My wife Lois grew up in Wolfe County Kentucky in the little village of Campton where she was born. Campton likes to call itself, “The Friendliest Little Town in the Mountains.” It’s more than a slogan. People really are friendly down there. It is situated in a beautiful part of the Bluegrass State. It’s nicely out-of-the-way. You have to mean to go there.
What’s That Stench?
When my son worked at IBLP (Institute in Basic Life Principles) Headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois, he shared a house with three or four other young men. One day in the spring he noticed an unpleasant odor in his car. At first it was a mild inconvenience but after a while it became a significant nuisance. He purchased a series of air freshener products but the odor easily overpowered them. He looked around a little and could not unravel the mystery of the bad smell. It got so bad he told me he considered trading in his car for a newer one. He wondered if someone put cheese on his manifold as a joke.
[Read more…] about What’s That Stench?
Pastor Chen
Pastor Chen spent eighteen years in a prison work camp in China. Because he came from a background of moderate wealth and opportunity the guards at the camp worked hard to break his spirit and indoctrinate him. He was so hungry at times that he was tempted to eat toothpaste. He was separated from his wife and his young church. While he was in prison, his wife died.
[Read more…] about Pastor Chen
Non-Violence
I had a friend. I say “had” because we moved away. If we still lived close I know we would still be close friends. I know if I was ever in Walhounding, Ohio there would be a place at Bobby and Marie Yoder’s table. There would be a generous portion and lively conversation for me and all my family at the Yoder household.
[Read more…] about Non-Violence
A Gentle Place to Fall
One year in apple-blossom and flowering Dogwood time I glanced out the window to see my neighbor Dave conducting a sacred rite of passage. He was teaching his little girl to ride her bike without training wheels. I got a lump in my throat at the sweetness of the memory of teaching my three older daughters to ride their bikes. I only have one left to teach, after that it will be my grand daughters by God’s good grace.
[Read more…] about A Gentle Place to Fall
Recent Comments