While I was in college, on active duty in the Marine Corps and in a corporate job, I spent a lot of time with my good friend Chuck. One of Chuck’s lifetime friends was Shane. He is a neat guy that we ended up spending a lot of time with over the years. During those early years, I discovered that Shane was Jewish, but never really gave it much thought. However, one day during our early professional years we got…
As I opened the door this morning my senses were aroused by all the fragrances in the air. There is nothing like springtime in Florida. Ligustrum, jasmine and honeysuckle are in full bloom and you simply cannot escape the feeling that this is what it might be like in Heaven, even if you do have allergies! Taking my evening walk this time of year is always a special treat because I know Tracy will go with me – it will…
There were only a few days left of my first Boy Scout summer camp. Only one chance was left for me to finish out my requirements for the swimming and lifesaving merit badges. If I did not complete them, I would not make Eagle Scout. I had gone down to the dock earlier in the week watching the other guys try to complete the requirements in maybe 40+ degree water. Over and over again, I watched the blue bodies get…
If ever a person fit into the mindset of Tom Brokaw’s book, “The Perfect Generation,” it was my dad. Having been born prior to the great depression and living through that time without a dad made him appreciate what he had and care for it with daily expressions of appreciation and gratitude. Living during a time when Emily Post’s writings were the rage, his way of life represented a path of courtesy, respect and adherence to what was right and…
About 1700 years ago Constantine called a meeting of bishops and their presbyters to the small city of Nicea. When the council finally met there were approximately 300 Bishops from both the eastern and western parts of the Roman Empire. Constantine was fed up with the divisiveness and bloodshed. The major issue was two differing doctrines which had emerged in the Church at Alexandria. St. Alexander (of Alexandria) and Athanasius held that Jesus was the literal Son of God, while…
My dad was exposed to Christianity as a youth from multiple members of his family, but it never really took hold. As he grew up the dysfunction of a dad deserting the family played a huge role in causing faith to be shoved to a hidden corner. My mom’s stepfather was a firm advocate of reincarnation which became accepted by their family, even though her mother had professed Christ as savior. So when they married, there was a mixed bag…