Sometimes a particular translation of a Scripture just seems to leap off the page and grab me. That’s what happened as I was feasting on the Psalms and ran into Eugene Peterson’s translation of Psalm 65. Here is a rich one. “Blessed are the chosen! Blessed the guest at home in your place!” Once again … Read more
In order to more fully understand the nature of the conflict in our nation today, it is helpful for believers to take a few steps back and consider the history of the human race. Ever since our beginnings, oppression has ruled the day. The strong have abused the weak. The idea that “might makes right” … Read more
Not long ago, I considered myself to be a minor expert on Bed and Breakfast Internet searches. Our latest experience in Philadelphia, however, has shaken my confidence. Online, it looked great. A 170 year old house set in an uppity area of Philadelphia, close to a train station. Local color. Free parking, in contrast to … Read more
10 January 2016 UK Sunday morning sunlight streams in though the window of our room in this nine hundred year old estate, just an hour or so north of London. I roll over and slowly remember where I am. In the wee hours of the morning, we finally found “Manor of Groves”. The night before, we … Read more
11 January 2016 UK Poking about in this old and elegant manor, I am startled by the appearance of William the Pheasant, not one of the royal line but surely a close cousin. He preens and parades royally about on the walkway as though he owns the place. William is a pet of the staff, and … Read more
12 January 2016 UK Bright and early, I’m off to London, but not to visit the Queen. I forgot to tell her I’d be in town. So I guess I’ll be on my own. I’m dropped off at the station by Mark, our host and friend, who proves to be a great source of information on … Read more
13 January 2016 Back on the train on this crisp and cold morning. Mark drives me to the station and expresses relief from the soggy winter weather that has lingered in the UK for weeks. The sunlight is a welcome change, in spite of the chill in the air. You can always put on a jacket, … Read more
14 January 2016 England swings like a pendulum do! Down to breakfast, and chats with the two servers, Jean and Powla. Yes, that’s how she spells it, but it’s pronounced traditionally, like our “Paula’. “Would you fancy some coffee, dear?” Absolutely! Lovely! At dinner last night with the group, conversation veered into the area of utensil use. The English … Read more
High Summer. The earth is poised for a rainshower that can’t make up its mind. Thunder threatens in the distance as gnats swarm around me. I’m surveying what I call my garden, feeding my anemic rosebushes, remembering the month of May when everything was so under my control, so manageable. The forest around our house … Read more
Hazy sun in a dirty gray sky, clouds pregnant with snow. A trio of freezing rain, snow showers, and wintry mix is on the way. Wintry mix. The very words send shivers up my spine. Icy crystals falling from a monochromatic gray sky. Slippery roads to navigate. Cumbersome jackets, boots and mittens within reach. Don’t … Read more