What if . . . Something We Seem Predestined to Ask.

Hello as the beginning of August is beginning to feel like the dog-days-of-summer, While I have heard the phrase numerous times, I knew neither its origin nor its significance overall. I was quite accurate in that it is about the warmest days of summer, and I learned it corresponds the star Canis Major, and itContinue reading “What if . . . Something We Seem Predestined to Ask.”

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”

My _Family Circus_ Life

Hello on a humid August afternoon, I am regularly told I’ve led an extraordinary life, from students asking where I am jet-setting off next to regular reactions of surprise or disbelief because of the various experiences I reflect upon as a matter of course; it’s just how my life has unfolded. Certainly, from the outsetContinue reading “My _Family Circus_ Life”

Promoting Commonality

Hello from the Pine Barn Inn, I am sharing a meal with my dear friend as they are taking a sustenance break from being with their mother. Today has been a rather normal day in general, but it has also been a day where I’ve found each interaction to cause me some incredibly reflective moments.Continue reading “Promoting Commonality”

Unending Love; Amazing Grace

Hello from Cape Charles, Seldom does a week pass that I do not have moments where something reminds me of my grandmother. And certainly memories of her, her being my mother the early years of my life, my employer in high school, and my protector of sorts until she passed illustrates how much influence sheContinue reading “Unending Love; Amazing Grace”

No Useless Friends nor Harmless Enemies

Hello from the first part of June, and it is warm; We are so affected by weather. It influences not only our decisions and actions, but also our moods, our outlooks, and perhaps as importantly as anything, even how we react or respond to those around us. Most of my life I have lived whereContinue reading “No Useless Friends nor Harmless Enemies”

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”

Where Do We Find You?

Hello from Bloomsburg, It’s Friday, and it’s been a week of extremes when it comes to what I was planning for and what I was not. It began with the Memorial Day, and I was fortunate to attend the commemoration of veterans at one of the most well-kept of area cemeteries. The event was nicelyContinue reading “Where Do We Find You?”

Wishing, Hoping, or Something More

Hello from the cubicle, I have writing a lot about the concepts of hope, its importance to our individual wellbeing, as well as to the importance of it for society in general. What happens when there is a lack of hope or a sense of disillusionment to the level of hopelessness. Certainly as we age,Continue reading “Wishing, Hoping, or Something More”

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?”