My Constant Temptation (is to just check out)

My constant temptation is to simply check out. Cash it in, retire, unplug, disconnect, disappear into the woods with Melissa, our 200 year old rescue dog and a Bible and have no idea who becomes President in the next election.  Social distancing cubed.  The manic state of the world, a godless culture and our divided

A Place to Stand as the Holidays Near

My constant temptation is to simply check out. Cash it in, retire, unplug, disconnect, disappear into the Smoky Mountains with Melissa and a Bible and have no idea who becomes President in the next election. The troubled state of the world, our unsettled country and divisions within my denomination make me sad. Not mad, just

What is too Important to Forget About Memorial Day

I was pondering this afternoon about what Memorial Day means to me. For a lot of folks, Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day are essentially indiscernible…even redundant.  But Memorial Day is not just about service, it is about ultimate sacrifice; remembering those who sacrificed their lives in service to our country. On this weekend, we celebrate

A Dozen Pre-Thanksgiving Hacks (2020 Edition)

  1) Make everyone stay at the table for a full hour.  Set a timer.  No one leaves. No one.  And not a bit of dessert or a sip of coffee for forty-five minutes. 2) No phones at the table. None. If you look at your phone, it goes in the turkey carcass with the

They Can’t Ruin Thanksgiving (so they skip it)

Despite their best attempts, Thanksgiving is the one holiday the American retail industry has not been able to completely ruin.  If you don’t farm turkeys or grow cranberries, there is just not enough money to be made off of it.  That is why they skip it and jump from Halloween to Christmas.  They can’t ruin