom

Hello on a hot September day from the Acre, It seems that the daily news has done a great deal to separate who we are as a society and it is easy to blame the news, and that goes across the spectrum. One of the things I tell my students regularly is simply this: allContinue reading “The Interconnectivity of Freedom”

Procrastination: A Mental or Emotional Block?

Hello from my office in the house, I am going to head to the university shortly, mask in hand, and lock myself way in my office. There are multiple reasons for that, but suffice it to say my technology at home and I are fighting. Technology is winning, which is usually the case. It isContinue reading “Procrastination: A Mental or Emotional Block?”

Don’t Stop Believin’

Hello from the study at home, I am always amazed by the response of people, the way people interact, communicate, or even reflect on their own selves (and this is about me as much as anyone else). Sometimes I believe my propensity for reflection is the well-known, need-to-be-cautious, and proverbial double-edged sword. It offers theContinue reading “Don’t Stop Believin’”

Just an Academic Christian

Hello on a damp and chilly January evening, Today I had the opportunity to chat with a colleague from another department in my college and one who researches a number of issues and aspects about rhetoric, religion, politics, and culture. We have talked briefly before and I have read some of his work, so theContinue reading “Just an Academic Christian”

My Conflicted Love-affair with Alcohol

Good morning from the Acre, I am back in Pennsylvania more about a month before my initial plan, but I believe it was a decision that needed to be made. As a person who plans more than some might believe, I can be flexible, but lack of control of my life or my schedule isContinue reading “My Conflicted Love-affair with Alcohol”

More than a Dirt Nap

Hello from my office on a Friday afternoon, Between meetings and a couple of other things (including grading), I am considering some things in light of my Bible as Literature course and wanted to write. This past week, my Bible as Literature student have asked interesting and thoughtful questions about life (and beyond), and whileContinue reading “More than a Dirt Nap”

Managing Tenure

Good Morning from my office, It is early or late, depending on your perspective. I did get a nap a bit earlier and have been back at the office for about the last 5 hours. I am making progress and, at least for the moment, seem to be pretty lucid and focused. I did decideContinue reading “Managing Tenure”