Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’ (Mark 9:24, NKJV) I’ve long had questions about that Scripture verse. How can someone claim they believe and state their unbelief in the same sentence? Isn’t that the very definition of a dichotomy (contradiction)? It took twin Read More >
How many of you remember watching western movies when the white man and Indian reached an agreement? They sealed their agreement to live in peace with one another by becoming blood brothers. In our youth, young fellas cut fingers or palms of our hands and lashed our two bleeding members together with another, letting our Read More >
Once every 10 years or so, it’s time for a new set. This past month, it was time for set number three. Dr. Hall gave me a mighty blessing that came in a small package when she fitted and fine-tuned my new hearing aids. The remote microphone is less than one-inch wide and about two-inches Read More >
It’s always a blessing when I get to share my Christian writing friends with you. This week, I’m honored to share my blog with a precious sister-in-Christ and longtime writing friend and encourager, Ms. Sarah Geringer. Ms. Sarah’s latest book, Hidden Manna on a Country Road released yesterday, and is a book I was thrilled Read More >
She’s content spending each day caring for her calf, grazing, munching a mouthful of hay, or chewing her cud. That is, until Papa shows up with her favorite treat in hand. That’s when “Sopracciglia Bianca” (Italian for “white eyebrows”) loses all control. Whether the scent of the oatmeal cookie or my calling with a cookie in Read More >
If I’ve learned nothing else in my 25 years of marriage to my amazing and beautiful Italian-American wife, I’ve learned there is much more to life than salt and pepper. Ms. Diane’s cooking has taught me that when you mix the right spices together to season a meal, amazing things happen. This might explain why Read More >
Growing up can sometimes be a noisy affair. With calves, that’s the first week of weaning season. Separated from their mamas, these little ones, and their mamas, have been bawling themselves hoarse for the past few days. Neither mama cow nor calf are hungry, but both are experiencing separation anxiety and the discomfort that often Read More >
As much as they demand, fuss, argue with me and one another, and make me laugh, is it any wonder I treat these two goofballs like family? “Magic” and “Elpis” (pronounced “L-peace”, the Hebrew word for hope) are my wonderful, inquisitive, fun-loving donkeys who patrol the pastures here at our Cross-Dubya ranch. Whenever I’m outside, Read More >
The little boy runs up and hugs my leg when he sees me. Reaching down to return the hug, he says in his sweet voice, “Wook, I bwot yew something Mr. Jim”, handing me a folded sheet of paper. Encouraging me to open it, I can’t wait to see what he’s drawn for me this Read More >
As I continue seeking spiritual maturity, I try to limit the time I spend atop my personal soapbox. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit unbridles my heart and mouth and allows me to speak what is on my heart. I believe this is one of those times. This week, I depart from sharing lessons learned here on Read More >