How the Christ Stole Grinchmas

Life Notes—December 19, 2013    “He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought... doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more! And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say - that the Grinch's small heart … Continue reading How the Christ Stole Grinchmas

A Worthwhile Wait

Life Notes—December 12, 2013    “He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord…’” John 1:23 It was my last business trip of the year. Everything went according to schedule, until my phone rang at 5:20 on the morning I was to return home. A … Continue reading A Worthwhile Wait

A Different Peace

Life Notes—December 5, 2013    “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.”  … Continue reading A Different Peace

Gratitude and Happiness

Life Notes—November 28, 2013    “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:14-15 Grandma Hildenbrand was a grateful person. She appreciated the good in everyone. … Continue reading Gratitude and Happiness

Small Gods

Life Notes—November 21, 2013    “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, not repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above … Continue reading Small Gods

Grace in an Awkward World

Life Notes—November 14, 2013    “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:16-17 Coaches of struggling sports teams often lament the need for players to get back to the basics of the sport. Athletes learn the fundamentals … Continue reading Grace in an Awkward World

It’s Only Weird if it Doesn’t Work

Life Notes—November 7, 2013    “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9 Lately, a series of commercials has been showing that display the odd superstitions of sports fans. Perhaps you have seen one. A group of … Continue reading It’s Only Weird if it Doesn’t Work

Words and Meditations

Life Notes—October 31, 2013    “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 I am often careless about the words I say.  There are times I wonder what I was thinking to have said what I said.  The … Continue reading Words and Meditations

Contemplating Oz: There is No Place Like Home

Life Notes—October 24, 2013    “And Jesus said to them, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’” Matthew 8:20 “Oh, Auntie Em, there’s no place like home!”  Dorothy Gale Following a hit to the head with a window sent flying by … Continue reading Contemplating Oz: There is No Place Like Home

Contemplating Oz: An Accidental Calling

Life Notes—October 17, 2013    “We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us…” Romans 12:6a “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!”  The Wizard of Oz I volunteered to coach my son’s first soccer team.  He and his friends were about six years old and needed a coach.  Unfortunately, … Continue reading Contemplating Oz: An Accidental Calling