May 18, 2023 | Pondering and Kindling
In my growing up years and in early adulthood, I often found myself often thinking and sometimes saying, “Oh, if I could be like him.” As I matured a bit more, the expression of that longing changed. I found myself seeking to ease my sense of failure by thinking and...
May 14, 2023 | Pondering and Kindling
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. (Matthew 23:37 NIV) You may have to be from rural...
May 11, 2023 | Pondering and Kindling
People often ask me what my real name is. They want to think it’s a nickname, or short for something like Maxwell or Maximillian. Can you imagine me being named Maxwell? That’s far too predictable, far too strong. Maximillian? That’s far too...
May 7, 2023 | Pondering and Kindling
Technology made it possible. My wife and I joined millions in watching the Coronation of King Charles III. What pomp and circumstance! What an affirmation of tradition! My mind was stirred with all sorts of questions and affirmations throughout the entire event, and I...
May 4, 2023 | Pondering and Kindling
Those who know me fairly well know that Peanuts is my favorite cartoon. If they knew me a bit better, they would conclude that I pay regular attention to many cartoons. Dennis the Menace often gets my attention. In one cartoon, Dennis is being punished, sitting over...
May 1, 2023 | Pondering and Kindling
According to the Cleveland Clinic, giving releases feel-good chemicals in your body like serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin, lowers blood pressure and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety. That’s good news. In addition to giving being a spiritual act of worship, we...
