Worship's Courage

Some wit once compared the church to Noah’s ark, we couldn’t stand the conditions inside if it weren’t for those outside. That haunts me. Research reveals that over half of self-identified Christians have no connection with a larger group of followers—meaning we may have more Christians outside the church than inside. A number of my friends and family, once deeply involved in a local body, have chosen to stop. The church that Jesus died to create.

Maybe we need to explore the best reason to...

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Changing Times

I pulled out of Lone Pine at 7 AM, hoping to get the 240 miles home to Temecula before the traffic congealed into an unholy mess. Not long after, a road sign announced a welcomed passing lane ahead, that alleviated concerns about some slow trucks clogging the lane.

But the promised passing lane soon proved to be closed for construction, yet with none in sight. So I looked around and spotted heavy construction off to the right, just north of Olancha. Turns out Cal Trans has decided to change the route to bypass the entire Olancha area. I guess that will help the traffic flow, which is nice, but will likely kill...

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Work Together

If this pic wasn’t on AP, my first thought would have been PhotoShop! But, it’s legit. You can find videos of 300 Amish men moving this huge barn at least 100 yards up a slight hill. Estimates are 17,000 lbs, but that’s a very do-able 60 pounds per man. Ah, the value of working together to do what we can’t on our own. Yes, we do some things best solo or a few others, maybe a small group, but...

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God Flashes

God shows up in unexpected times and places, if we look for the signs. Here’s one.

Each fall I typically journey to the Sierras. The trout are hungry, getting ready for winter, and bite gladly, not aware of the hidden hook. The cottonwood and aspen are changing colors, rare seen in most parts of CA. The people are scarce, even more rare in California.

Not too far back, one trip featured great fishing, 38 trout in 8 hours on three creeks. The aspen put me in awe, with the most glorious golds and yellows in years. And the people—well, I found more photographers than fisherfolk along the streams. Thankfully…

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The Last Ride

How close are we to things we love? Cars. Boats. A house. Activities, and more. The stuff of life. Reality caught up with me in 2020. The bike I’d loved and ridden all over the West was no longer the right bike at 72. My ST1300 sport tourer was fast, comfortable, and suited me like a fitted suit. But my balance and reactions had noticeably gotten worse, and I couldn’t help but ride the bike as always, but that was unsafe now. Time to say goodbye. So the day before the buyer would bring cash and take my bike, I took it out…

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Ride Relaxed

On our second Last Trip (a story for another time), Jerry and I planned to meet in Ogden on Sunday, May 19, 2024, so the day before at 7 AM I pulled out of Temecula on I-15 heading north with reservations in Richfield, Utah, about 560 miles away. An easy jaunt for my Honda CTX1300, and doable on the 76-year-old body. A brief gas stop in Barstow led to lunch in Vegas…a decent sandwich shop next to the gas station. Double dipping, I guess. A lot of deserts until I passed St. George at 400 miles, with just over two hours to go. But after Cedar City the clouds began rolling in, some white, some pretty dark. From some I could see the rain slapping the ground, then the road turned away for ten miles, and I thought…

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When Tenacity Pays Off

A week last fall, relaxing at a timeshare in Palm Desert. A day, Wednesday, kicking back at the pool, as I read while Sheila floated. A nap in the room completed the laziness, but we anticipated Happy Hour at our favored Trilussa. But when we found it jammed, another disappointed diner suggested nearby Enzo, so off we went. Suspiciously the parking lot had just one car, and the worker who came out if the closed café recommended O’Caines Irish Pub. A longer journey, but this third time was a charm, and we enjoyed a tasty burger and Guinness’ stout. Several pictures of John Jameson, the founder of Jameson’s Irish Whiskey, the world’s best seller, graced the place and intrigued me. He’s a relative…

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How Big is Your God?

Each bike trip seems to develop its own spiritual impact. One year my prayer and worship led to some conclusions about continuing a ministry. Another astounded me with the beauty of the northwest and Glacier National Park. Some deliver great times with long time friends and fellow followers of Jesus. But one year challenged the pattern. We rode 3800 miles in eight states, from near sea level to over 10,000 ft. What most struck me was what creation reveals about the Creator, and I still struggle to integrate it. Here’s why…

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