Preparing for an extended trip can be quite challenging. As I write, Grace and I are just four more days away from leaving for our sabbatical. Both the excitement and the stress is building up. We haven’t really packed our bags yet. We’re still figuring out exactly what we will need for the trip. One …
Did Beyoncé lip-sync her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at the presidential inauguration? That question seems to have become a hot topic last week when the allegation first came out. Whether or not she did, there are those who respond: What does it matter? Even if pre-recorded, it was still her that was singing …
On January 12, 2007, commuters in a Washington, D.C. subway station had the opportunity to hear violin virtuoso Joshua Bell perform six classical pieces on his very expensive Stradivarius violin. Just two days before, Joshua Bell had performed to a full house Boston’s Symphony Hall, with tickets averaging $100. This day, he was performing for …
What makes “heaven” heaven? What comes to mind when you think about heaven? Many declarations that celebrate the promise of heaven can be quite materialistic. Consider the following lyrics of what was a very popular song about “going to heaven.” I’m satisfied with just a cottage below A little silver, And a little gold …
On New Year’s Eve Grace and I had the treat of enjoying a concert featuring classical music—Mendelsohn, Meltzer, Mozart. Yes, we enjoy classical music. As for me, I have my dad and mom to thank for that. Growing up, my brothers and I were allowed to listen to our own generation’s music. But we also …
For many, Christmas is the time for gift-giving and gift-receiving. So, at the time leading up to December 25 one would find long lines at the checkout counters of stores. Under the Christmas tree the gifts pile up. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, eyes light up with delight when one is handed a gift, …
Once again we were subjected to all the hype about the end of the world, generated by speculation concerning the Mayan calendar. People have responded in different ways to the speculations. Most people, it appears, simply dismissed it inconsequential, giving it the attention as one would to what is considered simply entertaining. Nothing more. But …
In a recent panel discussion in NBC’s Today show, the topic was about “outsourcing” our Christmas chores—that is, hiring people to do things like putting up decorations or buying gifts. Panelist Star Jones commented that her primary focus for the season was the “religion part” (which would include praying, for example). She said that aspect …
The legalization of recreational marijuana in Washington State took effect last Thursday, December 6. In celebration of this new “freedom,” some supporters of the new law gathered under the Space Needle in Seattle and “lit up” marijuana joints at the stroke of midnight. The Associated Press report, however, also points out that the new law …
The Christmas season is well upon us. Once more we are invited to ponder the significance of the season. Once again the question of the meaning of Christmas is set before us. Of course, the coming of Christ is multi-faceted in its richness. The gospel is jam-packed with spiritual realities that can never be captured …
