Congratulations on your upcoming Confirmation, Nicole. Our prayers are with you as you take this significant step in your spiritual life. Let these gifts be a reminder that you are not "graduating," but rather that you are taking a first step in a life of spiritual growth. Uncle Mike

After two days of posting rather literal photographs of the day's theme, I'm going to go for a bit of a stretch today. Why do people climb a mountain?   Part of it is the sense of accomplishment.   Part of it is to find our limits.  Part of it is, "because it's there." Whatever... Continue Reading →

Two-Day Disclaimer:  Because I was on a backpacking trip with the scouts this weekend, the photographs for these two days are going to have a similar theme.  It also explains why today's post is a day late... but I did take the photo yesterday. I love backpacking.  I love camping in general.  But there is... Continue Reading →

Chose to go literal today. When I was growing up in the Lutheran church, it seemed to me that we defined ourselves not so much by Lutheran doctrine ("grace alone") as by "We're not Catholic."   Anything that smelled of the Roman church was to be avoided.   There was no crossing of ourselves (too... Continue Reading →

When it comes to the availability of food in this country, we clearly live in the land of plenty.   Not only do we have large quantities of food right around the corner, we have a huge selection of types of food.  In the world of prepared food, you can get almost anything your heart... Continue Reading →

Solitude can cut two different ways. The human species is social—we need other people in order to be whole.  Solitude can be lonely. Yet, we live in a world where we demands are put on our time by all those around us.  Solitude can be refreshing. Today's snow allowed me to see both sides of... Continue Reading →

I'm sorry... so sorry. Despite my best efforts, and only one quarter of the way into this exercise, I have fallen victim to temptation. I have punned.  Through my fault I have punned.  Through my most grievous fault, I have punned. Now for my penance, I must try to atone by turning "a door" into... Continue Reading →

From http://dictionary.com wit·ness verb (used with object) to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception: ... to be present at (an occurrence) as a formal witness, spectator, bystander, etc.: ... This evening, we were part of a large crowd attending Magruder High School's spring production of the musical Hairspray.  I know that talent was the word of the day two days ago, but it certainly applied this evening.  As always, the cast, crew, and pit that MHS brought together was outstanding.... Continue Reading →

I am NOT a vegetarian. I enjoy meat.  I love the taste.  Although I am becoming increasingly concerned with practices in the meat industry (and the food industry as a whole), I do not find anything fundamentally wrong or immoral with eating meat.  (Please note that I mean no disrespect to those who choose to... Continue Reading →

I have been blessed with a family full of talent. No, let me rephrase that. I have been blessed with a family that has been fortunate enough to have had someone to encourage us in developing our talents. Everyone is different.  Some people may be strong at music.  Others may have an eye for art... Continue Reading →