90 posts
Just chose my entree for an upcoming event. Debated about short ribs, then chose the halibut. While I'm not always sure how my mind works, it still seems to work. Although, I get why some question where I'm headed with some blogs And I admit,…
So, we're each sowing something. However, what we sow matters. Is it doubt or hope? Most of us have a bent towards either the glass half full or half empty. Remember Chicken Little and "the sky is falling"? Granted Chicken Little, aka Henny Penny, was…
OK, you don't have to love them, but I found it hard not to, especially since the Celtics weren't in the NBA Finals. Every game was a toss up until the final buzzer. Anything seemed possible. And, after each win, joy erupted and spread like…
Sometimes it comes through a song. And sometimes through spoken or written words, the Bible, or a person. But, for me, anyone of those, including nature, can add up to an encounter with Jesus. Recently, Lenten readings by Liesl Smith and Adele Calhoun, nudged me…
Ads and messages pop up like blinking lights on my screen. Take this one from Toyota, "Collision Repair Support-We're here for you!" They promise not to pressure, if we limp into their garage with dented or neglected heaps of history, like my fifteen year old…
Who hasn't said something like,"Honest to God!" or "I swear, I'm telling the truth!"? More often than we'd like or, perhaps intend, truth telling gets lost in a web of words. But sometimes that wad of words is on purpose, designed to confuse, distort or…
Well, judging by the lack of response to my last blog, I'm wondering what caused the mass exodus: Not of interest to me. The Olympics, that is. Nothing warranted a response. On vacation I spoke my piece in response to your last blog None of…
Scars tell stories. We all have them, although most aren't visible. But they all matter. They're part of who we are. And I suppose that's why I found myself singing and crying (I know, I'm a mess.) as I drove to my book group at…
It's school vacation week so some of the Grands and I are off on an adventure. So you won't be hearing from me for a little longer than a week. Which may be good news to some of you. Meanwhile, I challenge you (and me)…
I am updating the blog to start posting to facebook again. Apparently people use a thing called (air quotes) "social media". Feel free to ignore this post. If it ends up working you'll be able to receive my blog in your facebook feed. If it…
Just sent a post and the best photos were missing. I'm not too swift when it comes to technology. So... gotta say I'm grateful for GRANDchildren. Luke helped me on this one. So here are the photos that were to have been part of the…
No, I didn't leave out the D, as in sands of time. I meant sans as found in lines from William Shakespeare's, As You Like It. I'm referring to The Seven Ages of Man speech by Jaques. Remember? "All the world's a stage, and all…
That was another one of God's great ideas: Light! The sun to shine during the day and the moon at night with stars sprinkled about to help us connect the dots back to the One who thought it all up. If we choose to do…
Spending time with my Grands boosts my sense of worth. Take the other day, for example. Poco and I were driving to Kohl's to hunt a swimsuit " that didn't make weird tan lines." As we drove from Ipswich to the Liberty Tree Mall, she…
Just three of us stood in line. The two women ahead of me joked with the young cashier and bagger. They knew each other. Two full carts ahead of me and only one line open signaled this would not be quick. But laughter lightened my…
It was both sign and story. No angels sang but a few impatient cars honked. It happened on the same day the BELIEVE sign welcomed shoppers, during this season of mixed messages and blessings. As for the sign, it stood outside the J Jill store.…
Well, this was the week to catch-up on things left undone due to Covid and my need for frequent naps. So, I took my twelve year old Prius to renew its inspection sticker before November first. The car did great but the one doing the…
Yesterday Maggie and Poco took up residence at Camp Something-or-Other. The name's escaped me. The day before I watched Maggie meticulously choose, fold and pack for camp. Poco probably shoved hers in a backpack, last minute, and hoped for the best. She'll probably be camper…
It could've been overlooked this morning. But it wasn't. I paused and looked out my window at the sea. Then, tried to imagine the faith it took to step into something like the Red Sea. The Psalm read, "Your road led through the sea, your…
How trustworthy is FACEBOOK ? Apparently, not so much, since my last post on TRUTH prompted someone to impersonate me on Facebook. So some of you have done one of three things: Caught on that it wasn't me, even thought a familiar photo came with…
