Vibe, short for vibration, in the Creation, Word and Worship
I sensed a good vibe among family members gathered around our deck dining table on Saturday. We live in a man-made forest clearing, surrounded by flora and fauna—including snakes, toads, blue-tailed skinks, and fireflies. “If you were a firefly, what...
Part: Which? Every part is important, but we only know in part.
“What part of ‘wait’ do you not understand?” I ask our new dog Lark. He howls in displeasure while Mac—a veteran who knows the drill—sits, waits, and drools. For people, the question is usually, “What part of “no” don’t you understand?” Of course, we know the part...
Don’t criticize, and then you won’t be criticized—or judged.
The word criticize appears in Biblical passages dealing with judgment, slander, and interpersonal relationships. We humans are big on criticizing others, and I am no exception. Here’s an example. Keith and I were settling into an evening of movie-watching...
His deal: God is bountiful and faithful, according to His word
“What’s the deal?” I often ask when something’s happening that I don’t understand. Deal, an informal phrase for asking about a motive, problem, or situation. The meaning of the word "deal" in the Bible involves our interactions with God and how we treat one...
The Benefit You Reap through Faith, Wisdom, and God’s Grace
We’ve had a dry spring here at Vanaprastha; the vegetation would benefit from soaking rains. Thanks be to God, last week we received two inches. Yesterday, we benefited from our church community’s services and potluck at Trinity, our historical site in...
Nature’s fragile vessel doth sustain in life’s uncertain voyage
“Nature's fragile vessel doth sustain, In life's uncertain voyage…” Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens (Act 5, Scene 1) Timon’s words, spoken sarcastically, mean that our fragile bodies must sustain us through physical hardship and the pangs of love and loss....