The book of Esther is one of the most unique books of Scripture, for the name of the Lord doesn’t appear in any form and there are no explicit acts of piety to be found within its ten chapters. Yes, at one point, Esther calls for a fast, but we must infer that coupled with…
How many times have you been walking along somewhere and semi-noticed a penny lying on the ground, only to keep on walking—after all, it really wasn’t worth stopping, stooping, and scooping up that little bit o’ copper? I’ve probably bypassed a dollar or so in my lifetime doing just that. But not anymore. Now, I…
As you walk in the door at AirPlay in downtown Sterling or at any Starbucks, your attention might be drawn to the bulletin board hanging near the entrance—a community bulletin board where people and organizations can post fliers or notices of just about any kind: a yoga class…a lost cat…a housecleaning service…a local concert…a support…
I’m currently looking at options for a couple of backpacking trips this summer. Not sure what I’ll do for one of them, but the other will take me back to the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin—particularly the Kettle Moraine South section. Actually, Chris is planning to join me for this one, so it promises to…
The other day, a very powerful storm arose suddenly from the west and hit the Sauk Valley with strong, damaging winds and a deluge of rain. The impact of that storm is still evident in the area. Half a tree had fallen on a house in our neighborhood; the roof is tarped, and the fallen…