Thursday found me back at Toyota, jokes ready, should opportunity arrive. I entered the small waiting room where a masked woman sat in my favorite corner. She focused on her laptop and communicated without words," Shh, I'm busy." Aside from some jokes I brought along,…
Life's full of holes. Not all, holy. But reminders that even emptiness is good for something. Take silence, for instance. Music needs rests. Art needs space. But often, we shun silence, empty spaces. We pipe in music. Buy vacant lots to do something, almost anything…
She sat, like a social conscience, slumped over a battered cardboard sign on the small island separating the entrance in and out of a Saugus strip mall. I thought my biggest challenge was getting out of Trader Joe's with just the essentials on my list,…
Just posted UNIFORM LANGUAGE and you'll notice there are some words about the Salvation Army outside malls,etc. after the piece ends. I doodled and forgot to erase it. So STOP reading after "listening world hangs on every word." If so, you'll feel better about trusting…
Life's marked by multiple choices, which I loved on tests, but not so much in life. In tests it gave me a shot at guessing, narrowing down to the most likely option. Then, I'd take a leap of faith , hang my hopes on C,…
Poco beamed as she presented her gift to me. Nothing wrapped, just something cushioned in my grand's five year old hands. Slowly she opened them, revealing some coins in her palms. "Momo, this is for you. It's everything I have. " Everything totaled $1.02, a…
Recent winds shook the house, removed some shingles, rearranged a chair on my deck, separated a swag of evergreens from its red bow and toppled the lamppost in front of our condo. While nature blustered, I grabbed a flashlight, in case of a power outage.…
It's what I called him, Uncle Faithful, but not 'til after he died. He was daddy's eldest brother, a bachelor. Uncle Jack lived one of those quiet lives that doesn't make much difference unless being faithful in small ways adds up to more than most…
Music matters. Almost every day, my brother forwards links to YouTube music. Sometimes it's hand-clapping-foot-stomping songs, other times orchestral, soul-soothers, or amazing skyped-together pieces. This morning Dan sent the Salvation Army Songsters singing, Count Your Blessings. Actually, that's a good practice. As for me, it…
The story's old, yet eerily new. Jeremiah was a prophet from 626 BC to 587 BC, not a job folks stood in line, hoping to land. God called prophets to be Truth-Tellers, which meant saying things folks didn't want to hear, then or now. Jeremiah's…
The handyman wasn't all that handy. When asked when he'd get at such and such, his usual response was, "Most any time now." I still remember my parents' frustration as he kept them dangling with his casual approach to real needs. In the midst of…
Almost one month ago, Mark Galli, editor of Christianity Today wrote, "Trump Should Be Removed from Office," prompting some of us to shout, then subscribe. I expect my first copy in "6-8 weeks." Some early reporting made it sound like the magazine would lose its…
Sometimes Plan B's the better one. Last night I hurried past the Salvation Army bellringer, stationed outside our Market Basket. I reasoned, "Running late, sent a check last week." As I pulled away, I caught a glimpse of her, jumping around to keep warm and…
The wind stirs the grasses, clinging to crevices in the rocks outside my Perch. There's a saying in the Talmud, "Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, 'grow.' " Today would've been Jud's 79th birthday. Call me nuts, but…
Pumpkins and mums on porches and steps, signs of Fall in New England, our show-off season. Some maples show hints orange is the new green. Outside my Perch the marsh yellows. Good Harbor beach sees fewer swimmers, more dogs. Two boats hug the coast, fishing…
Sand scrunches underfoot as I make my way from the kitchen sink to the table while clutching a mug of coffee. In the background a load of laundry sloshes, while the dryer hums, two performing their dutiful duet. Beds, shed of linens, rest unencumbered. Signs…
Worthwhile consideration prior to a colonoscopy, "Does the end justify the means?" Then again, the prep left little time to ponder anything more than how fast can I get from here to there. Since coming home, I've concluded our hospital needed better planners. The Endoscopy…
Something's amiss with my blog site. Actually, I think I'm the problem with my limited technical skills. Didn't want you to think I'd melted in this heat wave, nor collapsed from tweet exhaustion. Maybe it's time to work on a book.
