Columnists

Kindness is a gift that should always be returned

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING I want to be a millionaire just like my dad. Was your father a millionaire? No, but he wanted to be a millionaire. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. The...

My light and my salvation

I’ve always found mid-January to early February to be a time of hope and anticipation. As the tilt of the earth begins to favor the northern hemisphere, the rays of dawn and the evening sunset start to separate a little more each day, sharing sunlight and bringing greater warmth to the land....

Remembering our shared humanity

Humanity - the shared experience of being a human being. At this time, we are all sharing the same time and space, living in this world together. Yet our world is experiencing a troubling lack of seeing each other as humans. It is no secret that each one of us will experience life...

Word for the year 2026: Listen

Have you ever stopped to listen? Maybe it's to the sound of a gentle breeze, or a child telling you a secret. Maybe it's to a low sound or a dialogue that's spoken softly. Hopefully it's not to eavesdrop on someone else's private conversation, just sayin'. Would you agree that we live in an age...

Kindness is the secret ingredient

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING I think my car was made in Prague. What makes you think that? Every time I start it, the Czech engine light comes on. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. I...

How many husbands to change a lightbulb?

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING My expensive watch with a lifetime guarantee stopped working. Is the company going to replace it? No, but one of their representatives is going to call me every hour on the hour and tell me what time it is. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I...

The reality that we claim

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 "Be faithful unto death and I will give...

The four-way test

On February 9, 1961, a few businesspeople met at the Pheasant Café on Front Street. These were fruitful and grateful business leaders who wanted to give something back to the community. Together they founded the Rotary Club of Waseca, Minnesota. I am a member of this movement which began 65 years...

A New Year's prayer

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING For our meeting tomorrow, I’m going to make one of those diagrams that use the intersecting circles. Venn? Tomorrow. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. When...

Holiday season brings abundance of celebration

For many Christians, this time of year is celebrated with an abundance of holidays. We begin with Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. This birthday is unlike any other. When people gather for a loved one’s birthday, we do not celebrate the birth itself. Instead, people come together...