FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Grand Canyon’s most stunning view

Welcome to the “Front-Porch.” I’ve long believed that a picture is not only worth a thousand words but that, sometimes, a word is worth a thousand pictures. Today, however, is not one of those times.

OUT TO PASTOR: Multitasking is not my cup of tea

Usually, I have a lot of work on my desk, from writing to radio programs. Even though I have many projects, I can only do one at a time. I have often wished I could multitask, which would help me get through many more projects more quickly. But that has never been my style of working.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: The atheist’s gentle sentiment

Part 2 Welcome to the “Front-Porch.” “What about Jesus?” Stroebel asks gently, after a long silence. “What do you think about Jesus?” The answer is surprising. That’s how we concluded our previous “front-porch” visit.

OUT TO PASTOR: Back in the saddle... finally

After about three months of wrestling with a variety of bug thingamajigs, I ended up with a case of acute bronchitis. The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I, during that time, competed in a coughing and sneezing contest. Unfortunately, she won the contest.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: The atheist’s surprising admission

Part 1   Welcome to the “Front-Porch.” I would never have expected to read what I read.

OUT TO PASTOR: Does anybody ever grow up?

In a few months, I will celebrate another birthday. This year, if I’ve kept up to date, I will celebrate my 75th birthday. I never expected to get this far along in life. I always thought 75 was old. If I believe one of my old uncles, my 75th birthday amounts to 7+5 = 12.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: The spirit of thinking ‘different’

Welcome to the “Front-Porch.” Something amazing about a newspaper column: The stories come to you kind of like the flow of a river. Wherever life goes, so goes the pen. You can tell a man’s life story by reading columns, as you know.

OUT TO PASTOR: My addiction to happiness

One of the most important elements of life is happiness. When I look around the world, I notice how scarce happiness seems, which makes me reflect on its true value. I’ve come to the conclusion that happiness is a choice. I can be happy or sad – the choice is mine.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: The third-grade teacher I forgot long ago

Welcome to the “Front-Porch.” As I write, the amazin’ blonde and I are stationed at Coca-Cola and Glory’s house off of the Roanoke Road in my hometown. As you who have followed our musings, writings, and storytelling for a quarter of a century know, our trips back home are frequent and necessary.

OUT TO PASTOR: Retiring my insanity

After some months of intense reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time for my insanity to retire. The evidence before me is so overwhelming that I’m not sure I have any other choice. And believe me, I have looked. Not that I haven’t benefited from my insanity.