History, Real Life and Faith
I’ve had a number of encounters with skunks in my life. The real ones, not just old Pepe LePeau. I saw one ramble past our new house this morning and shrieked. My patient husband looked at me. “Did you want me to do something about it?” “No. I’m just pointing out they’re here.” Surely he would get the connection between…
Read More
I learned a long time ago that I often examined personal issues through writing. In my younger years it was through wildly passionate letters full of emotional outbursts. To one correspondent in particular, I’d often begin this way: “I don’t really know what I think about this situation, so I’m going to write you a letter spelling it out with…
Read More
What sort of adventures do you get into when writing a novel? It depends if you’re the writer or the character. Take Trish: “Trish sat on the board in the attic and crossed her legs trying to avoid the itchy insulation material. “Lord, am I out of my mind?”” What do you think? She’s been stuck in the attic since…
Read More
Does it bother you if you find a fact wrong in a book? How about a magazine article or even a blog post? Do you think, “well, anyone can make a mistake,” and let it go? Or do you even pay attention? I’m a stickler for facts. Maybe it’s because I trained as a newspaper reporter where, if nothing else,…
Read More
The USS Nautilus (SSN-571) was commissioned 60 years ago today. The first atomic-powered submarine, probably atomic-powered anything, she cruised under the oceans for an unbelievable amount of time–because her nuclear reactor did not require her to “snorkel,” come up to take in air. When she put out to sea for the first time, she radioed her status: “underway on nuclear power.” Such…
Read More
What do you do with your old Bible study books? You know, the workbooks where you read a passage of scripture, answered some questions and either applied what you learned to your life, or discussed it with others, later. I’ve been in Bible study since I became a Christian at 15. At Trinity Lutheran Church under the direction of Larry Christenson…
Read More