Compassion and Peace in a Confusing World
I was searching through some papers this week and came across the letter I wrote several years ago when I shared my desire to resign my position in my church. I think the story I wrote is something we all should recognize. One of my reasons for retiring was to spend more time with my… Continue reading A Little Child Shall Lead Them
You may be hearing this word “elderly” more that you think. When our country and others recently had extreme flooding the rescuers were concentrating on saving the children and the elderly. Ukraine, anticipating bombing locates the elderly, women and children and moves them from the area. When our country announces that a vaccine was ready… Continue reading What Does “Elderly” Mean?
The several days this past weekend brought significant “ups” and “downs” for me. I sincerely hope you have found “ups” to calm the “downs.” “Downs” last weekend included page 8 of the morning paper: the obituary for the actor Matthew Perry. Mr. Perry was a key actor for the show “Friends.” He was called “the… Continue reading Ups-and-Downs
Almost a month has passed since a Newport News, Virginia elementary school teacher was shot in her class by a six-year-old student. The teacher, Abigail Zwerner, is recovering following surgery and hospitalization. A few days after the shooting, I spoke with a friend who lives in the New York metropolitan area who wanted to know… Continue reading A School Shooting
Our household seems more excited about Christmas this year, which I attribute to our local grandchildren being six years old. They would tell you they are really seven because the twins were born in early January, and they are so excited about Christmas. Attending church and Sunday School has enhanced their awareness of the Christian… Continue reading A Simple Christmas Post
We are reading and hearing that the Covid pandemic is a thing of the past. Maybe, but 500 people died from the virus per day on average last week. Another booster shot for the prevalent variant is being distributed to the public in the coming weeks. Stay safe, friends. But even when this virus becomes… Continue reading The Hidden Impact of Grief and Loss
Watching the news regarding the Uvalde Elementary School shootings was beyond troubling. The police spokesperson tried to explain what happened, stuttering over words, nearly weeping, and apologizing personally for the errors which were made. Seeing the interview with the Senator from the Texas district in which Uvalde is located was harder still. He sobbed throughout… Continue reading Our Country Mourns, Again
Uh oh! I saw it again in this morning’s newspaper -- the phrase which has been eye-opening for all of us: “Out of an abundance of caution...” This morning’s iteration was related to the security fence being set up around the Capital Building in Washington prior to the president’s State of the Union message tomorrow. I don’t know… Continue reading Commentary on Today’s World
I participate in a group called Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, an organization and community focusing on contemplative spirituality. Along with their teachings, the group spends a great deal of time in contemplative prayer including intercessory prayer for others. Richard Foster, in his book Prayer, defines intercession as “shifting our center of gravity from our own needs… Continue reading Life’s Mysteries
Being a grandparent is fun, but I am finding it also carries a huge responsibility. I am so fortunate to be able to “care, teach, listen, and lead” these little people. I average about six to ten hours per week in the company of five-year-old twins (a girl and boy) and their three-year-old brother. What… Continue reading Who is Teaching Who?
At Peace 