When I was the minister at Pontypool and Bethany United Churches, each summer I conducted “Decoration Day” services at the local cemeteries. Local and returning families gathered at the cemetery to “pay their respects” at the graves of their loved ones. During the week prior, or that Sunday, they would… Continue reading
This summer, Tom and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. Many couples today reject marriage as an unnecessary encumbrance. They tell me, “We don’t need the church or the state to endorse our personal commitment to each other. Besides, if we discover we’ve made a mistake, we won’t have to go… Continue reading
For thirty years, family and friends have gathered on July 1 to celebrate our granddaughter, Vanessa’s birthday. Nearly fifty attended last year. Most of us travel one, two, and more, hours one way for this special celebration. Vanessa, loves her giant birthday party. Being developmentally delayed, this year Vanessa must… Continue reading
On special occasions our son, Brad, and his family often give us framed family photos as gifts. Last month, we received an empty frame with the word “Memories” written in large letters under where the picture will be. Somehow, in the midst of our chaotic household, that frame was placed… Continue reading
Mother’s Day is coming soon. This year our celebration will be different. For many of us, keeping Mother safe means keeping her alone. We will talk with her on SKYPE or Facetime. We might even drop a special meal at her door, ring the bell or call and then leave…. Continue reading
As we approach this Easter, life is strange. Shops and restaurants are closed. We’re asked to isolate ourselves. Even churches are closed to Sunday Worship. How do we celebrate Easter? Let’s first remember the message of Easter. God loved us so much that God came in Jesus, a human person,… Continue reading
Even after years of trusting and believing in God, doubts can overwhelm us. We ask, “If God is loving, why didn’t God stop the earthquake? Or would a loving God let that terrorist kill all those people?” In my book Fireweed, Renee cries out in anguish, “God, why didn’t you… Continue reading
Over the last few weeks I have been thinking and writing about love. It’s easy to focus on loving some people. Usually they are friends, family members, even strangers that we read about who have done good things. This year for Valentine’s Day, please think about loving your enemies as… Continue reading
Another new year has dawned. What is ahead? For our family, we have expectations of great joy among our grandchildren. Tim starts a new job, Chris & Haruna are expecting a baby (our first great grandchild), Ben and Allyson are getting married, Zachary starts teacher’s college and Ellie university: so… Continue reading
