…the parched land shall become a pool, and the thirsty lands springs of water…(Isaiah 35:7)

How Silently, How Silently the Wondrous Gift is Given

Another Christmas is here. It’s been different in a number of respects, but one thing that I have discovered is that all that I love about Christmas is still with me and it’s something that is not taken away by mass commercialism, loss of a loved one or any outward cause. The wondrous and sacred […]

Lake Wobegon Comes to Sacramento

It has been quite a long time since have written on this blog. There are a couple of reasons for that. I had started to write a post in October and then my father died on October 16th. My father had a special love of Christmas and particularly the Christmas church services that were part […]

Sacred Silence, Friendship, and Refuge

I had a wonderful opportunity this last week of traveling along the coast of Northern California with a close friend of mine. It was wonderful to spend time with a friend and laugh, as well as share some special experiences. Among those special experiences that will live forever in my memory is the sacred silence […]

I Go to the Hills When My Heart is Lonely…

Sometimes family relations are not the picture of peace and tranquility that we  wish they were. Sometimes it can be downright ugly and people can wind up hurt. So what can one do under such circumstances? Go to the hills. 8 people like this post. Like Unlike

Beneath the Staves

In many hymnals, there are usually up to four verses printed between the staves. Before the modern hymnals that we’ve grown accustomed to, the music for the hymn tune was printed above and all the text was written beneath the staves and there was no text between the staves. It is always my fond yet […]

…Scenes By the Wayside, Tales of the Sea

As part of my work as a music director for a Lutheran church, this last week I’ve had a unique opportunity that scared me but which I ultimately found rewarding. Vacation Bible School. 3 people like this post. Like Unlike

The River and the Current

I moved to Sacramento in February. Since then I’ve discovered a lot and found myself getting accustomed to various aspects of the area. Most notably, the river. 5 people like this post. Like Unlike

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

Sometimes there are days when we just want to let go, and give up. Some days we feel like we’re all spent and can do no more to further our own progression or the work of God. But then there are the days that the love which never lets us go reaches down and reminds […]

Of oil, islands, and pilots

My car is burning through oil faster than five foolish virgins. 3 people like this post. Like Unlike

O Sweet the Joy this Sentence Gives…

…I know that my redeemer lives. It’s always been a favorite hymn of mind and last night or early this morning as I reflected on the text it seemed an answer to prayer. 4 people like this post. Like Unlike

Look to God and Live

Sometimes I am a slow learner. Sometimes? Maybe actually quite a lot of the time. There are times when I’m so sure of what the answer will be and know that it’s going to be really complicated to get to the correct end result. This week I had such an experience. And you know what? […]

Straw, Sticks, and Bricks

We all remember the story of the three little pigs, don’t we? They were being stalked by the big, bad wolf and each little pig built himself a house to keep the wolf out. The first one built his house out of straw. The wolf blew it over with a breath. The second one built […]

Chronic Pain

In 1980, while working at a warehouse job, I was out at the dock doing receving. A case of cash register tape was being delivered. The dock was built to accommodate large semis. This package was being delivered by a small delivery type truck. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

Going With the Flow

I finally went to college in my forties and graduated at fifty. It’s an accomplishment that I claim some pride in, since I’m the first generation in all of my lineage to get a college degree. It felt good and it has been of great value to me. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

Whom Seekest Thou?

When I, like Mary Magdalene, am asked, “Whom seekest thou?”, I hope to be found seeking the same risen Lord that she sought.