FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 58

The red bird perched on the rock, its heart throbbing, captured the moment, as Corrina and I sat talking by the creek until the shadows fell over the water. I don’t think the bird’s heart was the only one throbbing that magical evening.

OUT TO PASTOR: Doctor, could you repeat that?

For the first time in my life, I’ve been having health issues. They’re nothing serious, but just enough to be aggravating.The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage has been very helpful with my medical issues.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Good stuff

Welcome to the “front porch” this week.This week, we take an intermission from our “This life story begins in 1973 (Kind of),” as we need to do occasionally.

OUT TO PASTOR: I didn’t lose my marbles – they just retired

For some people, getting old is a real challenge.Don’t let this get out, but getting old has been more of a blessing than a curse for me.I thought it would be terrible and didn’t know what I would do when I reached that magical retirement age.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 57

“Did you ever tell Corrina Chase Freeman’s back story?” Cheyenne asked.

OUT TO PASTOR: So what if I’m crazy?

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and her wonderful husband celebrate 53 years of marital bliss this year.It doesn’t seem possible that we have been married 53 years.After all, we don’t look that old! At least she doesn’t.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 56

I jumped out of the Nova and opened the car door for Corrina. She had waited a few seconds, allowing me to be a gentleman.Cori Leigh, as her mom calls her, gave a quick hug, said “I’ll see you tomorrow,” and kind of skipped to the front door.

OUT TO PASTOR: And that’s the way it was

I’ve lived long enough to realize that things usually go their own way. I may want something to go one way, but eventually, it all boils down to going the other way.That is no more true than when The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I travel somewhere.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 55

I didn’t want Corrina to think that I thought I was all that – although I was silky-fine with it if she did – so I had to qualify the statement that “I would’ve found myself steppin’ out onto heaven’s shore if somebody hadn’t jumped into Mud Creek to save me.

OUT TO PASTOR: How to act your age

I just celebrated another birthday.Every time I turn around, I have another birthday. I guess I’m going to have to stop turning around.This year, I turned 73, which is a landmark as far as I’m concerned.