The Blues

Do you ever get “the blues”? I don’t mean the serious condition of clinical depression that some people are afflicted with. I’m talking about the garden variety of everyday blues … the feelings that come on you unbidden but are generally linked to some sad new developments in your life. When things are going great [...]

Youthful Presumptions, June 2010

Youthful Presumptions In 1964 Bob Dylan wrote a song called “My Back Pages.” His humorous look at the presumptions of those who haven’t lived long enough to know that life is more often gray than black and white is brilliantly insightful. He ends each stanza of the song with the statement: “Ah, but I was [...]

Bruised Reeds, April 2010

Bruised Reeds Spring is a delightful time, no matter how early or late it comes. Sitting on our back deck in the mornings, I can watch a whole new world opening up around me as shrubs and flowers burst forth with dazzling colors and delightful fragrances. Another joy of springtime is the return of the [...]

The Glory of the Cross, March 2010

The Glory of the Cross The cross of Calvary is a profound mystery, even for Christians. It’s hard for us to decide how to respond to it since we’re both repelled by and drawn to it. Its ability to transform anyone—even the world’s vilest sinner—places it in a category all by itself. Nothing the world [...]

Love in Action, Feb. 2010

Love in Action  “Love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing compared with love in dreams.” FYODOR DOSTOEVSKI This is the month when everyone’s mind turns to love and romance. I’ve never been convinced that Valentine’s Day would be as popular as it is without the exchange of chocolate, though. Isn’t it amazing how [...]

Exceedingly Thankful? Nov. 2009

Exceedingly Thankful? This is the time of year when we turn our hearts towards giving thanks. The poor atheist has a hard time finding someone to thank for all of his blessings, so he makes due with thanking himself for all his hard work and accomplishments. For myself, I look to God first when I [...]