Author Archives: Chris
Everyday Superstars
I had the oil changed on my car today at Lentz Automotive. I was standing at this counter to pay my bill, reading a thank you letter sitting under the glass. The woman who wrote it thanked them for taking … Continue reading
Jesus, Winnie the Pooh, and Graham Crackers
I made three home visits this afternoon, with Jesus, Winnie the Pooh, and a box of graham crackers in the car next to me. The crackers were for lunch. By the end of visiting I felt strangely like Prince Myshkin … Continue reading
Bible Break
Today I wrote notes to parishioners, made a home visit, helped with set-up for annual conference, and led a walking group on the trail. In the afternoon I stopped at a park for a Bible break. I am no longer … Continue reading
Among the Trees
I had a presbytery committee meeting in Bowling Green today. These meetings dwell mainly on questions of policy and process. Policy wonks love such discussions, but I am not a policy wonk. By the end of the meeting I wanted … Continue reading
Oak Openings
I went for another long walk at Oak Openings this afternoon, this time ten miles. And this morning I took my Mom to Mother’s Day services at Epworth United Methodist Church on Central Avenue in Toledo.
Dallas Willard Liked Peanut Butter and Jelly
Dallas Willard liked peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I had an apple left over from my lunch and I grabbed it and walked to Dallas’ office while I sifted through the thoughts I wanted to communicate. He was in his … Continue reading
Worm Farm
My wife got a worm farm in order to harvest their poop — all of which feels odd on many levels. But there they are, the little wormies.
14 Miles
I walked 14 miles this afternoon at a large park near Swanton, Ohio. It was twice as far as I have walked before. Body is tired now. I picked up an order of beans from Señorita’s for dinner. Still eating … Continue reading
My Purpose
I went to an oral surgery office today, where they have pictures of boats in the waiting room. They removed three of my wisdom teeth, the fourth having been taken out 30 years ago. My dentist urged me to do … Continue reading
Shopping As Hell
Ann Althouse on how shopping at Target, a large retail store, is like being in Hell. But I do understand the feelings of dissociation that can envelope you in a store, especially a large store with long aisles full of … Continue reading
Eeyore Watch
I turned 50 on Monday, and my wife gave me an Eeyore watch as a gift. Since my father named me Christopher Robin, I have long loved the stories of the 100 Acre Wood, and the character I resonate with … Continue reading
Secret, Divine Action
Just as a sleeping child can be in her mother’s arms and not consciously be aware of the mother’s loving presence, so God’s presence and love are realities that are not limited to our conscious awareness. Simply intending to sincerely … Continue reading
Nursery in the Sanctuary
At Linda’s church she has turned a corner of their sanctuary into a children’s area where they remain as their parents and grandparents worship. This space is where the organ used to be, to the right of the lectern. An … Continue reading
Confirming Einstein
Astronomers have studied a pair of stars 7000 light years from earth and confirmed Einstein’s theories. Under the extreme conditions of this system, some scientists believed that the equations of General Relativity might not accurately predict the amount of gravitational … Continue reading
Earthworm
This morning I walked four miles on the upper trail, the part above M-52. I parked in the LISD lot. LISD is the office of the Lenawee Intermediate School District. While walking I meditated on 1 Corinthians 3, and I … Continue reading
Blown Down
Last week the oldest oak tree in Wales, and one of the oldest in Europe, was blown down in high winds.
At the Thrift Store
Instead of worship this morning our congregation performed service projects. My little crew went to the Salvation Army Thrift Store to mop, clean, and straighten things up. I saw this picture of a man and a girl in a boat.
Branch Rickey
On Friday Linda and I went to see 42, a movie about Jackie Robinson. In 1947 he became the first black player in Major League Baseball in America. (He wore the number 42.) Up until that time blacks played only … Continue reading
Spiritual Principles of the United Methodist Church 2
Upon this foundation, even our suffering, it is evident all our passive graces are built–yea, the noblest of all Christian graces, love ‘enduring all things.’ John Wesley, Sermons In other words, through the painful experiences of life, when we suffer … Continue reading
