Columnists

Meeting God in quiet moments

It was one of the most beautiful nights. There are not many like it. I would say that it came close to being perfect, only a few things could have made it better. It was one of the most beautiful of nights. What makes a night beautiful? To me it has to deal with silence, sight and weather. ...

What did one duck say to the other?

Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting I answered the phone. The caller sneezed and hung up. Do you know who it was? It was a cold call. Driving by Bruce's drive I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. The guy didn’t talk to me at...

Called to be thankful

I really enjoy a good slice of pie. My mother-in-law makes an amazing pumpkin pie, every year she has to take into account how many pies will be eaten. We all have our favorites, but there is always more than enough pumpkin pie. The first family Thanksgiving we had after Naomi and I were...

A lengthy, one-sided conversation

Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting Could I get a cheeseburger without the cheese? Why don’t you just order a hamburger? I don’t like hamburgers. Driving by Bruce's drive I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. I started the...

Where would we be without trees?

Trees are magnificent and wonderful, the longest-living organisms on earth: Where would the rest of us be without them? Some trees live to be fewer than 100 years old, some live into the thousands of years. One particular great basin bristlecone pine, a breed located in the mountainous regions...

With the Lord is unfailing love

Have you ever been so tired that you wanted to sleep, but couldn’t get to sleep or stay asleep? And then other times when you know you need to stay awake, you fall asleep quickly? It is a frustrating experience, but a reality we have faced. The balance of rest and activity is complex and...

Unofficial assigned seating in church

Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting I try to do nothing every day. It’s good for my longevity. What do you mean? Nothing lasts forever. Driving by Bruce's drive I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. Every day has its floor and...

Down goes Captain Kirk

The Minnesota Vikings started the season 0-3. Now that they’ve transformed that to 4-4 over the last five games, there is hope for a playoff spot. The Vikings just won a game against the Packers, their biggest rival, at Green Bay. Led by star-leader-playbook-Christian-strong arm-quarterback Kirk...

Hunting really means prayer and meditation

I have been in the woods this week. Wearing blaze orange, but what I am doing probably shouldn’t be called hunting. I think I would call it prayer and meditation time in the woods, but at the same time I wouldn’t mind harvesting a deer. I spend a lot of time talking with people, encouraging,...

Sweet to the bones, healing to the soul

Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting What do you know? You don’t want to know. That’s good to know. Driving by Bruce's drive I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. Lefty loosey, righty tighty doesn’t apply to making turns with your...