Category Archives: Friends

A Not-so Wise Guy

A Character Study of Solomon The story of Solomon in 1 Kings begins with his brother Adonijah deciding to be king of Israel (1Kin 1:5). In Eli-like manner, King David never criticizes Adonijah which must have affirmed and intensified his craving for the throne. He had the king’s general, Joab, on his side. To seal [...]

God is Sovereign

A Character Study of Absalom and Comment on the Upcoming Election Absalom was David’s fifth son, the first being the child who died after his affair with Bathsheba, the second Solomon by Bathsheba, the third Amnon by Ahinoam, the fourth Chileab by Abigail, and fifth but not last, Absalom by Maacah. The first story of [...]

ESV Study Bible Update

Susan received her ESV-SB hardcover yesterday. Scott got his ESV-SB Trutone too. Scott said, “That Study Bible is like having Jesus right there with you.” From down the hall, we heard Brad say, “He is, Scott.” My calfskin ESV-SB won’t ship until next week. Besides using it in my devotional reading with Susan, I look [...]

Were You Raised in a Barn?

A Character Study of Eli Eli was the great-grandson of Aaron (Exo 6:23-24 shows Eli’s father, Elkanah, in the Aaronic line) and so, being in that priestly lineage, we find him as both Judge and Priest at Shiloh when he is first mentioned in Scripture (1Sa 1:3). This introduction is one of an old priest, [...]

The Church Drunk

A Character Study of Hannah Elkanah had two wives—Hannah and Peninnah. The former was barren and the latter had children (1Sa 1:2). The latter also provoked Hannah because of her infertility, grieving her beyond comfort. Elkanah’s love for her and his gifts seemed to mean little to her. She only wanted a child. She was [...]

We’re Not in Kansas Anymore, Toto

I’m not sure why I like photographing sunflowers. A year ago, I was shooting fields of them and a few weeks ago, I was after them again. I never thought of sunflowers as a cash crop. The seeds? Yes. The flowers? No. But there they were, at the Williamsburg, VA, farmers’ market. Dozens of dozens [...]

Oh, Waaah!

One of my friends often responds to people’s complaints—especially to her husband’s—by sarcastically saying, “Oh, waaah!” Her meaning is clear: Stop your whining. I always enjoy this because it succinctly sums up my own feelings. I usually try to explain the situation to whiny people—like they’re going to listen. My friend’s, “Oh, waaah!” makes them [...]

Happy Birthday, Biscuit

Today is Biscuit’s fifth birthday. Biscuit is a Golden Labrador Retriever who joined our family about a month ago. Today he turned five-years old. We’ve celebrated throughout the day. For example, I got home from a five-mile run this morning and discovered he couldn’t wait for cake. He had gotten in to a shopping bag [...]

Twice?

I really can’t quite believe it but my Rotary Club voted me Rotarian of the Year again this year. I thought it’d be Dave Laughlin for all he did to make the golf tournament a success. Anyway, thanks; I’m very honored and happy to serve.

Special Olympics 2008

Well, the Graham Police Department is at it again. They are trying to raise $10,000 this year for Special Olympics (SO). Sgt. Duane Flood has been selling SO caps and t-shirts for months. Eleven of us ran in the torch run while several others drove before and after the group to keep them safe. (An [...]