Chaplainmike

Bess

Bess was “really something.” I heard that a number of times over the course of my visit. Her family loved her, but fully acknowledged that she was her own woman, independent to a fault. She knew what she wanted and usually got it without a lot of fuss or bother. Bess was “really something” andContinue reading “Bess”

Advent with Christina Rossetti (4)

Christina Rossetti’s most familiar poem for this season of the year was penned in 1872. She called it simply, “A Christmas Carol,” and it was first published in Scribner’s Monthly Magazine. The poem weaves its wonder through the vivid use of contrast: overall, the hard, cold bleakness of winter vs. the warmth of a newbornContinue reading “Advent with Christina Rossetti (4)”

Saturday Ramblings: Dec. 20, 2014

Saturday Ramblings: December 20, 2014 The big week is here, and as you can see from today’s pic, the jolly old elf is warming up the Rambler for his long gift-dispensing trip. Are you ready? The Mrs. and I are scrambling this weekend to get things ready around here. We have guests coming from theContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings: Dec. 20, 2014”

My Ancestors’ (not so great) Interaction with the Church (Part 2 – Dress Code Excommunication)

My Grandmother, Lois Grace Frey, was an extraordinary women. Her parents were pioneering missionaries to Africa with the Brethren in Christ in 1905. The Brethren in Christ were a branch of the Mennonite tree, with Wesleyan influences. My Great-grandfather, Harvey Jacob Frey, founded Mtshabezi mission in what is now known as Zimbabwe where he establishedContinue reading “My Ancestors’ (not so great) Interaction with the Church (Part 2 – Dress Code Excommunication)”

Lisa Dye: Parousia!

When my children were little, I diligently taught and enforced their close adherence to my side as we got in and out of the car, walked into stores, church or any other place. Looking back, I wasn’t strict or controlling in most respects. In fact, all my daughters voiced at one time or another thatContinue reading “Lisa Dye: Parousia!”

iMonk Classic: The Mood of Advent: We All Need A Savior

I have several friends who are doing Advent in their Baptist churches for the first time, and they have lots of questions about candles and logistics. I wish there were more questions about Advent itself. For example, the mood of Advent is dark and serious. It’s not the mood of Lent, which is a particularContinue reading “iMonk Classic: The Mood of Advent: We All Need A Savior”

For my wife on our 36th wedding anniversary

A poem by Wendell Berry . . . OVER THE EDGE To tell a girl you loved her — my God! — that was a leap off a cliff, requiring little sense, sweet as it was. And I have loved many girls, women too, who by various fancies of my mind have seemed loveable. ButContinue reading “For my wife on our 36th wedding anniversary”

Another Look: This is not where I live

One. At breakfast with a local pastor the other morning, he told me if there was one thing he could change in his congregation, it would be that people would stop listening to news and political pundits that make them angry. Two. One of our long faithful readers sent me an email the other day.Continue reading “Another Look: This is not where I live”

Advent with Christina Rossetti (3)

The third Sunday in Advent is Gaudete Sunday. In the midst of the Advent fast, we encouraged to rejoice in the Lord. This day has a counterpart in Lent: Laetare Sunday. Both come just past the midpoint of a penitential season and are designed as merciful reprieves from the demands of fasting so that theContinue reading “Advent with Christina Rossetti (3)”

Saturday Ramblings: Dec. 13, 2014 — Gaudete Edition

Saturday Ramblings — December 13, 2014 Quick! Why is the third candle on the Advent Wreath pink and not purple or dark blue like the others? Answer: Because the third Sunday in Advent is different. It is known as Gaudete (Rejoicing) Sunday. On this day, having passed the midpoint of Advent, the Church lightens theContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings: Dec. 13, 2014 — Gaudete Edition”