Yesterday I aged as gracefully as possible. My birthday, not I, fell on a Sunday, which helped. Driving to church, I found myself praying for God's Spirit to show up, probably prompted by the banner at Our Lady of the Good Voyage Catholic church announcing:…
Maybe the Easter story won't let loose of me because we're still studying Matthew in Community Bible Study. It's possible. Whatever the reason, the stories within The Story grip me. While the disciples hid, a couple of courageous women, headed to the tomb, only to…
That one flew off before I'd finished it. That's what I get for falling asleep on the key to "publish." To state the obvious, before napping, I'd been reflecting on how it's too easy to limit ourselves and others, like folks did to Jesus when…
The dining room table's laden with legos. Basil's home from school. His imagination's crafted a towering structure using his imagination, not boxed instructions. I like that about him. Give him something prettily packaged and soon it's morphed into a gazillion different objects or battles of…
A cluster of teenagers huddled outside Shaw's Market, some handing out flyers upon entering, others looking for donations as you exited. All goods headed for Gloucester's food pantry. I'd come for flour and sugar but took the flyer to be polite. Somewhere between taking their…
Throughout the night the house shook, deck furniture moved, waves battered and bruised the beach beyond my Perch. It's mid-November not January or February when storms come often enough to make one rethink an aversion to moving to a place without seasons, especially the Winter…
These are neither the best nor worst of times in human history, but they are deeply troubling times. Wish I could be more like the woman in Proverbs 31, "She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs with no fear of the future.'…
It happened this past week for most of us. We turned back the clock. In terms of our lives, who hasn't wished to turn back time, take back some angry words, do-over a decision, erase a wrinkle or sag? There's a tradeoff with gaining an…
God's Church doesn't always look like ours, or yours. Take today, for instance. Church started out as usual, with hymns, prayers, offerings, and passing the peace with smiles, as best some of us can muster under life's circumstances or before noon. Ever notice how some…
The quiet of this balmy July evening just took a hit from fireworks down at the beach. The kid in me never minds catching a few more signs and wonders in the skies, even if manmade. Never thought it would remind me of breakfast, however.…
My physical therapist's ready to cry, "Uncle!" along with me, since my knee's turning out to be as stubborn as Norwegians are known to be. It's been four months since the surgery and I'm stuck at 90 degrees. Left with two choices: do nothing or…
This day between Good Friday and the Sunday of all Sundays settles into a silence of sorts. It's the space where most of us live, most of the time. Nothing much happening around or in us, or so it seems. Caught between the death of…
It's Good Friday. Nothing feels all that good about it. Drizzling rain, a day shrouded in dreary gray. The rocky outcroppings on which our condo's perched, drip rain. Cheerless day. Yet, I love these rocks, big brave boulders, pummeled by winds and storms, still standing,…
Life's funneled down to a knee. Physical therapy. Icing. Packs of peas. Frozen. Thoughts of funerals. Mine. "Don't be so dramatic. Total knee replacement surgery's common, like the cold." Well, it's uncommon to me. You're a wimpy whiner. Get a grip. Take some pills or…
HOME! It's good to be home moaning (to be sure) and mending (hopefully) . The attentive care of family and friends bandages my spirit with hope all will be well. The recliner's become my goal to get to or out of between PT sessions and…
Friday evening, a baker's dozen gathered for "bible" study. The hosts, Roger and Karen Green, asked if I'd share my spiritual journey. Part of me wanted to say,"No, thank you, I'm too busy journeying to talk." The rest of me said, "Yes." While most chatted…
Some call washing a kid's mouth out with soap, cruel. Which is more cruel, spewing words like Donald Trump did the other day to label some countries and demean people who come from those lands or getting your mouth washed out with soap so you'll…
