A redbird (to this southerner, a cardinal is a redbird) is on my neighbor’s wet lawn. Not finding what he is looking for there, he flies across the street to my yard. He’s so beautiful–bright and flambuoyant. I ask the Lord to protect him from cats. It’s okay to pray for redbirds, isn’t it? […]

Untangling the Web
Why do you pick up a cozy mystery and read? Is it because you like the characters or is it the setting? Do you like to try to untangle that snarled web of a mystery before the protagonist does? Have you noticed that in the cozy mystery genre, there’s a lot of leeway, a lot […]

Over the Back Yard Fence
Feelings are aired and problems are shared over the back yard fence. Do we need fewer privacy fences and more of the picket and chain link variety? Just a thought. Privacy fences are good for–well–privacy. The other kind is good for getting to know your neighbor. Yesterday, Peg and I happened to be in our […]
That Mean Old Ugly Thorn in the Flesh
Much has been written about St. Paul’s thorn in the flesh, mentioned in II Corinthians 12:7-10. Scholars debate what it might have been. Was it a chronic illness? His eyesight? The Bible says the thorn was a messenger from Satan. The reason it was given? To keep Paul from being exalted above measure. Did God remove […]

Sitting On a Milestone and Considering
On this cool, early April morning, I’m doing a lot of looking back. I confess it. Sometimes, a person reaches a milestone and just sitting down on it for a rest and a think seems to be in order. I’ve covered a good many miles before reaching this thinking spot–more miles behind than there are […]


