OUT TO PASTOR: Let the Summer fun begin

Now that summer is upon us, we can turn our back on those frosty days of winter. I like winter as long as it is in the past tense. Otherwise, all that cold tenses me up something terrific. My plans for the summer have already been established.

FRONT PORCH GOSPEL: Pass the best recipes along

Good week to all. Welcome to the “Front Porch.” I write to you today from Huntington Beach, California, just a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean. Every summer the amazin’ blonde and I take our excursion here to see our son Malachi who is making his way in life far to the west of us.

OUT TO PASTOR: What ever happened to the simple things in life?

I’m not a very complicated person. I like simple things – things nice and easy. Occasionally I will do a crossword puzzle, but beside that, I enjoy the simple life. On the other side, the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage is very complicated.

FRONT PORCH GOSPEL: Make God REAL!

Good week to all. Welcome to the “Front Porch.” Over 50 years ago, country singer Don Gibson came out with a great song with a poignant message. “My God is real” he sang in a beautiful twang, “he's real in my soul, my God is real for he has washed and made me whole.

OUT TO PASTOR: One man’s joke is another man’s discount

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I were dining out at a very nice restaurant. We had been on the road for two days and were weary of travel. At least, I was. Nothing I hate more on a vacation than travel. But this time it was not so bad because my wife was doing all the driving.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Don’t accept the gifts some offer

Good week to all. Welcome to the “front porch.” This past Sunday we were blessed to worship and teach here with our friends in Red Oak, a rare occasion due to our travels.

HOPE FOR TODAY: What is a real man?

Tony Fadell was the architect of something you have probably heard of – the iPod. Under the direction of Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, Fadell and his team developed the new technology. What was the purpose for this industry-changing gadget? According to Jobs, it was to put “1,000 songs in your pocket”.

OUT TO PASTOR: Another vacation in the bank

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I arrived home from our vacation late Tuesday afternoon. I’m not one for vacations, but this one was special. Our grandson who lives in Ohio was graduating from high school and then this summer he would be heading off to London for some soccer group.

FRONT PORCH GOSPEL: Carry the ‘Can’ spirit with you

Welcome, friends, to the “front porch.” Often as we look at a new year looming just ahead, I’ll be compelled to remind you and me of an old story that has long captured my admiration.

Four marks of a true man

Esquire Magazine published the article, “How to be a Man.” The author wrote a series of proverbs on manliness. One stated, “A man knows how to lose an afternoon. Drinking, playing Grand Theft Auto, driving aimlessly, shooting pool.” Please, do not follow their advice!