Every year, right around this time, I carve out some prayerful time to redefine why I am taking up space on the planet.  If that sounds grandiose, hang with me, please.  My prayer goes like this – “Abba, what is… Continue reading

“Do you know everybody in this town?” a boy asked me one day when we were out and about together.  I had exchanged greetings with friends in the diner, talked with people in the stores, waved at a couple of… Continue reading

Christmas, for me, is a time when I am pulled to the past, more and more these days. Digging out the holiday décor in the attic, I found a box full of family picture albums. I pulled one out and… Continue reading

“Why did he do that?” The critical spirit rose in me. Later that same day I found myself wrestling with less than affirming thoughts about another over a trivial thing. Irritation showed up when the car in front of me… Continue reading

The rain was chill, the night dark as I drove home last night from a visit in the hospital. Fatigue made me long for the living room and relaxation until  . . .  I started to note the homes lit… Continue reading

Joy. The decorations are up, the songs of the seasons are playing. Parties are planned.  Beautiful worship gatherings will be offered in churches around the world. Gifts will be given. Will you find joy? Yesterday I put up the Christmas… Continue reading

Every morning I’m up before dawn. After brewing a cup of coffee, I sit down at my kitchen table which is next to a window that faces south. From my chair I can see the eastern sky.  As I sip… Continue reading

I wondered to myself, “Jerry, can you do this?” “This” was serving Christ- in a way that is effective and faithful.  From my side of life’s tapestry, I see knots of fear, threads of temptation, unfinished business, incomplete understanding, and… Continue reading

One of my heroes was dismissed from his position at Minnesota Public Radio yesterday. Garrison Keillor, 75, was released from the Prairie Home Companion after an accusation of sexual misconduct. I admit that this one  really got to me, left… Continue reading

T’is the season for giving. It can be fun. And, then too, some giving is tangled up with other things and loses the sparkle of joy. When we try to impress someone or when we feel we must prove our… Continue reading