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They often are not. Not that long ago, I visited a couple of locations where television programs were regularly filmed for the History Channel. I was surprised both times.

There are a lot of Christians who say, “No.” And there was a time when I agreed with them. I had heard their arguments…Halloween was the devil’s holiday, it celebrates demons, and it was entirely of pagan origin. I feel bad that when my kids were little, they didn’t go trick-or-treating.

Two weeks ago it was attitude. Last week was altitude. This week it's atmosphere, and knowing the conditions along your route.

My friend and flying partner, Mike Charewicz once said to me, “Altitude is your friend,”

Most of you know that I fulfilled a lifelong dream a year ago by getting my private pilot license. In the training process (which never ends if you want to be a safe pilot), I’ve learned so many life analogies; I could almost write on them over the course of this next year. But I won’t do that to you :-).

Chicago native George Crane was a psychologist and popular syndicated columnist in the mid to late 20th century. He often wrote on marriage and relationships, and prided himself in giving “common horse sense.”

Jews look back at the Babylonian Captivity as a dark, but pivotal time. Jerusalem was destroyed, and the inhabitants were forced out. Many were slaughtered, and those left alive, who had an education, special skill, or youthful leadership potential, were deported to Babylon. They were forced into a new language and culture, all while surrounded by a value system that was anathema to their own traditions.

Can you imagine not having any emotions? We’d be like Spock from Star Trek. How miserable it would be to never experience joy? Of course, you wouldn’t know it was miserable because you wouldn’t be able to feel misery either. But without our emotions, we wouldn’t be human.

Whatever your political persuasion, you should be horrified by what has and is happening in Afghanistan.

From March 2020 through June 2020, due to the threat of COVID 19, we as a church ceased from meeting in person, altogether. When we resumed in-person services, for the next year we required masks on everyone to attend. All during this time we also provided high quality on-line church for those who were not ready to attend church again in person, and continue to do so.

Watching some old family home videos a few weeks ago, Linda and I were flooded with nostalgia. We loved every stage of parenting.

Nothing ever get’s accomplished without a plan. That is no less true when it comes to spiritual growth.

A 19-year-old driver successfully avoided running over a squirrel. Whew! But there are consequences to avoiding things. Instead of hitting the squirrel, she drove into the living room of a cottage that bordered the street.

It’s summer. You know the season. For me, it’s the season of brain freeze!

The city of Brooksville, Florida, sold more than it intended to. Business owner, Bobby Read, bought a small utility building for only $55,000, intending on turning it into a workout gym.

A news story caught my attention yesterday. An 18-year-old came home to a locked house, and she had forgotten to bring her key when she left.

There are so many good things in life that God has given us to enjoy. Family, friends, work, church, physical exercise, hobbies, outdoor recreation.

I know a guy who prides himself on being shrewd. He makes wise financial decisions. He is respected at work. If I was looking for someone to oversee an investment portfolio, I’d call him.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

I’m sure you saw the story a couple of weeks ago. If not, you have to hear about it.