Overlooking All the J’s

by | Feb 24, 2011 | Friendship, Uncategorized, writing

Last week I heard from one of the editors who helped form me as a writer. It has been more than twenty years since I submitted my first article to him, and we stay in touch. The magazine he worked for no longer exists, but the lessons he taught me remain. One lesson...

How We Get Through

by | Jan 11, 2011 | family, Friendship, happy endings

Life is a little messy in our extended family right now. Chemotherapy for one branch, walking pneumonia in another. Two year olds with attitude, snowstorms, head-lice. All the normal stuff that most families face. And, it is always the little things that put me over...

Still the Same

by | Dec 20, 2010 | Friendship, happy endings

We got a Christmas letter this week that started out, “We’re still here, living in the same house, doing pretty much the same thing.” I think my friend was making a disclaimer right up front that this wouldn’t be one of those end-of-the-year...

Connections that Matter

by | Nov 14, 2010 | family, Friendship, mercy

I almost stayed home this week. The writers conference in Kansas City always inspires and challenges me. I appreciate the efforts of Mark and Jeannette Littleton and their goal to help us become better writers for the glory of God. But, we weren’t having a good...

A Hole in the Bucket

by | Nov 8, 2010 | Friendship

I wish I’d been in Portland, Oregon, yesterday. A few hundred people gathered there to remember a man who has impacted thousands. Since I couldn’t go, I’m holding a service on my blog. If you knew Bob Stricker, pull up a chair and swap your own...

Dancing on Dirt

by | Aug 17, 2010 | Friendship, work

I wish I could explain what this picture of dirt means to me. If I were a Photoshop wizard, I’d have drawn in a sign that says, “Future Home of Calvary Medical Center.” Then I’d put twinkling lights and shiny tinsel all around the edges,...