Love to Tell the Story

About singers who sing and you and I being salt and light!

On being well-practiced in the joy of God's light coming into the world, most especially in these dark and confusing times!

If it's possible for Mary and Joseph to "lose" Jesus, it's certainly possible we can lose him as well!

The first and greatest gift of Christmas is Emmanuel, God with us... and we need that gift now more than ever!

About Nativity scenes, motley shepherds and the importance of being overwhelmed at the Holy Birth!

Mary’s  response to the momentous news that she would give birth to the Christ Child was one of praise and rejoicing.  Can the same be said of us as we await His coming?

On being a "Collector of Christmas Music" and the Advent vision of true Christmas!

This year of all years, to “prepare the way of the Lord” means doing the work of faith boldly and gladly!

In these strange and tumultuous times, we need “Christmas, Now More Than Ever!”

A Thanksgiving story about rejoicing in the Lord... always!

The so-called “Widow’s Mite” turned out to be the widow's "might…” and it can be ours as well!

According to Jesus, when it comes to the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven, the time to be ready is now! But the question is, are we... really? 

No matter what befalls us in life and in this world, we can find hope and strength in knowing that God is in charge!

The story of an unexpected errand of mercy on a dark November night, and our call to bring caring and kindness to the places where we dwell!

In the end, everything we embrace as people of faith pretty much comes down to – or ought to come down to… LOVE!

The importance of glue in woodworking... and in doing the work of God's KIngdom!

Perhaps now more than ever, we need some “proverbial wisdom” for our lives and our world!

A discipline of prayer is our imperative as believers... but it's also a spiritual gift!

As  God provided manna and quail to the Israelites in the midst of their  murmuring, so God provides for us!

At the end of the day, you see, our talk matters very little; it is the way that we “walk the talk” that is truly important... especially as it pertains to our place in  the Kingdom of God!

“Such ever was love’s way – to rise, it stoops.”  And so it is, says Jesus, with the Kingdom of God!

Reflections on the nature and diversity of the church, as well as... the Beatles!

Of all the things we carry with us as we walk through these days, the most important is our identity as children of God!

Whether we're talking about the body or the soul, water is life... and the best water is the living water that Jesus provides!

On "going deeper" in faith in times such as these!

When the storms of life are raging, will we be found crying out or... singing in the strain?

About the essential importance of love in "knowing what we know" about faith!

Life is just too short... not to live it with God at the center!

About the art of sailing and weathering the storms of life!

About a family bulletin board, and the relevancy of Holy Scripture in these times... 

Who knows how the love of God is shared and received?  Maybe, says Jesus, it happens even in a cup of cold water!

The paradox of Christian faith, the meaning of true discipleship... and an incident at the Drive-In!

About life, true and mature faith, and... "Survivor."

In these times when life and this world makes us feel so small, what a  blessing it is to know that God has crowned us with glory and honor!

Kite Flying and the wonderful and mysterious movement of God's Spirit!

God's gift of the Holy Spirit not only leads us in truly hearing and understanding God but also also enables us to hear each other more clearly!

We are sent by Jesus to go forth on an uncertain journey  to be his witnesses  “to the ends of the earth...” but we have a have a Spirit for whatever happens next!

Kickball games, being chosen first, and Jesus who calls us "friend!"

Even now in these days when as congregations we’re scattered, nonetheless as the  church we’re being  “built... spiritually into a dwelling place for God!” 

It’s a question we’re asking a lot these days:  Where is God to be found  in these days of pandemic?  Turns  out that even (and especially!) in  these strange and uncertain times  there a quite a few “God Sightings”  to report!

Theodore Roosevelt,  "Bible Point," and a faithful stance for the journey ahead

Most especially in times like these, it’s important to “keep the faith” –  and the good news is that we’re given a promise and an “advocate” to help us do just  that!

As the song goes, as Christians we’ve got “joy down  in our hearts to stay;” but in times such as these, how do we stay joyful?

A story about the worst camping trip ever, and how we keep the faith when troubles pile on!

Thomas’ doubt — and ours — in this strange and uncertain age

About a salami sandwich, a cup of black coffee and an awareness of the resurrection!

The good news of Easter is that in raising Jesus Christ from the dead, God has made us brand new!

About a bag of beleaguered bulbs and the "good" of Good Friday!

When it comes to Palm Sunday, the truth and the glory is found in the details!

In these uncertain times we need the living water that only God can provide!

However intently darkness seeks to overwhelm us we have a light that will prevail!

The true story of John Newton's "Amazing Grace," and ours as well!

“Wherever two or more are gathered…” Some thoughts on being the church in the midst of the coronavirus crisis!

What would you if somebody offered you everything you've ever dreamed of, even if you didn't know you were dreaming of it?  That's what happened to the Samaritan Woman who encountered Jesus... at the well!

On "the act and attitude of worship," even at a drive-in movie theater!

Two different people came to Jesus asking for pretty much the same thing: life! But only one received what he was yearning for... so what was the difference between them?

Nicodemus had important questions that he needed to ask Jesus, questions of being and of true faith… and so do we!

