Browse the blog posts going back to 2014 – and we also have a Watchwords archive.
- How Do I Say This (3/9/2024) - During a recent worship service one of the scripture passages was first Corinthians 9, listed above. As I listened to the reading I was struck by Paul's disclaimer of credit. He explains he couldn't keep from preaching the gospel word even if I wanted to. He went on to say that he would be utterly miserable if he didn't follow through, implying that God has given him this sacred trust and that he has no choice. Continue reading
- So, Help Me, Fred! (1/14/2024) - The little boy was good in church. He was quiet. He sometimes listened to what his daddy was saying from the pulpit. There were times when he nodded off or colored the book his mom brought for him. Recently, he heard something that was a little confusing to his three-year-old mind. He knew his name and the name of his older sister, and he was learning the name of Jesus, but what his daddy was saying made him wonder; so, he listened, and he remembered. Continue reading
- Captain (10/23/2023) - I tagged along after my father that morning, being hopeful that maybe we would stop at the Olympia Candy kitchen and I could sample some of their wonderful candies. I followed him into the hardware store there on Lincoln Avenue, I think it was called Hess Hardware or something like... Continue reading
- Chloe: Just a Story, Part Fact, Part Fiction (9/25/2023) - It had been a really rough week for my friend. He is a medical professional, but had been unhappy in his work for some time. The sudden breakup had thrown him off stride, leaving him bewildered and with a deep sense of loneliness. The one that he thought of as his best friend, was gone. A bit depressed, he left his office and walked across the deserted parking lot to his car. It was late and dark. He heard the sound as he approached his car, the insistent cry of a baby animal. He looked around, but saw nothing. Continue reading
- Facts! You Call Them Facts? (8/21/2023) - Don’t Bother Me with Facts! I get a bit frustrated with my friends when I try to argue a point that differs from their position. This could be political, religious, or common sense matters that occur every day. There have been times when “facts” are on my side, but it... Continue reading
- Experiencing Nothing (6/3/2023) - We were all part of a long-standing Bible study, a group of men from divergent congregations, bound by common commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord, and dedicated to “sampling” the monastic life in St. Gregory’s Abbey, a monastery within the Episcopal Church. We thought we knew what we were getting... Continue reading
- Second-Hand (4/27/2023) - I have a favorite wine glass. It has a particular shape that appeals to me, and is a signature glass carrying carries two legends: “Stone Hill Winery” and “Vintage Restaurant”. I know exactly when I got this, nearly twenty years ago, and where I got this, and all the circumstances... Continue reading
- Fanny Pack (3/31/2023) - Fanny Pack? Remember them? Twenty-five years ago, they were all the rage. Whenever you traveled, it seemed that everyone you saw had these little pouches, belted around the waist. We kept our passports, sun glasses, lip gloss, and lots of miscellaneous stuff we wanted to carry, in the many pockets... Continue reading
- Here I Stand 1 (3/9/2023) - Some years ago I set out to write a “brief” statement of my faith that I would share with my children. At that time they were adults in their 30’s and who, probably, had a fairly well-formed idea of “religion”, faith and all that “stuff”. Over the years I have... Continue reading
- Tree on Fire (12/20/2022) - My grandparents on my mother’s side, came from German stock, and settled in northern Pennsylvania. They worked to keep some of the old country traditions alive and my mother carried one or two into our family life. The following was pieced together from childhood memories recalled during this Christmas season... Continue reading
- Four Score and Seven Years Ago (11/18/2022) - One Hundred Fifty-nine years ago, on this date, November 19, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln stood on the bloodied ground of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and delivered a brief, but memorable address of national unity. Many, reading this essay, have vivid memories of having to memorize the speech, maybe when you were... Continue reading
- A Layman’s Letter to Churches – Alone But Never Alone (8/15/2022) - Joni Erickson Tada wrote and performed a wonderful song, Alone But Not Alone, that made its way to the top of the Christian music charts and into a movie by that same name. When I listen to the words and the music of that song I cannot help but be... Continue reading
