OUT TO PASTOR: What it was – was a coughing and sneezing contest

 The New Year started rather nicely for us.After all the exciting holiday activities, it was nice to settle into a more relaxed frame of mind.We had a whole week before us with nothing really to do and no place to go.What could be better?

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: It is well!

 Welcome to the “front porch.”One sublime feeling that seems to be more common beginning in the cold days of December is that of peace.

OUT TO PASTOR: An old geezer looking for new tricks

 Although the year is new, I’m still an old geezer.I think I know what geezer means, but I’m not sure what the definition of “old” is.One person’s old is another person’s youth. Believe me, I don’t know the difference.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Two old friends ringing in a new year together, again

 Some scenes stick with you for a lifetime, kind of like my old Georgia red clay.Proceed carefully today, because the scenes coming up will stay with you a very long time.I am sure of it.I began sharing this particular one with you many years ago.

OUT TO PASTOR: Where in the world did last year go?

 It was New Year’s Day, and I got up before The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage.I poured my coffee and then sat in my easy chair to reflect on the day.I was trying to get all the things in order I was planning to do today.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Santa Claus IS comin’ to town

 This reminiscing comes from Dec. 5, 2008.We all know each other pretty well by now, especially having a three-year journey through the summer of ‘73. We’re not quite through with some reflections on that, either.

SPEAKING TRUTH: The five revelations of Christmas

 Let us lift our eyes above the “most wonderful time of the year” and the “blue Christmas” and set them upon Christ. For He was born, died and rose again to show us He is the Mighty God!What does Christmas reveal about you?

OUT TO PASTOR: Can you eat too many cookies at Christmas?

 Christmas was over, and the house began to quiet down in a good way.Don’t get me wrong, I love the noise when all the family is together. It is a good feeling to be with your family during this wonderful holiday season.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Hoping one lady is home for Christmas

 Of the thousand or more columns we have been blessed to author for the past quarter of a century, this one was one of my favorites. There was something about the homeless lady on the side of the road back in 1999 that compelled me.And, now, a quarter of a century later, it still does.

OUT TO PASTOR: Another Christmas down the chimney

 If I have counted correctly, this is my 74th Christmas.Believe me, I do not remember all of them. The only thing is how much money I spent on all of those Christmases.I know Christmas is filled with rituals. As a young person, I grew up on rituals. Our best ritual was on Christmas.