My First Lesson Almost a decade ago on a sunny Saturday morning, I stood at an old wooden privacy fence liberally applying yellow paint to boards that hadn’t felt a paint brush in many, many years. Next to me were two middle school aged girl volunteers doing the same. As we worked, the music of…
Since the war in Ukraine began, thousands of refugees have left the country to find safety – especially for their children – from the horrors of the war. Most of us have seen the media coverage of mothers and children crossing the borders to places like Poland which have provided them safe sanctuary. Last week…
The alarm rang at 3 am. I rolled out of bed on my way to take my neighbors to the airport. A retired couple and longtime friends, they were headed for a flight then a once-in-a-lifetime cruise in Alaska. We loaded their suitcases in my SUV and I delivered them to the departure lane. I…
With a pile of frequent flyer and reward points, I took a trip to Glacier National Park in Montana. Hoping for a few days full of spectacular views, exhilarating hikes and remarkable rafting, I got more than I expected. With another school year approaching, I have been concerned and frustrated about the future of our…
In about a month or so, many adults – dads, moms and other “like persons” will be offered the opportunity to be involved in the lives of children. Dads will be asked to join dads groups at their kids’ school. Moms and dads will be invited to join the local parent teacher organization. Let Me…
The Court Case There has been a lot of media coverage about something called affirmative action lately. Specifically, the news has focused on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the use of race in college admissions. While the recent court case dealt with support based on one specific characteristic, it appears to me we can look…
Lighthouse Congregations In my opinion, my church, The United Methodist Church has come to an unfortunate crossroads. Without going into a lot of detail, members of our denomination have a disagreement about including certain groups of individuals in the participation of church activities. As a result, the church has gone so far as to split…
The Sun Will Rise In Castaway Tom Hanks stars as a FedEx manager who spends four years on a deserted island when his plane crashes. After he is rescued, he confides in his best friend how the picture and thoughts of his girlfriend [who he intends to marry] sustained him and helped him to survive.…
As we approach the end of the school year, there will soon be opportunities for measurements, awards, and recognition. Grades, test scores, athletic letters, music awards, best this and outstanding that. I am troubled by recent debates which seem to be in conflict. On the one hand, there are those folks who believe we should…
The film, We Are Marshall tells the story of the tragic plane crash that killed almost all the members of Marshall University’s football team in the fall of 1970. The movie focuses on the following year when the school, the coaches and the community struggled to rebuild from the ashes and carry on. Some Inspiration…