Someone paid more than $1,000,000 for Albert Einstein's theory of happiness. according to a news item in the Washington Post. It was reported," Einstein was in a hotel room in Japan, when a messenger appeared with something for Albert. The usual custom was to refuse…
The only blessing I remember getting as a kid came after I sneezed. Not so, in the Episcopal church. They've got blessings and sprinklings to spare. I like that. Today was the annual Blessing of the Backpacks. I feel a little like a kid at…
Feels like I've hit a wall, like I'm stuck on Pause . Last I wrote, Chris and I were tiptoeing through duck droppings, attempting to arrange flowers on my parents' grave. Since then, well, you've heard and seen the news. Frederick Buechner wrote, "Here is…
As I write, flags flutter, colorful reminders of this July 4th. A parade of cars inches towards the parking lot, tourists and townies praying , each in his own way, the LOT FULL sign doesn't halt all hope. Traveling outside the USA gives perspective on…
Remember Kermit the Frog's song, 'It's not easy being green"? It's not, whether we're talking about the environment or personal growth. One day in Alesund, I'd gone into a Tourist Information kiosk to inquire about the nearest bathroom. I learned I needed a coin to…
Never sure why the big convergence of heavy thoughts, the piling up of all that's missing, more who than what. After breakfast with my friend, Martha kindly reminded me to let loose of that which I can't change. Jud would've said the same. Sometimes the…
Some of you, yesterday or today, were startled to receive an e-card from me with a message for Lillian. Wish I could say someone hacked into my site, but I did it all by myself. Thought I was making sure Lillian's address was in my…
Tonight we wrap up the New Testament class at church. When I read John's description of the holy city with pearly gates in Revelation 21, my mind flashed back to my Norwegian grandfather, Elias Tveten. Years ago, grandpa beckoned me to take my seat at…
Tough to get the movie, The Bucket List, out of my head , remembering crusty Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman checking off their list before checking out. Blame it on yesterday's adult Sunday School class, and classmate Paul's suggestion of a "spiritual bucket list." Our…
One of the benefits of living alone is talking to myself. Out loud. Today while I trolled for something else, Psalm 103 reeled me into The Net, God's provision for Jud and me through months of faith leaping into uncertainty. Still does. In the margin…
Alas, I never knew I had so many readers until I wrote Simeon instead of Simon two posts ago. Most wrote privately, to correct or cheer. To all I say, "Thanks for reading and caring." Then, just now in " A Nickel for your Thoughts",…
Earlier today, in writing Limping Into Lent ...I wrote "Simeon" instead of Simon who helped carry the cross of Christ. Please note the correct name....I fiddled around, trying to fix it but alas, it's stuck in its ways, as am I, sometimes.
So many images and words in recent months: tight lips, furrowed brows, clenched fists, accusations flying faster than truth. At the beginning of a New Testament survey class, I'm reminded of the world into which Jesus came. Not all that different from what we're experiencing,…
Famed economist, John Kenneth Galbraith, first coined the phrase. He referred to the Still Syndrome as "an annoying affliction brought on by old age. People see me and comment, 'Are you still interested in politics? Are you still doing things?' " My first introduction to…
Not my idea. Feels better to rail against something, someone. Troubling within, this growing gulf between them and us . The Wall... promised to form a barrier between the United States and Mexico," fully paid for by Mexico" is ahead of schedule, but off course.…
Chad and I went to game 3 of the ALDS Red Sox v. Cleveland Indians. Turned out to be the final game for Big Papi, David Ortiz. Cleveland won, but all wasn't lost. Some winning moments: time with Chad, the gift of seats close to…
It happened in the parking lot by Marshalls. While Kate, Maggie and their dolls inhabited another world in the backseat, I waited for a parking place. A few cars ahead of me, a large SUV idled. I assumed they were waiting for the space, closer…
The shuttle driver, an Ethiopian with an MBA, drove me from the Denver airport to Hyatt House. He chatted away, welcoming, orienting me to the area, while practicing English. Unlike some drivers, he had no stash of $5 bills in the cupholder, suggesting all passengers…
