It is interesting how our perceptions of places, events, or ideas depend on our interests and the angles from which we look. There are many influencers on how we view life, ranging from family and social environments and cultural mores to the values we learn in our schools and churches and synagogues. These either hauntContinue reading “What is Your View?”
Tag Archives: Jesus
Treachery’s Anguish — Shakespeare, King David and Jesus
“Blow, blow, thou winter wind.” That was my Grandmother’s lament on cold, windy, winter days and the only line I remember from Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” However, those words had a different meaning when sung by Shakespearean actors. They were a simile for the bitter disappointment of a relationship ruined by disloyalty: “Blow, blow, thouContinue reading “Treachery’s Anguish — Shakespeare, King David and Jesus”
Of Catalogs and Kingdoms
One of the bright moments during Maine’s late, cold winter months arrives when the seed catalogues do. They not only inspire dreams of fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers but also astound with the awesome awareness that a variety of plants are stored in tiny seeds, varied and peculiar to the hidden plant! Packed within eachContinue reading “Of Catalogs and Kingdoms”
Of Sheep and Shepherds
There is something special about sheep, something both ancient and pastoral! Perhaps it is because Scripture presents beautiful word pictures of how God shepherds his people. Trusting and obeying the Shepherd’s voice lead to “green pastures” and “still waters”, to fulfillment and security. However, the Psalmist sounds a cautionary note about inattentive, straying sheep because they haveContinue reading “Of Sheep and Shepherds”
Lilies and Life
While teaching his followers about proper life perspectives, Jesus talked about the importance of being genuine, that seeking approval and self promotion by showing off superficial, self-righteous piety is arrogant and disingenuous, that the distractions of our material world capture our imaginations and desires and divert us from the more important matters of our spirits,Continue reading “Lilies and Life”
Swiftly fly the years
Another day is ending with a glorious display. Most of us don’t ponder mathematical equations or physical principles when we think about sunsets or “time”. However, since our beginning, “time’s” mysteries and brevity have filled the minds of writers, poets and composers, prophets and preachers, philosophers and scientists— and especially old men! God existsContinue reading “Swiftly fly the years”
Light in the Darkness
The moon, silently reflecting the hiding sun and shining on freshly fallen snow, brightens our world by holding darkness at bay and is a reminder of the first Christmas night which happened “upon a Midnight clear” when “the glory of the Lord shone about” and the light of the Gospel came. The night ,“… whenContinue reading “Light in the Darkness”
Thanksgiving Grace!
Turkeys, which had been extinct in Maine since colonial days until they were very successfully reintroduced here in 1977, always remind me of the traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner, of hunting with my Dad, of family gatherings, of reading Henry W. Longfellow’s The Courtship of Miles Standish in the 8th Grade, of pilgrims, of funny hats, and of Native Americans sharingContinue reading “Thanksgiving Grace!”
The Barn is Full. What’s Next?
Old potato houses and imposing barns contribute to the charm and mystique of Aroostook County’s farming country. Often in disrepair and forgotten, they still hold treasures, not treasures of harvest but troves of memories and tales of generations of hard working owners. Their emptiness still echoes with laughter of children jumping from the rafters into theContinue reading “The Barn is Full. What’s Next?”
A Treasure Hunt
Maine is a beautiful “kingdom” in a beautiful part of the world. Some of Maine’s allure is buried in Aroostook County’s beautiful, rolling fields which yield their treasures as they begin to produce their fruit: oats and barley, potatoes and broccoli , alfalfa and canola. In Matthew 13, Jesus told a series of parable aboutContinue reading “A Treasure Hunt”
Sweet Words from Maine 