Christmas – Adoration
Christmas gifts aren’t all their cracked up to be. We’ve all given or received gifts out of routine or tradition. Like the can of nuts that was hastily wrapped for…
A Pearl of Forgiveness
Pearl lives on the south edge of town in a sprawling two-room bungalow. Well, it seems sprawling to me because it’s more than what I have which is whatever open…
Moments of Silence – The Stable
Births are messy with fluids and emotions and noise and drama. Some may be easier than others, some less painful and traumatic. But in even the most intentionally sedated environment,…
Christmas: Incarnation
Magic and mystery are intertwined with Christmas. Even on the secular side of things, there are reindeer that fly, a magical being that gives gifts to all, and a snowman…
The Christmas Bell
“Hello,” Matthew called out as he opened the door to his great-grandparents home. “Matty, Is that you?” Grandpa Lou called out. “What are you doing in town?” Matthew wandered through…
Moments of Silence – The Field
Music is shaped by silence. Now, that may not make much sense to you right now. It would seem to be more obvious that music is made of the voices…
Christmas: Declaration
The days have grown shorter. The air has turned a bit colder. The brilliant colors of fall have faded to the barrenness of winter. The year is nearly over. It’s…
The Soundtrack of Life
Ever notice how filmmakers use music? Through the soundtrack, they telegraph feelings and provide glimpses into what may be just around the corner. Think of the movie Jaws and how…
A Life of Gratitude – By Ben Hoerr
For nine years—when our two boys were in Middle and High School—we ran a lawn mowing business named Hoerr’s Lawn Care. In peak season, we mowed 25 yards per week,…
The Prodigal God
For the past few weeks, we’ve focused on the three main characters in Jesus’ parable known as The Prodigal Son. Along the way, we’ve reconnected the story with its setting…
Listen Up!
I hate talking points. It seems that in every area of debate each side has their points, their pat arguments that must be aired at all cost. We see this…
The Word of the Cross
No one likes to be foolish. Even those times when we do something foolish there is an edge of wisdom behind it. It seems foolish to jump from a perfectly…