Category Archives: Uncategorized

Did you ever lend someone a helping hand, only to discover that it ended up costing you an arm and a leg? That was how I felt as the supervisor of a youth group float trip down the Illinois River. It also resulted in a bloodied body and bruised ego. I am not an outdoorContinue reading “UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE OR CANOE”

The first visit to Boston by this unsophisticated, small-town Midwestern high-school hick proved to be a Tale of Two Cities. I loved the home of the Celtics, Patriots, Bruins, and Red Sox. I did not like the cold, crowded city. I ended my visit early, ready to be home. My grown-up kids travel the landContinue reading “Your Life Direction Matters”

Psalm 84 Bible Study The big question I wish to address is, “How real is God in your life?” The main way to a greater reality of God’s presence and goodness in your life comes from the study of God’s Word. I invite you to join me in this pursuit. I recently preached a sermonContinue reading “THE LONGING OF MY SOUL”

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down. It was the worst Monday Moaning of my life (at least at that time). I felt sorry for myself. I was so down. Monday Moaning down in the depths of the sea down. Rock bottom down. Down in the dumps. Down and out. Down for good. DownContinue reading “DOWN IN THE DUMPS”

EMOTIONALLY DROWNING IN THE STRIP PIT OF LIFE It was a horribly hot summer day. I was eight years old when I almost drowned in the cool water of the strip pit. My family and my uncle’s family went on a swimming adventure to a strip pit. A strip pit is a large hole inContinue reading “EMOTIONALLY DROWNING”

Politics! Now, that is a dirty word for some. For others, it is a religion. This is my bi-annual post on the political landscape of our time. It is just my observation. If you are conservative or liberal or moderate, please do not read this. If you are “woke” or “far-right” on social issues, pleaseContinue reading “A POLITICAL OPINION”

(Back by popular demand every baseball season…)   Take me out to the ball game,                                                                                 Continue reading “The Third Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest and the Mystery of the Missing Cheese Nachos”

Customer Service Headaches! I have documented my frustrations several times. This one has a different resolution. It was shocking! My exasperation with poor customer service usually involves the normal ruin-my-day suspects…phone companies and insurance agencies. Occasionally, a food provider messes up big time. This week, it was my bank. I do not need to elaborateContinue reading “OOPS! I WAS WRONG! (or is that Fake News?)”

Before I share some thoughts about loneliness, I want to comment on my middle brother who just recently retired from his successful career as a highly acclaimed football coach. I am extremely proud of him and the many awards. Bill was one of the innovators of the “no-huddle offense.” I was able to stand inContinue reading “ARE YOU LONESOME END TONIGHT? (tribute to Coach Bill Blankenship)”

REWIND WINSDAY WISDOM for your July 4th entertainment. SOMETIMES IT IS HARD TO LOVE. You know exactly who that person is in your life. Maybe several names spring to mind. You might even be on vacation with them. OUCH! Or watching Fireworks with them, both real and emotional. The climatic finish intended to be spectacularContinue reading “FIREWORKS AT JERSEY MIKE’S”