ON THE JOB TRAINING (part 25)

“But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Lost in Yellowstone (chapter 9)

CHAPTER 9“A danger greater than the bear.” The next morning, I was up early, as usual, getting the bags down from the tree and getting ready for our fourth day of hiking. I remember our being especially tired that morning and not very talkative.

OUT TO PASTOR: Ready or not, here I quit

I do not quit easily. When I start a project, I like to work until it’s finished. I hate to quit before something is completed.One thing I have learned through the years is not to start something unless I have the time and resources to finish it.

ON THE JOB TRAINING (part 24)

“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Lost in Yellowstone (Chapter 8)

CHAPTER 8“Bear in the darkness.” Two nights in a row we slept in a bear meadow – perhaps ‘bear wilderness’ would say it better, even. But this one may have been more of a dangerous place to camp than the first.

OUT TO PASTOR: Are you ready for Fall?

With such a tumultuous summer, I’m glad we are now beginning the fall season. There for a while, I didn’t think it was going to come. But, contrary to my negativity, it has arrived, and I’m delighted.Summer wasn’t quite the way summers have been in the past.

ON THE JOB TRAINING (part 23)

And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Lost in Yellowstone (Chapter 7)

CHAPTER 7“The Ironman” Before things took a turn for the worse, we had a funny moment. Humor and near tragedy often make good bedfellows, although in this case there was no potential tragedy at all, mainly just a point of ridiculous aggravation.

OUT TO PASTOR: Hallelujah… she’s baaaaack!

I have learned that you don’t miss something until it is gone. Unfortunately, sometimes, it’s too late.Over six weeks ago, or was it nine months, I took my truck in for a regular checkup.

On the job training (part 22)

“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.