I met Judy Shields in the autumn of 1964. It was at a church youth group dance. They called it “Young Peoples” in those days. At one point in the evening, full of life and sparkling with energy, Judy approached me, chattering on as if she’d known me for years. Not yet aware of how… Continue reading Girl-Crazy #2
I've been thinking about Christmas and worship, so sharing some seasonal thoughts, hoping something here might resonate with you ... The Lord of all creation may be worshipped Anywhere. On a cross, in a stable,On a hilltop, under gable;In the heart of your own town square. Any where. God's way was a smart incarnationFor rescuing… Continue reading Christmas Then and Now
There's no straight lines make up my life,All my roads have bends."from "Circle" by Harry Chapin When acquaintances ask about my backstory, I often laugh and say that I’ve taken a “scenic route” through life. “Scenic” denotes a leisurely drive along picturesque backroads, taking in breathtaking vistas or pastoral landscapes. But such a romantic picture… Continue reading No Straight Lines
(Every January I post an abridged text from one of my past sermons. Sermons are meant to be delivered for the ear, rather than for the eye. Still, but I hope you will find these messages edifying.) From God’s perspective, what do you think he would consider the most radical thing you’ve ever done? When… Continue reading Follow the Leader
I love reading the Christmas story, especially at this time of year when we celebrate the astounding circumstances surrounding the birth of Israel’s Messiah (not to mention the Saviour of the whole world). For a huge seasonal blessing, please watch “Christmas with the Chosen”. It’s in theatres, but it’s also on YouTube. Bracketed by talented… Continue reading Pants on Fire
At one time, I thought I’d written the book on romance. I packed picnic baskets, composed poetry, cooked meals extracted from Food & Wine magazine, spent hours in greeting card shops, arranged flowers, lit fires, collected bronzes and vintage wines, preferred "chick-flicks" to “blow-‘em-ups", and I knew all the best city vantage points and restaurants.… Continue reading As Time Goes By
(An abridged version of a sermon I originally delivered at Grace Community Church in Marblehead, MA. ) I’ve been doing some research, and I’d like to share my findings with you. Where Melissa and I buy our groceries, there are over two-hundred different brands of breakfast cereal! Okay, so it’s not deep deep research, but… Continue reading Not the Cereal Aisle
As a result of our Advent devotions this year, I’m rethinking my response to the Christmas story, and making some vertical adjustments. By the Christmas story, of course, I mean the now familiar account of a tender, vulnerable baby boy born in the humblest of Judean settings. Granted, there’s nothing unusual about a baby’s birth… Continue reading Every Knee Should Bend
Peace in the Home 