Tag: Christian Blog

  • Safe Pasture in Strange Places

    Safe Pasture in Strange Places

    It happened early this past summer. A small herd of elk lumbered into town, grazing and then lying down in a grassy field across the street from a fitness center. It was quite a spectacle, all the more so as elk are naturally reclusive, even shy. Picture four young bulls, with full racks of antlers,…

  • Advent Reflections: Peace by Piece

    Advent Reflections: Peace by Piece

    The following story is historical fiction: straight out of my imagination but inspired by actual events. During World War II, Matsuko and her family were among the many Japanese Americans forcibly interned in camps. For three years she longed to return to the farm near Salinas, California where her husband Hayato’s family had grown strawberries…

  • From Darkness to Light: Stories of Encouragement

    From Darkness to Light: Stories of Encouragement

    I read a story the other day about a young girl who eloped from a shelter for troubled teens in the wee hours of the night. She was found in the woods a few hours later, not by the police, but by a female janitor from the local school. When asked how she knew where…

  • The Triple-A Approach to Helping Someone in Need

    The Triple-A Approach to Helping Someone in Need

    After I left full-time ministry, but before I became a teacher, I spent three years in sales with Frito Lay, Inc. I was a Route Sales Rep, which is a front-line position selling salty snacks to grocery and convenience stores. One day, my boss was helping me set up a huge display of potato chips…

  • Just Keep Going

    Just Keep Going

    The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27a (NKJV) It should have been easy-peasy–leading and singing patriotic songs, just before the 4th of July. But I croaked like a frog on the high notes and was hoarse enough to be half my normal volume. One of the nursing home…

  • Our Journey to Rescue Two Adorable Dogs

    Our Journey to Rescue Two Adorable Dogs

    Nancy and I have always been dog lovers. So, after our beloved Mini-Schnauzer died, we talked about getting another dog (or two)—someday. This summer, I said, “I’m ready to find another Schnauzer.” My wife had an idea: “We could adopt a couple of dogs from a rescue,” she said. “There are plenty out there who…