My friend reassured me, after dropping off plants to tend,"Don't worry. Season's almost over." Her words left me wiggle room, if they return to plants fit for a different kind of viewing. Today I felt that slight hint Fall's nipping at Summer's sandals. Saw Mums…
Closed the hymnal. Glasses unnecessary. Familiar. " Rock of Ages, cleft for me. Let me hide myself in Thee." ( Especially love James Ward's arrangement on YouTube.) Some days I need to hide, not from but to. It's the myself that sends me scurrying to…
Growing up, the eldest in a preacher's family, sometimes left me feeling like an outsider, looking with curious and fearful eyes on what it meant to be " in the world but not of it." Fundamentalists urged a significant number of Don'ts, usually reinforced by…
Don't count me as a media dubbed evangelical . Nor part of a voting bloc. Not even as an evangelical espoused by some of my brothers and sisters. I love Jesus. I am a Christ follower. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ…
Poco grabbed the gift from her mother's hands, eager to pass her present to me. She'd kept close by, while Kristina walked back to the car to retrieve the left behind birthday gift. I stood still, hooked by Katharan Poco Blossom's smiling brown eyes, blond…
Awoke this morning, which is good any where, any time over the age of 70, in my own bed. After a long day of travel from Bergen to Boston, the gift of the familiar was the sight I most longed to see. There they were,…
Bobbing about on the Baltic Sea. Not I, the ship. I like to swim but need to see a shore within a reasonable number of strokes. This Sea seems borderless. After six days and four countries, I, like others on board, longed for a breather…
What is it? My final straw? The line I draw that cannot be crossed? And Why? This morning when I read a familiar story in Matthew 26, it set me to wondering about my line in the sand, my perfume. Matthew tells of a woman…
Sports talk. There's much to learn from the world of sports. Last Monday the Boston Marathon took place. I can 't tell you the names of the winners, nor can I give you the names of three other marathoners, captured on camera as they willed…
AMIRAH means princess in Arabic. The word slips out, just shy of four syllables. A -mi- rah- (cle) Two princesses spoke this past Saturday at a fundraiser for Amirah, a ministry providing a safe place and fresh start for women who've escaped the hell hole…
Frederick Buechner in Listening to Your Life asks, "Such faith as I have, where did it come from and why?" Growing up, I was sometimes called, "Pollyanna" or "Alice in Wonderland." Once in awhile, I took it as compliment. Most of the time, it stung…
Fell asleep laughing and hugging Jud's pillow. Garrison's to blame. After reading Buechner and thinking deeper thoughts than usual, I picked up Garrison Keillor's Leaving Home and read, "It has been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon. It was warm and bright and the trees…
Today's snowfall plopped heavily on springtime's bravest bloomers. Cars crawled along the beach road. No surfers or walkers. An inside kind of day. When Father Patrick called several weeks ago, inviting me to preach during Holy Week services at Christ Church in Hamilton(Thursday, Friday, Saturday…
That's what the weatherman said regarding the days leading up to Holy Week: "Lingering Instability." Hard to find better words when looking at so many scenarios in our world. Yesterday when I drove Maggie and Kate to school, I asked, " Were you awakened during…
Basking. Soaking up some sunshine and warmth out in the desert in California with friends. Since it's late February back home, such warmth makes the shock to my winterized system all the sweeter. This morning, I sat outside on a patio, mulling over words in…
We live in an antsy culture. Waiting's best done elsewhere, some place where nothing much happens anyway. Only change is the ongoing act of lowering expectations. Head for a patch of stubbly grass on a Judean hillside, surround yourself in sameness as predictable as the…
The newspaper ad read,"Winter's Coming. Are you ready?" It was an ad for a heating company but it spoke of more to me. After this past year, I've felt like I've had enough "winter" for awhile. And yet... So much good comes from dormant times.…