We have a cat. I don’t like him. We used to be friends, but no more! Not since he turned evil. He used to be an outdoor, indoor cat. He’d politely meow at the door to be let out when nature called. It was a great agreement between Whiskers and I. Somewhere along the way he became a lazy, fat…
The Old Mill
Pappy Greenly was owner and operator of the only feed mill for miles around. My father often took 80 pounds of wheat to his mill in exchange for 80 pounds of flour. We kids jumped at the chance to accompany our father to the mill. We always visited with Pappy in his dusty office. Of special interest was his case…
Take the Exit!
We got to spend a few days at the beach over Spring break! I heart the beach! The morning we left, I said a sad goodbye to Jake and Alijah, and a sadder goodbye to the beach (I’m just joking). I told Tom to drive because I wanted to nap. I decided I’d nap after the toll road, because that…
The Bicycle Gospel
Sometimes it was a fender. At times a kick stand. A more comfortable seat. Keeping bikes tuned for four boys was somewhat expensive if not for Wes O’Brien’s wholesome bike shop. Wes took the needy boy to his parts department. Pick out the one you want. Don’t worry about the price. It will be your birthday gift. You do have…
Saving a Wretched Speeder Like Me!
I got pulled over on the way to work this week. I was going fast. Like really fast. In my defense, the new car we got goes really fast, really easy. But that’s not really a good defense, right? I rolled down the window as the trooper approached and told me just how fast I was going. Gulp!! As I…
Weed Control Team
Spraying weed killer kills more than weeds. It prevents rewarding relationships. No kidding! My parents had 14 kids. At least 5 of us hit the corn field at the same time. We each had our favorite hoe newly sharpened. We spread out, chopping weeds as we made our way to the opposite end. Canada thistles were enemy number one. One…
A Fruitful Life!
U-Pic apple orchards in Michigan were our family’s delight for years. We especially relished the antique varieties like Winesap and Grimes Golden. One of my favorite orchards was sold. The new owner did not spray or prune. In a year or two the apples were wormy and small. A few people used them for cider but I could not enjoy…
Are You All In?
Watching basketball games is a painful thing…like literally! My heart goes to pounding and my stomach sorta churns. My mouth starts screaming things like “where’s the foul” and “box out!” Wild cheers for a shot made or a sweet pass just happen! I can’t contain it!! But only on certain games. Games my boys play in (or the Cowboys, but,…
Affirmation!
Mark Yaconelli writes about a little girl who received no affirmation at every stage of her life. At her high school graduation the audience clapped for every graduate but not for her. The silence stabbed her emotional heart. She feared her college graduation. She saw three young men at the back of the auditorium. She offered them $20 each if…
How Much Do We Care?
My job as chaplain in a large psychiatric hospital was terminated. I think the corporate executives thought the bottom line would be improved. What they didn’t know was patients entered the chapel to pray and hear the chaplain’s daily devotionals. Patients often knelt in front of the cross to pray and cry out to God for healing. Several courageous patients…