Jul 16, 2023 | Pondering and Kindling
I decided recently that I should follow Bill Keane’s cartoon, Family Circus, more faithfully. So many profound lessons are couched in humor. Keane models the cartoon after his own family: Thelma, his wife, and their children, Billy, Dolly, Jeffy, and P.J. The...
Jul 12, 2023 | Pondering and Kindling
What ‘n the world are we coming to? That’s the way Momma expressed her exasperation with all the things coming at her that she did not understand. Almost every day when I read the news, or watch television, or simply observe culture I’m feeling that sentiment. More...
Jul 6, 2023 | Pondering and Kindling
We too quickly leave the reason for our celebrations behind. We must not do that on July 4. The tension and threatened disruption in Russia are an immediate reminder of who we say we are as a nation is as critical today as ever. When the founders of the United States...
Jul 2, 2023 | Pondering and Kindling
Providentially, a few days ago I came across reflective words I had written years ago, following a visit to Estonia, what was then East Germany, and the German Democratic Republic. I was there in a more or less official capacity, so in these three countries, I was...
Jun 29, 2023 | Pondering and Kindling
I believe there are two frames of reference out of which we tend to operate as Christians – either is debilitating to our Christian growth and service. One is a false humility that refuses to name and claim our gifts. The second is a confidence that claims too much...
Jun 26, 2023 | Pondering and Kindling
I don’t know how it is with you, but I have a number of Scripture passages to which I refer off and on, sometimes out of need, sometimes reminded of it when I’m listening to something else. Recently I was listening to a sermon on the text, Do not think of yourself...
