October 23, 2020
In my library there is a book which recounts the story of six American Navy Pilots in World War II. These pilots launched from a carrier deck in the North Atlantic on a mission to surveil some enemy submarines. While they were away on their mission, the Captain of the Aircraft Carrier was forced to issue a blackout alarm – no visible lights allowed for the carrier to remain stealthy. As the pilots approached the ship, the lead pilot radioed to the ship operator asking him to turn on the landing lights. “Blackout Alarm issued, no light allowed” was all... View Article
October 18, 2020
I attended a pastor’s conference last week and heard a speaker present some sad data on emotional distress and loneliness which is leading to an increase in suicide. The fallout from the pandemic surely has heightened these feelings and has served to further isolate us from each other. It has taken considerably more effort to gather with friend groups this year than in previous years due to restrictions on how many people can gather and how close you can sit when together. If you are feeling alone, nervous, or anxious, please know that you are not forgotten. 1 Peter... View Article
January 31, 2020
“What is life…?” In the current climate of political division, election year politicking, and a middle east peace plan that seems to be dead on arrival, it is easy to conclude that our country is divided by an idealogical chasm. And along comes an event which, for a moment anyways, overwhelms our collective soul and allows us to see the humanity around us. That awakening happened last Sunday morning when a helicopter went down with nine people on board. Each of the deceased represents a family torn apart by tragedy and left to heal without the love of a significant... View Article
January 5, 2020
“Who’s ready to move on?” There is a debate that happens this time of year in regards to the end of the Christmas season. It’s evident if you drive around town and notice the discarded Christmas Trees set out for the ride to the Muscatine Recycling Center. The argument is centered on how long to leave Christmas decor set up in the house. Some are determined to get the tree down and decorations put away the day after Christmas while others hold onto the Christmas finery until well after the start of the new year. If you are in the... View Article
September 6, 2019
I just can’t wait I recently heard a young lady telling her friends she just “couldn’t wait for fall to get here.” The things you anticipate about fall might reveal just how old you really are. For me, and probably most of you, the highlights include: changing leaves, campfires, college football, and the sound of a quiet air conditioner unit. But for younger generations the anticipation of fall includes: cute flannel shirts, great leather boots, fuzzy sweatshirts, and pumpkin spice lattes. Even if fall isn’t your thing there are probably times in your life that you’ve expressed this type... View Article
September 1, 2019
Beauty in duress There’s an often repeated statement that encourages one to, “Stop and smell the roses.” It rarely is taken literally as you most often hear this when there aren’t any roses around. The reminder is an easy way to encourage a deliberate appreciation of your immediate surroundings. It’s a great reminder to slow down and consider life. I wasn’t ready for this reminder to grab my attention the way it did last week. As I was driving my eyes spotted a beautiful flowering plant right on the side of the road – by side of the road, I... View Article
August 16, 2019
Last week was kind of a big deal for those who like to watch the sky – it was the zenith of the annual Perseids Meteor Shower. Some estimates place the streaking meteors at over sixty per hour. Muscatine is in a good location to enjoy the show with lots of rural area not far from town. One of the biggest downfalls for many would be watchers has to do with what time is best for viewing, usually in the early morning hours for the highest concentration. Not many people want to set an alarm for 3 am to get... View Article
August 11, 2019
The friendly weatherman boldly predicted that an intense line of rain and wind was expected to hit in the early morning hours of Tuesday – and like clockwork the storm arrived with enough wind, lightning, and thunder to roust almost everyone. As I waited the storm out I wondered if this was how the three little pigs felt when the faced some intense “huffing and puffing.” It was a great time when the storm subsided and the house was still standing. This offers us a chance to consider how ready we are to handle some significant personal storms. Even... View Article
August 3, 2019
Every occupation includes several aspects that aren’t as fun as others. This week was one of these as I officiated at two funerals for people in our community. I agree to these when I can as it is a way to offer hope to people who are searching for answers and encouragement. When the heart is heavy with grief, the good news of God’s Love demonstrated in Jesus’ can seem as refreshing as ice cold water on a hot summer day. The stories I have heard from distraught family have made me smile while others have made me reevaluate the... View Article
July 14, 2019
“On Bell Bottoms” In my growing up years few fashion items carried as much disdain as “Bell Bottoms.” For some I don’t need to explain this fashion trend (aka disaster) because a many of you wore these with great exuberance. But for the younger set, bell bottoms were a pant mostly popular in the 1960’s and required a flared leg – the more flared the better. Unfortunately this style reappeared in the last few years but with a new name , flared jeans, but the similarity to the fashion of 50 years ago is unmistakable. The changing of fashion is... View Article
