WE SEEK TO BE A LOVING COMMUNITY

I have noticed as the college football playoffs have wound down and the NFL playoffs are gearing up that something, if it is being done well won’t be noticed, but instead is getting lots of attention.  It seems the referees are having a bit of a down year or at least that’s what many sports

I grew up in a home where it was made very clear to me that when I went to school I should give it my all and if I did the result would be good grades.  My parents believed that I if I applied myself, I should be able to master all the material presented

One of the blessings as well as curses of being an extrovert is the ability to engage in small talk.  To be clear, what I am referring is the ability to keep talking about a variety of subjects to avoid the extroverts nightmare:  silent interactions.  Typical subjects for small talk include the weather, sports, health,

It has happened only about 10 times in my 62 years of life.  The next time it happens won’t be until 2033, eleven years from now.  Christmas on Sunday is a novel thing and ever since I can remember, it has always created a bit of question and challenge.  I probably don’t need to tell 

With 10 days left until the big day of Christmas arriving, a popular question is “are you ready for Christmas?”  I know that virtually everyone is busy with activities that include meal planning, gift securing, party attending, tradition making, and more.  If we are ready, the list has been checked off as completed or is

It happened last evening while I was standing in line waiting to make a sandwich at the Fellowship Supper.  I noticed one of the many awesome teenagers who are a part of the congregation and said hello and asked how he was doing.  After some exchanging of pleasantries, he wondered if he could ask me

The scene is familiar.  It has been the plot in dozens of Christmas movies.  The characters are usually extra busy as they go about the things they “must do” in order to celebrate this holiday.  The busyness leads to being anxious and even letting a bit of frustration leak out because of the pressure.  By

I can’t remember if it was 1968 or 1969 when Thanksgiving for my family was one like I had never seen before or since.  As a young boy, I remember my family getting ready for our annual pilgrimage to Toronto, KS.  This tiny town was the gathering place for many of my mom’s relatives.  At

When I was a teenager by parents forced my brother and I to join with them in what I thought was the most annoying ritual imaginable.  Every Sunday afternoon, dad would inform us that it was time for our weekly “drive”.  Part of the reason it was so annoying centered around my own desire to

Where you 50 years ago this week?  I know that many of you hadn’t made your appearance in the world yet but many, like me may remember very clearly.  I remember it not because it was the week the Richard M. Nixon was reelected president although that was a significant event.  His reelection efforts featured