Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
Last week, a tornado ripped through my town, leaving a ten-mile swath of destruction in its wake. Trees demolished houses and cars. Roofs, shingles, signs, furniture, cars, and campers ended up in places you’d never expect to see them. But miraculously, no one was killed. Last week’s upheaval caused me to ponder. Following are lessons […]
Leap Year is one of those oddities that occurs every four years with the addition of a day to February. Julius Caesar came up with a plan in 46 BC to compensate for the fact that Earth’s orbit doesn’t fit precisely in a 365-day window. At the time, the seasons and the calendar were a […]
This is a week of change for me: adjustment to a new fitness center and the move of my son and his family to another town. I’m not particularly happy about either of these changes, because like many of you, I’m a creature of habit. It’s hard to “do different” when you’ve been accustomed to […]
For the last several weeks, I’ve worked on cleaning out drawers and closets. I’m a little surprised and embarrassed to admit some of the items I parted with have been around for 25-30 years! How does that happen? Clutter accumulation occurs not only with things, but also with thoughts, perspectives, and emotional wounds. And like […]
In recent weeks, I’ve seen several online videos on social media, or engaged in a meeting or teaching session via zoom. Sometimes, the presenter had the camera positioned in such a manner that the perspective wasn’t especially flattering. You’re probably familiar with what I’m referring to. You know, those selfie videos in which the person […]
Do you have a clear vision for 2020? Are you hoping to see change and growth? Do you have big goals, dreams, and plans, or are you easing slowly into the year, regrouping and waiting for a revelation? Personally, I’m taking some time to honestly assess, looking at things I didn’t accomplish last year, and […]
The new year is like a blank canvas awaiting first brush strokes. You have options about how to fill that canvas—the preparation, colors, shading, and picture type. Will you choose a self-portrait with clarity and depth, or one that is a jumble of Picasso-esque forms? To gain perspective, glance back at last year’s portrait. Are […]
Beneath a bejeweled sky, a baby’s cry pierced the night. Animal sounds and smells hovered in the air as a young mother placed her newborn on fabric strips spread across a hay-filled feed trough. God’s son entered the world inauspiciously, in a dirty stable, an unsuitable location for any human birth, especially the birth of […]
The holidays bring joyous festivities, hustle and bustle, and time with family, but for many, grief is also present. Some grieve the loss of loved ones. Others experience the nostalgia of childhood holiday memories or gatherings that no longer happen. Still others grieve ongoing relationship challenges or difficult memories of unpleasant holidays past. This year, […]
German organist and composer George Frideric Handel lived in England for most of his life and had a career writing music for celebrations, musical productions, and worship. One of Handel’s most famous works is Messiah, a long oratorio about the life of Christ that includes orchestra, chorus, and solos. Perhaps the most familiar song from […]