"Behind every dark cloud there's a silver lining." The idea behind this famous phrase may have originated with seventeenth century writer John Milton. The optimistic Victorians popularized it in the nineteenth century. If we were doing a small group together, I might ask you, "What are some things in your life that obscure your vision … Continue reading Glimpse of a Silver Lining
As the sun was just coming up through the trees, I walked around the yard this morning. I'm sure most of you gardeners do the same thing. Every day there's something new to see, if you look closely enough. My little camellia shrub is blooming profusely now, but mainly around the middle. I planted it … Continue reading Six on Saturday: Walk Around the Yard 2.15.2020
Ebenezer Scrooge is famous for responding to others' greeting of “Merry Christmas,” with his trademark, “Bah! Humbug!” Many people feel this way about Valentine’s Day. I get it, with our cultural commercialization and high-pressure focus on an idealized romantic love. But, far be it from me to throw cold water on this holiday. After all, … Continue reading Valentine's Day: What Love Is This?
It may still be winter, but February is not without interesting color on the US Gulf Coast. Last week, I was breathlessly anticipating the opening of the first bud on my back camellia. It finally happened on Thursday. I think the name is Crimson King or something like that. These big blossoms are truly royal. … Continue reading Six on Saturday: Early February Flowers
Infectious diseases can be scary, especially one that’s new and has no vaccination. When illnesses are introduced into a population that hasn’t built up an immunity, it can spread rapidly, becoming an epidemic. You never know if you’re standing next to a carrier in a public place. Early Christianity spread like an epidemic. When Paul’s … Continue reading Are You a Carrier?
Tomorrow is Groundhog Day, February 2nd, where, according to tradition and superstition, if a groundhog comes out of his hole and sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. Never mind that spring is already on the calendar on March 20th. Groundhog or not, I'm already anticipating spring. Our last frost occurs, … Continue reading Six on Saturday: Anticipation
Thank the Lord that we live in an age when we can still hear firsthand memories from the people who suffered through the horrors of Hitler’s regime. Thank God for technology that has been preserving those memories for generations to come. It was real. It happened. Human beings committed atrocities on other humans beyond our … Continue reading Our Dark Human Heart
