Columnists

Spiritual renewal

For us Minnesotans, summers are often known for BBQs, vacations, and all things outdoors with family and friends. Part of the reason may be the unique opportunities this season offers. After all, school is out, the warm weather makes it easy to be outdoors, and our culture generally encourages...

Are you listening?

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING Only one side of my headphones works. Why do you keep using them? I can still listen to Sonny or Cher, Hall or Oates, and Simon or Garfunkel. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive,...

Summer lessons

Okay, let’s play a word association game. When I say the word, “summer”, what do you think of? Let me guess: HOT. Yeah, it’s been a scorcher these past couple of weeks! Now that we’ve gotten the temperature out of the way, what else do you think of? Maybe it’s a vacation with the family, or time...

Driving the road to recovery in an armchair

Hi readers, it's me! I'm back after a long hiatus. Have you missed me? As I grow into my senior years, larger and larger parts of my conversations with others seem to center around health concerns. I’m finding that things I complain about maybe aren't all that bad, especially when others...

I couldn't care fewer

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING That sign should be “10 items or fewer” instead of “10 items or less.” Are you obsessed with grammar? No, I couldn’t care fewer. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur...

Plan your funeral

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We...

A wayfaring storyteller

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING I bought an encyclopedia. A set of encyclopedias? No, I bought one volume at a garage sale. Let me know if you need to know anything from rabbits to the Ryukyu Islands. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce....

The courage to rest

During the wonderful holiday last weekend, I was laid up with pain from spinal stenosis. It's a recurring issue that can lie dormant for months or years. But when it hits, I need to rest - usually on top of several bags of ice. Resting is not my normal habit. But it should be. If we...

About to Timbuktu

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING Weasel thinks he’s royalty. What gave him that idea? He ate at a Burger King, drank a Royal Crown Cola, went on a Princess Cruise, bought Duke's Mayonnaise, and ate at a Dairy Queen in just two weeks. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a...

Freedom in Christ

Few things worthwhile in this world come without struggle and sacrifice. Americans across the country will celebrate 250 years of Independence this weekend. On April 19th, the battles of Lexington and Concord are considered to have begun simultaneously. On June 11, 1776, a draft committee of five...