July 2010

Dry Rot

We were standing on the deck that my wife had just painted, sipping coffee, enjoying the flowers and the refreshing scent of a lilac bush, when she noticed something.

This is not always a good thing. Something she "notices" can translate into a big project. Being the kind, compassionate husband that I am, it often means my involvement. This was to be no exception.

Dry Rot

We were standing on the deck that my wife had just painted, sipping coffee, enjoying the flowers and the refreshing scent of a lilac bush, when she noticed something.

This is not always a good thing. Something she "notices" can translate into a big project. Being the kind, compassionate husband that I am, it often means my involvement. This was to be no exception.

Do It Yourself

Wise, humble, and smart "how-to" questions gave birth to a helpful network of television, video, and Internet called "Do It Yourself" (DIY). DIY is built on the ethic that "an ordinary person can learn to do more than he or she thought was possible." Smart people "do it themselves" to save money, to have a joyous sense of accomplishment, to meet teaching and learning needs, or simply to solve a problem.

From Pain to Promise

Almost daily I come into contact with someone who feels worthless or disappointed with life. I can relate.

When I was a senior in high school, a guidance counselor told me that I was a loser and that I would "never amount to anything in life." I did not take this criticism well. In fact, I spent the remainder of my teenage years searching for significance in the world. Dropping out of high school and floundering for a season, I squandered many good options.

A Free Call

Remember the days before cell phones? When I watch old reruns of television shows or older movies, I am amazed at how often the process of communication is such an important part of the plot line. Having to find a stationary pay phone or office phone often hinders the work of the main character. More than once I have caught myself saying as I watch, “If she only had a cell phone or the internet, this wouldn’t be a problem!”

Immersed

My friend and I, both native English speakers, showed an interest in the Spanish language in high school. We took required Spanish courses and practiced speaking Spanish as often as we could.

I continued to be interested in the Spanish language while in college but did not pursue it as an academic study. I practiced Spanish occasionally, but my speaking was limited. My friend was a different story.

Salt of the Earth

Salt has, in some ways, developed a bad reputation these days. It can cause high blood pressure and heart issues when it is over used. Part of the reason salt has developed its reputation is that it is so accessible. That has not always been the case, of course. In ancient times, salt was relatively rare. Salt that could be used for consumption was even rarer.

Beyond Appearances

"And [the angel Gabriel] came to [Mary] and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus." (Luke 1:28-31, NRSV)

With Tears

As a longtime pastor, I have always enjoyed collecting stories that might be useful in sermons or presentations. One of my favorites involves two young preachers, just out of seminary, who were interviewing to become the senior pastor of a small church in midwestern United States.

They had been seminary classmates, but they were determined not to make their respective interviews into a competition. Both decided that the congregation’s choice would not be a reflection on either of them but would rather be an affirmation of the will of God for them and for the congregation.

Present Presence

In Genesis 15, we encounter Abram’s story just after he rescued Lot and had the encounter with the priest and king of Salem. “After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.’”

The Lord said to Abram, “Do not be afraid,” and then laid out a great promise. Frequent readers of this passage may miss an interesting twist. The promise was not “I will be your shield,” or “I was your shield,” instead, the Lord says “I am your shield.”