Faith

The Prayer at Valley Forge

Today I took my mom and dad to the ear doctor to order some new hearing aids. On the way out, we went down a long hallway. We always travel slowly, so I enjoy noticing the people and decor around me. About half way down the hall, a large piece of art on the wall struck […]

Prayers Are Working

My mom’s brother and his wife have been having a very tough time of it. For about a year or so, they have been in and out of the hospital. Just when they are starting to recover from one thing, they have another issue. My uncle was diagnosed with COPD recently and the past few […]

Be Joyful

Today I read an article that described what a difference a smile can make. It brings joy to the one smiling and to those who encounter that person. My mom told me a long time ago, “Smile until 10:00 am and you will smile all day long.” I thought about that and realized how true it […]

What Was Left Behind

The scripture readings at church today were focused on the idea of not looking back once you set your life to following God. In Luke 9:51-62, several people say that they will follow Jesus Christ, but first they have some other business they want to take care of. It may sound harsh, but Jesus tells […]

A Bedtime Prayer

As I was getting ready for bed tonight, I remembered I saw a video of Pope Francis talking about his bedtime prayer. He prays, “Lord, if you want, you can make me clean.” Then he prays 5 Our Fathers – 1 for each of the wounds Jesus suffered on the cross because Jesus cleansed us […]

About Bono

Recently, I have been hearing the name “Bono” all over the place. My mom has been reading a book about President George W. Bush. The book describes how the President and Bono became friends as they were both committed to giving assistance to those suffering with AIDS – particularly those in Africa. In the past […]

Lessons From Workcamp

I was busy today doing things around the house and helping my dad with home projects. At one point I looked in the mirror and realized that I was wearing one of my Workcamp t-shirts and sweatpants that I bought at the first Workcamp that I attended. I smiled. When I was a youth minister, […]

New Growth

My mom, dad, and I decided to go back up to the cabin today and get out of the heat. There was a lot of traffic and we seemed to have more stops than usual, but we finally made it. We noticed how green and lush the meadows were. From time to time we could […]

Point Well Made

It was a hot dry day today, so I decided to get the 4-wheel drive vehicle washed. It has been taking many trips on dirt roads and you couldn’t walk by it without some of the fine red soil brushing onto your clothing. I took it to the usual place. I always chat with interesting […]

I Am Forgiven

The scripture readings at church today were focused on God’s immense forgiveness. In Luke 7:36—8:3 , Jesus was having a meal with some of the church leaders of the time. A “sinful woman” came in, knowing who Jesus was, and started to wait on him. The owner of the home was appalled that Jesus allowed the woman […]