Happy Fourth of July! Or here in this space, let me say, “Happy red, white and you!” Yes, you. Let’s start this conversation with a quote from founding father and first President George Washington. Mr. Mount Vernon once said, “While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and…
Read MoreHis name is Russ. We met a month ago in a Zoom meeting. Imposing is a not I word I would have used if you’d have asked me what he was like during that online meeting. Instead, I would have used words like thoughtful, measured, and professional. This…
Read MoreThe sky has not fallen as Henny Penny feared it would. However, our region experienced a considerable amount of smoke from Canadian wildfires at the start of the week of June 5th. Our usually blue skies became not just dangerous but ominous. Some described the oddly pink and eerie-looking sun…
Read MoreWe hear a polished pitch or well-plastered promo and think to ourselves, “Now, that’s too good to be true.” We know what’s next. It IS too good to be true. The hoax, scam, or the something so hyped disappoints us. Sometimes the disappointment is minor. Eh. Shrug. It…
Read MoreWhat scripture says is important. Sometimes what scripture doesn’t say is important, too. For example, in the story of Noah and the ark, we read rain falls for forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:12). We also read God tells Noah to keep the pairs of all animals aboard…
Read MoreA family member shared great advice when her children were very young. “Be specific. Saying something like ‘Be careful,’ to children isn’t helpful. Clear directives work best.” She used examples including, “Don’t play on these rocks,” and “Take one step at a time.” Her back may still tighten if…
Read More“If you love me,” Jesus says in John 14:15, “obey my commandments.” The word ‘if’ makes it clear this is no mandate. Jesus always gives a choice, an option. Maybe you’re all in when it comes to loving Jesus. Maybe you’re not. Maybe there’s a hesitation, reservation, question, doubt,…
Read MoreStanding on the line in the gym in elementary school, we all wanted to be chosen by one of the two captains. The captains took turns choosing classmates until the class was divvied up into two teams. Rewarding for some and painful for others, we all wanted to…
Read More“You’ll always find someone who wants to hold a baby.” I didn’t experience disbelief when a colleague shared this with me, but I did wonder. It’s true that babies are little, cute, and a tiny bit adorable. They can also be messy. Slobber on your shoulder is one thing….
Read MoreHe said it so matter-of-factly. “Ask my ex-wife. I’m as cold as ice.” He isn’t as cold as ice. I’m sure he’s been hurt. I’m sure he can be distant. He may not hold a great deal of empathy for others. But I’ll say this again. He’s not…
Read MoreCopyright William Hagenbuch. All rights reserved.