Category Archives: Reference
Your Word for Today
Thought for the Day
My Midday Meditation
Scientists from Penn State University recently engineered a new kind of glue that’s both extremely strong and also removable. Their design is inspired by a snail whose slime hardens in dry conditions and loosens again when wet. The reversible nature of the snail’s slime allows it to move freely in more humid conditions—safer for theContinue reading “My Midday Meditation”
In 10 Years, You Won’t Remember
In ten years, you won’t remember what’s bothering you today. I’ve been a pastor for just about twenty years. During this time, I can’t remember a season without some level of discouragement. Some days were boiling, others just simmering, but there’s always been a pot of adversity on the stove. Do you know what’s interesting?Continue reading “In 10 Years, You Won’t Remember”
Little Foxes
A pilot couldn’t fit his tea into the cupholder, so he set it on the center console. When the plane hit turbulence, the drink spilled onto the control panel, shutting off an engine. The flight was diverted and landed safely, but when it happened again to a crew from a different airline two months later,Continue reading “Little Foxes”
The Dawn of Uncivilzation
(I recommend reading this perspective in more than one setting. I fear that the author might be tragically right. Your reflections are welcome but study it a day or two before submitting. Thank You.) In the fall of 1992, I was a junior at Middlebury College, and I took a seminar on American foreign policy.Continue reading “The Dawn of Uncivilzation”
Your Spiritual Discipline for Today
These “wise men” who visited Jesus raise a number of questions for us. To begin with they would never have been permitted to worship God in the Temple. They wereGentiles, and their occupation of divination was forbidden in the Hebrew law. Yet, they are among the first worshippers of Jesus. Then, there is the curiousContinue reading “Your Spiritual Discipline for Today”
A Poem of More Than Romance
I have often expressed my fascination with nineteenth century religious poetry. In a time when there were few means through which strangers could engage with one another, poetry periodicals would often print a poem in one issue, then responses or rebuttals in future editions. I found just such a situation with a poem titled “AContinue reading “A Poem of More Than Romance”
Identity Theft with a Twist
Earlier this week I opened my email to find a message from Wells Fargo thanking me for my online application for a new checking and savings account. Another message soon followed saying my application had been accepted. Flattered as I was, the problem is I, nor my wife, had applied for an account with WellsContinue reading “Identity Theft with a Twist”
Intentional Faith 