Easter Sunday: Good News, Good Words
I have tried everything. Really, I have worked so hard at it. My sincere desire is to be successful, but I don't do well at it. Memory is not my forte. Folklore tells me my memory will improve the older I getwell at least for things in the past, not necessarily for the things in the current stream of life.
Palm/Passion Sunday: Loyalty Lessons
Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor of agriculture at the University of Tokyo in 1924, wanted a dog for companionship. After looking at some dogs, he chose an Akita born on a farm near the city of Odate whose name was Hachiko. The Japanese name was a combination of hachi, meaning "he was the eighth born in the litter" and ko, meaning "prince or duke."
Fifth Sunday of Lent: Overcoming the Onions of Life
Cooking relaxes me, especially grilling. I can taste the brats or the marinated chicken breasts basted in raspberry vinegar and oil, the grilled vegetables or corn in the husks. My lips are smacking already as my taste buds are fantasizing about juicy hamburgers as the smoke and smell rise from the grill.
Second Sunday After Christmas: Life as a Possession
The people of Ephesus would understand this portion of Paul's writing, "you were sealed with the Holy Spirit" because of their geographical location. Ephesus was a maritime city and carried on an extensive timber trade. Merchants of the neighboring port cities would buy the timber from the lumber masters of the area. After selecting their timber, they stamped it with their own signet ring, which was an acknowledged sign of ownership.
Getting the Right Gift
Jan. 17, 2010 Second Sunday after Epiphany 1 Cor. 12:1-11 Ever have a problem finding just the right gift for someone-a spouse, child, grandchild, fiancé or parent? In the past, I would shop and shop months in advance and make sure I had the right gift for my wife for Christmas, birthday or anniversary.
Wanted: A Righteous Voice
Jan. 10, 2010 Baptism of the Lord Luke 3:15-17 The newspaper is filled with want ads. There are want ads for jobs, used cars, new cars, tractors, boats, airplanes, toys and more. However, I've never seen an ad for "a righteous voice." Maybe there ought to be because righteousness seems to be in short supply today, just like it was in John the Baptist's day.
A New Day to Begin Life
Jan. 3, 2010 Second Sunday after Christmas John 1:1-18 I love sunrises. They are glorious reminders that God has given each of us a new beginning with potential, possibility and a positive future. We never can undo the previous day's blunders, mistakes, or sins. So God has given us the beauty of the sunrise for us to begin with optimism in Him.
Perfect Hearing
?March 8, 2009
Second Sunday in Lent (B)
Mark 8:31-38
The I.R.S. received this letter a number of years ago:
"Gentlemen: Enclosed you will find a check for $150. I cheated on my income tax return last year and have not been able to sleep ever since. If I still have trouble sleeping I will send you the rest. Sincerely..."
?An Uncommon Man with an Uncommon Mission
?March 1, 2009
First Sunday in Lent (B)
Mark 1:9-15
John the Baptist, the charismatic revivalist, was exhausted. His disciples were concerned because of how tired he appeared lately. His daily schedule was purpose-driven, challenging him to be up early praying, thinking and meditating before His God. While he was praying, the crowds gathered close by, waiting for him to make his entrance. His appearance was unique-long, unkempt hair waving in the wind, his black beard untrimmed, and wearing clothes made of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist. He looked much older than his 30 years. John had a wild, wide-eyed demeanor that captivated his listeners' attention on the hillsides of Judea.