Still Life
My brother posted this picture recently on Instagram. This is what he had to say about it. “I like shooting still life images. I think it helps me to slow down and relax, and somehow brings a peacefulness to my…
The Dump
The earliest home I remember was on the edge of the city dump. The piles of garbage were right there behind our back yard. I walked on the path between the piles for a short cut to school when I…
Beauty
My mother told me many times that the first word I uttered was “pretty.” I guess I’ve always paid attention to what I thought was beautiful. But beauty goes beyond pretty. It’s more than a superficial quality. It involves all…
Assurance
Assurance. That’s a word we don’t hear or say very often. There is an old song that we don’t sing very often anymore, either. “Blessed Assurance.” It’s full of words and phrases that we pass over too quickly when singing.…
Wishes
Did you ever wish that you could sleep in late? Maybe not even go to work? Have you ever wished that you had time to read a good book or two? Play a game? Do a puzzle? On a gloomy…
Anticipation
When important events are coming up, we look forward to them with anticipation. It’s part of the journey. Part of the fun. At least, if it’s a happy event. The night before a trip or a wedding or a reunion…
Inspiration
What inspires you? Or should I say, “Who inspires you?” Sometimes being around certain people brings out the best in us. Creative people who write poetry, tell stories, paint pictures etc. are inspired by what they see, hear, and feel.…
Good from Bad
Today I am sharing a hymn story with you. Interestingly, we know that many of the great hymns of faith, as well as new songs, are born out of times of adversity. Great blessing results from a bad time. Many…
Endurance
Several years ago Tom Brokaw wrote a book called The Greatest Generation. It contains the stories of men and women who lived and served during the years of The Great Depression and World War II. My parents were part of…
Morning
I’m embarrassed to say that I woke up today struggling with the issue of morning. Maybe you think that all musicians start the day with happy little songs floating through their heads. But that’s just not true. Many years ago,…