Category: Uncategorized

The Real McCoy

When Jai and I went to Alaska we quickly learned that there were two sorts of Alaskans:  Cheechakoes and Sourdoughs.  Cheechakoes were the newbies, those ignorant of custom and survival needs.  As you’d guess, Sourdoughs were those who had weathered a few seasons and… Continue Reading “The Real McCoy”

Star of Wonder, Star of Night

Today is the Epiphany of our Lord.  In the Western Christianity we celebrate this event by hailing the arrival of eastern sages who followed the star till it led them to the Holy Family gathered around the manger.  That star sits atop many a… Continue Reading “Star of Wonder, Star of Night”

Herod in His Raging

It was a real surprise to pick up the Los Angeles Times the other morning in my driveway.  Right there on the front page, above the fold was NOT the traditional Christmas tableau of the Holy Family surrounded by adoring wisemen, camels and the… Continue Reading “Herod in His Raging”

Bare Beginnings

Today we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath.  This is Mary’s Sunday.  And this is Stir Up Sunday – the clue that it was time for folks to get their Christmas puddings started.  Why, you ask?  The collect that begins worship for… Continue Reading “Bare Beginnings”

Prepare

Today the rain falls softly.  Much needed.  As a young boy, I remember looking out my parent’s bedroom window which opened to the front yard.  Watching the rain fall and hoping that it would fill most of the street.  That meant school would be… Continue Reading “Prepare”

Endings and Beginnings

Shadows lengthen.  It’s now dark at quitting time.  Temperatures are dropping, absolutely chilly when our intrepid band of cyclists leaves my house on Wednesday mornings at seven o’clock.  I keep saying, “The heat’s in the pedals.  Faster, faster.”  Who am I fooling?  It’s still… Continue Reading “Endings and Beginnings”

A Critical Mass of Courage

A few days ago, the streets of our communities were swarming with all sorts of goblins, witches and fairies.  Halloween is arguably the most favorite holiday of children in America.  Maybe even more beloved than Christmas. It is an occasion to vanquish through the… Continue Reading “A Critical Mass of Courage”

Persistence in Prayer

I hear that in the city of Chino, there has been a strong push from some groups of Christians to institute prayer in city council and school board meetings.  However, those heading up this effort have in mind the right sort of prayers.  They… Continue Reading “Persistence in Prayer”

It’s Not About the Tuna (mostly)

Last week Science Times had a piece about cats.  Now there are cat people and dog people.  You know the difference.  Dogs have masters and cats have servants.  At times we have been both.  Most recently we took care of our younger son’s two… Continue Reading “It’s Not About the Tuna (mostly)”

Mustard Seed Faith

This past week we all received a just and well-deserved scolding from a sixteen-year-old girl from Sweden.  Greta Thumberg at the United Nations Climate Action Summit.   This is all wrong. I shouldn’t be up here. I should be back in school on the… Continue Reading “Mustard Seed Faith”