Category Archives: Spiritual Growth

THROWBACK 1966 (Part 1)

Biblical Truth, Christian Discipleship, History, Small Town America, Spiritual Growth, , , , , , , , , ,

mini-skirtI’m all about history.  It was one of my college majors; I taught it in school for almost a decade; I own multiple bookcases of history books (and have read most all of them);  and like Mark Twain once reflected about history, “We seem to have more of it now than we ever have.”  I love to study kings and queens, presidents and generals, war and peace, revolutions and revivals, and even (sigh) campaigns and elections.

But my FAVORITE is oral history.  I like to talk to people about their memories and experiences from the past.  I especially enjoy conversing with people who share the same memories as I do.  So, I have decided to throw out a random year from the past and see what my readers might remember together with me.  Perhaps those of you who are too young to remember the year will at least be entertained by our magical flashback.  So here goes.  Our first THROWBACK YEAR will be: 1966.  (Whoa!  That was a half-century ago!)

Continue reading THROWBACK 1966 (Part 1) →

THE HOUNDS OF HEAVEN

Christian Discipleship, History, Humor, Spiritual Growth, , , , ,

the-hound-of-heaven-dj-front-gh105The Hound of Heaven was a famous poem written by English poet Francis Thompson.  The name of the poem is strange, but the truth behind it is unmistakable.  “As the hound follows the hare, never ceasing in its running, ever drawing nearer in the chase, with a steady and sure pace, so does God follow a fleeing soul by His Divine grace.”  I’ve often heard people say that while in a backslidden or unbelieving state, the “Hound of Heaven”– the Holy Spirit– pursued and chased them until they finally surrendered to the chase.  It’s a beautiful picture of God’s love and grace.

But in today’s post, I want to go to a different place with the “hound” imagery.  In this case, I will go with a more literal interpretation of the hound of heaven, with a twist of the miraculous.  You’ll like it, so keep reading.

Continue reading THE HOUNDS OF HEAVEN →

JOY AND GLADNESS

Biblical Truth, BMMC, Christian Discipleship, Spiritual Growth, , , , , , , , , ,

happy-sad-faces-3Hl18G-clipart“Let me hear joy and gladness, let the bones you have crushed rejoice.”  Psalm 51:8

I just saw a report that the majority of Americans feel sadness more often than gladness.  That’s a sobering stat, but I understand why.  The majority of people in this country do not have a living relationship with Jesus.  Those who know Christ intimately do not live life as the rest of the world.  Christians DO live the same environment, face the same challenges, and hear the same depressing news reports on a daily basis.  But believers can possess something the world cannot give– Joy and Gladness.

Continue reading JOY AND GLADNESS →

EAU DE PARFUM

Biblical Truth, Christian Discipleship, History, Spiritual Growth, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

my sin perfumeWho remembers this famous brand of perfume?  It was all the rage from 1924 to 1980– at least for true perfume aficionados. My Sin (Mon Peche) by Lanvin, was created back in 1924 by a mysterious Russian lady called Madame Zed.  Here is its description by professionals who obviously have better noses than mine:

This feminine, provocative and dangerously seductive fragrant composition begins with aldehydes, bergamot, lemon, clary sage and neroli. The middle notes are: ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose, clove, orris, lily-of-the-valley, narcissus and lilac. The base is oriental – woody with vetiver, vanilla, musk, woody notes, tolu balm, styrax and civet.

Whatever.

My dad owned a small town drugstore in Ashland.  He always carried My Sin (only one bottle of it) but kept it locked up in a glass case along with one tiny bottle of Chanel #5.  It was a handy gift possibility for some panic stricken semi-wealthy guy who forgot his wife on Christmas, Valentines Day, their anniversary, or her birthday.  It’s amazing what people will pay when faced with the probability of lifelong scorn.  I can’t say for sure that I ever smelled the expensive perfume.  My mom didn’t wear it; neither did either of my grandmothers.  They stuck with Jungle Gardenia, White Shoulders, and Tabu.  I might have gotten a whiff of My Sin’s legendary fragrance when some rich lady sashayed through our church foyer, but who knows?

Continue reading EAU DE PARFUM →

HOLY HORSEFLIES !

Christian Discipleship, Humor, Spiritual Growth, , , , , , , , , ,

stained glassI enjoy officiating at weddings.  It’s a happy time for a happy couple filled with memories for a lifetime.  I want each ceremony that I am honored to perform to be a special one for the bride, groom, and their families.  It’s a sacred event, so I always try to make it as personal for the bride and groom as possible, and spiritually uplifting for everyone involved.  Weddings are a time for joy, but not for pranks and jokes.  Sometimes small glitches occur, but usually everything goes according to the plan. Recently I officiated a beautiful, spiritually blessed wedding– and this time the glitch was on me.

The groom and best man stood beside me on the platform as the beautiful bride made her way down the aisle arm in arm with her proud father.  As they took their place directly in front of me, the music ceased and I invited the congregation to please be seated.  All eyes and ears were on me as I began the beautiful words of the traditional ceremony.  “We have gathered here today….”

Now, here was the problem.  Just as I took a quick breath to begin, a tiny gnat just happened to be flying past my lips and was promptly inhaled like a flash into my throat.  Whatever I said turned

Continue reading HOLY HORSEFLIES ! →