Justifiable Emotions

Hello on the last day of September, A trip to the Lehigh Valley this past Sunday revealed that fall is truly upon us. While there are a few weeks before I think we will hit peak color, the reds or maroons are prominent at the moment, there was no doubt we are beyond the variousContinue reading “Justifiable Emotions”

A Jester’s Promenade

Hello on the last days of September, I have noted from time to time that I have these chronological couplets, where two significant figures or events from my life share a date. And today, the 27th of September is one of those days. It is the day I graduated from Marine Corps boot camp inContinue reading “A Jester’s Promenade”

A Redux of When does Autumn Arrive?

Hello on a Sunday Evening, It was a good weekend overall, and it seems like the weeks move more quickly, and indeed, we are into the last full week of summer. I attended a soccer game, went to church, and earlier today went with Brad to see the movie, Tony, about Anthony Bourdain at theContinue reading “A Redux of When does Autumn Arrive?”

When does Autumn Arrive?

Hello on a September afternoon, It is warm and beautiful, with low humidity and a blue sky that seems even more spectacular after two cataract surgeries. Anyone who has experienced the drastic color difference will know what I mean. The changing of seasons, at least in terms of the calendar, are predictable. While the timeContinue reading “When does Autumn Arrive?”

The Ultimate University

Hello on the final holiday weekend of the summer, As I attended worship this morning, I was blessed to sit with two people who’ve become dear friends to me. While one is my former landlord after I sold the Acre, what I have learned is how incredibly astute he is as a land person, andContinue reading “The Ultimate University”

Loving with your Heart

Hello on the first day of September, As I look out my window, there is one particular tree that has begun its yearly transformation from a rich vibrant green to the colors of the impending autumn palate – something that always astounds us as humans. It is but one more reason I find the comingContinue reading “Loving with your Heart”

Who am I? Who are We?

Hello on a beautiful August Sunday afternoon, While we had a somewhat significant rainstorm last night, today is beautiful: partly cloudy with a nice breeze, moderate temperatures and low humidity. Quite ideal for anyone wanting to get outside, moving back into the dorms or their apartment, and merely able to lay back and enjoy aContinue reading “Who am I? Who are We?”

Episode Two of the Circus

Hello on a Monday afternoon, The week has begun with a plan and some degree of anticipation since I was scheduled for my first of two cataract surgeries this morning. I’ve know for a few years this was on the horizon, but I met that distant boundary was met last September. Unfortunately, the primary providerContinue reading “Episode Two of the Circus”

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”

Silence: Wisdom’s Best Reply

Hello at the end of an great weekend, This past week a close friend asked me about how I seem to know how to respond to what someone says or just how to reply in a given situation. Let me preface my response with an honest disclaimer. I certainly have been know to put bothContinue reading “Silence: Wisdom’s Best Reply”