Let me begin this thought by telling you that I am a richly blessed man.  I knew love and security from my earliest days. I was loved by a woman of beauty and spirit for 41 years. We have 4… Continue reading

Americans are unsure about how to respond to COVID. Wear a mask or don’t?  Open up our schools or limit exposure?  Is the “Delta variant” a real issue or not?  Guidance provided by government agencies has been confusing at best,… Continue reading

My mother-in-law is in care for some serious issues. For a couple of days answers have been in short supply as the medical professionals try to find the cause of her present state. A text in my phone came in… Continue reading

Yesterday, I met with 3 people who will be baptized in a couple of weeks to talk about that decision. At the table was a young girl of 11, a middle-aged Mom, and a teenage boy. My heart overflowed with… Continue reading

In his column for the New York Times, which is titled “Not In Control,” David Leonhardt admits that the way we have approached the virus in this most recent pandemic needs to change. We must, he writes, “avoid believing that… Continue reading

For a year and a half I have known that the moment was approaching when I would step away from pastoring the church I have served for 21 years. On September 1, I will no longer be the pastor of… Continue reading

My phone rang in the evening last week and a cheerful voice said, “Hi. I hope I’m not disturbing you. This is Jack Winters.”   Jack’s voice trembled with emotion when he said, “I’m so glad your Dad wouldn’t give up… Continue reading

Doomsday preaching is not my style. I hate it when preachers and politicians scare the life out of people and then say, “Trust me to keep you safe.”   I see that as manipulative, and yet … there is a sharp… Continue reading

I try to listen. Do I agree with every conclusion in every conversation? Not at all. Does listening imply that I believe that the person who is speaking is properly informed? Not always.  Listening without criticizing, correcting, or even confirming… Continue reading

When we pause to extend a sincere word of thanks to another, it is like a tonic. It lifts the heart, brightens the day, and improves the life of the one giving thanks. Try it!  Gratitude is powerful. The inspired… Continue reading