31 Jul, 2020
Well, folks, this is my last reflection as we head back into weekly virtual worship in two days and then in-person worship on September 13. My initial intent was to have a daily way to remain connected to each of you, while at the same time...
30 Jul, 2020
I was raised by a master questioner, so I’m really good at asking questions. This has not always been seen as a positive thing. My high school friends sometimes referred to me as the “interrogator” for my questioning ability when they brought...
29 Jul, 2020
We are fortunate enough to see a few hummingbirds zooming around our flowers every year. This year I decided to buy a feeder for them and hang it just off the back deck so we could see them better. Of course they prefer the flowers. Just for...
28 Jul, 2020
I’m hoping that the karma judges give me a bit of a break today. I’m not my best when I’m feeling overwhelmed. It hurts me to say this (but recognition is the first step toward recovery, right?), but I’m feeling a bit in-over-my-head this week...
27 Jul, 2020
I’ve completed four paintings in my watercolor class (again, not ready to share!) It’s a fairly informal class via Zoom every other week. We get started on a painting together and then finish on our own. As much as I try to make my painting...
26 Jul, 2020
One of the ways I’ve embraced “isolating” at home is that I’ve been taking a watercolor class of sorts. My dad used to be a wonderful watercolor artist and I’ve always loved the medium in general, but never had the time or courage to try it...
25 Jul, 2020
There seems to be no shortage of challenges and difficulties in life. And only some of them have to do with the pandemic we’re dealing with. The question becomes how do we deal with them? How do we respond to obstacles, disappointments,...
24 Jul, 2020
I continue to be distressed and saddened by how polarized and divided our country is over almost every little thing. I’m not talking about simple disagreement over an issue. I’m talking about angry, hateful, mean attacks on people who think...
23 Jul, 2020
Here’s my last ASP story. One year our 6-person crew was assigned Miss Judy’s house. As happens in Appalachia when the houses are built into the sides of the mountains, when it rains, the water runs down the slope and under the house and...
23 Jul, 2020
Because our drives down to the Appalachia region always took place over two days, we would stop at a park or somewhere on Sunday morning for a brief worship service. One of our favorite places to worship was on the top of a cliff overlooking a...