One of our kids would point to my personality type as the culprit, but for whatever reason, I like to think outside the box. While all our kids are musically and/or artistically creative, I tend toward creative thoughts. I find myself asking why things are always done a certain way. It’s fun to come up …
JB and I met in a high school Spanish class. We students jokingly referred to our teacher as la bruja (the witch) even though she was the sweetest marshmallow of a Cuban lady you could ever hope to meet. And I honestly don’t remember much of what she taught us because I’ve had little reason …
On a recent work trip to California, we visited the world-famous San Diego Zoo. With over 4,000 animals gracing its hundred-acre grounds, it’s the most visited zoo in the country. Its huge, open exhibits mimic the animals’ natural habitat— and comprise the largest and most remarkable living spaces we have seen at any zoo. Yet …
The first time I heard someone say it at work, I didn’t get it. It struck me as strange then and still does. Someone was talking in front of a group and my coworker called out, “Word!” I figured out by context he was voicing approval or agreement with what the speaker had expressed. Years …
A little over a year ago, our daughter married a wonderful young man. They chose to have a small ceremony with mainly family in attendance. We celebrated with them and enjoyed watching their beaming faces during the reception. Couples prepare far in advance for their wedding day, choosing the church, the decorations, the bridal gown …
People are different in so many ways. One distinction I recall was whether you were a people person, an idea person, or a thing person. I think I’m all three to varying degrees, but my wife would nod vigorously to my identifying as a thing person. For example, I would typically rather buy a thing …
While living in South Florida over two decades ago, I often saw a bony-legged young woman briskly walking down long stretches of road. Her determined stride and gaunt appearance revealed her inner struggle. After moving to Colorado, I repeatedly noticed a tall, emaciated woman swiftly ambling down the path behind our house. She wore a …
On a business trip to Nashville a few months ago, Carrie and I had an interesting experience with a Lyft driver. As we’ve accustomed ourselves to using ride share apps to get around in other cities, we’ve noticed how different the drivers can be. Some say nothing, in some cases because they may speak little …
Each December we usually hear the nativity account from Luke 2 read in church. It can become so familiar that we often don’t pay attention. This year, however, I suddenly realized something I had not thought about before. The first five verses explain that Caesar Augustus took a census, requiring Joseph and Mary (his betrothed) …
We’re having a different kind of Christmas this year. Part of it is because I caught Covid at the company holiday party right before Christmas and we’re isolating. It’s the first time ever for us not to gather at our house Christmas day. We’ll gather virtually with our kids, and in person when we’re well …
It’s the time of year for parties, food, and gifts galore! None of this relates to the original nativity… or does it? While we may go overboard, might we actually have the basics down for celebrating Christ’s birth? In the Old Testament, God established feasts, basically commanding the Jews to hold seven annual parties—many of …
Recently we stopped by Sam’s Club to replenish a few things we’d run out of. Always one with an eye for a good deal, JB spotted a sale on some lights we might use in landscaping our yard next spring. A woman on that same aisle noticed, and kindly warned, “Don’t buy them!” She went …
