Visiting widows and orphans in their affliction is true religion. The president's action means foster kids are cut off from the medical aid they need and we have promised them. As a pastor and former foster parent, this enrages me.

Grateful for time with this friendly, amazing artist, inventor, and math whiz

Dear beloved coffee shops, my choice to wear headphones is not a rejection of your often good choices in music. I need the hum of conversation, but not the identifiable words, of those around me. Keep playing those choice tunes.

It seems that the theme for 2025 so far is lament.

Christmas Eve service held, gospel proclaimed, brisket in smoker, dark and stormy mixed, presents wrapped. Let's go!

Apparently there are 14 varieties of cheese in our fridge, must be Christmas.

Crazy how buying a 12lb brisket for Chrismas dinner will turn your day around.

In ancient Israel, a new groom was exempt from war to "be free at home one year to be happy with his wife "(Deu 24). In Rev 19 we see the bride ready for the wedding, and the groom away defeating all enemies so that she can be forever safe and they together happy for eternity.

Got some difficult news today, felt burdened, uncertain. Went to a funeral. The deceased was mother of a man who has come to our church whenever he has been in town to see her. During service he shared about how Christ transformed her life. .

It's 15° and the sun's not up, but time to put this 18lb home cured ham in the smoker for tomorrow's Christmas lunch at church.

It's not the end of the world, it's just the beginning of the day.

Turned 40 last week, and got the requested smoker. Inaugural run was the Thanksgiving turkey. The satisfaction I took out of the delight of my family enjoying the turkey was peak middle-aged dad.

Dad jokes are imperative to teenage eye health. Think how inflexible and atrophied their eye muscles would grow without all the eye roll inducing puns.

I may attempt some writing this coming summer during sabbatical. Which should I spend the time on?
A. Discussion of the doctrine of the communion of saints and its import for cultural moment.
B. Children's story about the enchanted creatures which make a hike up a mountain into an adventure.

Sad that the boathouse is closed and the season is over. Can't wait for rowing in 2025 (not looking forward to garage erging).

That about sums it up.