Life’s mountaintop experiences, the transfiguration of Christ, and the beginnings of true faith!

The slow approach of spring and looking closely for the presence and power of God!

In faith, as in life, building a strong foundation matters!

On learning the game of chess... and the ways of faithful discipleship!

On the importance of *being* salt and light!

It is God’s foolishness, wiser than any human wisdom, that saves us... and makes us who we are!

Thoughts on Bible Study and "Jonathan Livingston Seagull"

In the midst of our searching for God, it turns out that God is searching for us!

Some thoughts on hope, trust, and fortune cookies!

Like a trickle of water that ever widens into the sea such is the love of God!

Some thoughts on how pastors are addressed, and how God’s call affirms our identity

True life and real living can indeed be something that is holy and good… And it begins with the voice of God!

Sometimes we all need a sign to remind us... even, at times, of God’s presence and love!

Just as the fir tree stays evergreen in the face of any and all dangers, so we’re given such a gift through the one who is the vine to our branches!

What happens after the Christ Child is born, and what about the promise of peace he engenders?

“Lead by the light of Faith serenely beaming, with glowing hearts by his cradle we stand...” a meditation for Christmas Eve

About Joseph, who brings us to the Holy Night... and beyond!

About our dog Ollie’s tumultuous relationship with our manger scene!

Can Isaiah’s “Peaceable Kingdom” truly come to pass in the world as we know it?

On singing Christmas carols during Advent… And “The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy”

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices!” Drawn from the words of “O Holy Night, “ some Advent thoughts on the coming of light into darkness

Thanksgiving is not just about the day, just as true gratitude is never to be simply about the moment at hand!

The faith journey of “Mayflower” passenger — and family member (!) — Captain Myles Standish

In a world that often seems to be spinning out of control, it’s good to know that in Jesus “all things hold together!”

Leaf raking memories and our work for the sake of God’s Kingdom!

Ours is not the God of the dead but the God of the living… and because of the resurrection all are alive!

Looking at Jesus’ Beatitudes — and our lives — from a slightly different point of view!

Halloween costume memories and the blessing of being exactly who we are before God!

What does it mean to have a life that is “abundant?”

Stone walls, stewardship and what we leave for the next generation!

When we give with delight God delights in us!

A new criteria for true and authentic leadership according to Jesus!

The story of a saint known as “Uncle Herman,” and a pocket full of bubblegum!

We may have many motivations for coming to church, but the way of true worship begins with ascribing to God the glory due his name!

The size, the scope... and the wonder of feasting together at the Lord’s table!

The faith we’ve been given needs to be tended to... and shared!

Memories of marching band season, a fateful performance at a high school basketball game, and a reminder that we can never go it completely alone!

About one the more “difficult” stories told by Jesus... and our challenge to be shrewd and wise as we walk in faith!

The Importance of *not* missing opportunities for love and care in amidst the distractions of life

About sin, mercy and true grace!

Philemon, Onesimus, you and me… and how faith impacts real life!

About Sunday school, confirmation class, and the importance of spiritual formation

Hospitality, Humility and the Kingdom Life!

The church is filled with all different kinds of people… and that includes you and me!

There are times in life and faith when we’re given “windows of opportunity” that require both a decision and action… a time is of the essence!

About time capsules, congregational history, and the best legacy we can leave for the next generations of the faithful

“ Faith is the assurance of things hoped for…”. In these days of confused situations it’s a vitally important reminder for you and I who walk in faith!

On seeking the Lord in the midst of summer yard work!

We’re all looking for what can be considered through security in life, but the question is, what kind of security do we really need?

The glories of Maine humor, speaking “downeast” as a second language and the true nature of the church!

The kingdom of God is like the huge rocks that line the shore, and which stand firm and strong!

The kingdom of God shall be compared to a sailboat tied securely to its buoy, lest the storm come up and carry it away!

Finding a few new metaphors for God and God’s Kingdom... “uptacamp!”

Christian discipleship as a way of life, of living, and of love… It’s why we’re here!

The joys of fresh peas, new potatoes and a spiritual garden!

Life is all about the choices we make and the distractions that seek to keep us from those choices... but Jesus reminds us we must always “keep our hand to the plow!”

Lessons in faith, wisdom and understanding, learned as a “Cabin Boy” on the coast of Maine...

God comes to his people bringing hope and peace… though not always in the manner we expect!

A story about the “Old Man of the Mountain” and on not seeing the forest for the trees...

“After the Spirit” comes in power and in love, there’s the church... and we are the church!

Pentecost Sunday, the gift of God’s Holy Spirit, and the joy of sailing!

As one of two potential candidates to replace Judas as an Apostle, he’s of the great mystery men of the New Testament… but he also represents the need for the church — and you and I within it — to move boldly into the future!

The storms of life are very real but so is the comfort of God who is our refuge and strength!

About flying, fear and a peace that the world cannot give...

Some thoughts on all the connections —especially the spiritual one — that make us who we are!

Introduction and “And They’ll Know We Are Christians…”