FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: A teacher’s sanctuary (Chapter 1)

Welcome to the “Front-Porch.”The gym, the magical classroom, waterfalls, old friends, watching movies and westerns with the amazin’ blonde – my wife of 50 years and – let’s see… three-and-a-half months – listening to the singing in church, especially to my favorite song of all, “How Great Thou Art”...

OUT TO PASTOR: Valentine’s Day – just another day on the calendar?

The older I get, the more I have to forget, and believe me, I don’t forget to forget.I can’t keep up with dates, holidays, or even my birthday.I believe a day is a day, and that should be the end of it.As I was drinking my morning coffee, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage entered and said, “Do...

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Torn up over a box of chocolates

Welcome to the “Front-Porch.”It was in the fall of 1997 that we had a life-changing moment – one of many, many obviously.We were blessed with the opportunity to write for our hometown newspaper, the LaGrange Daily News.

OUT TO PASTOR: Punxsutawney Phil is no politician, or is he?

Growing up in Pennsylvania, one of my yearly attractions was Punxsutawney Phil.According to the legend, Punxsutawney Phil could predict the future. If he sees his shadow and returns to his hole, it means he has predicted six more weeks of winter-like weather.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: A ride up high to a nostalgic mountain

Welcome to the “Front-Porch.”Let’s take a front-porch-gospel journey up high to the nostalgic mountain, 2015 –The amazing blonde and I took our annual trip to Georgia and Tennessee this past week, spending several days high up in the Smoky Mountains, one of the best places to examine life and...

OUT TO PASTOR: Punxsutawney Phil is no politician – or is he?

Growing up in Pennsylvania, one of my yearly attractions was Punxsutawney Phil.According to the legend, Punxsutawney Phil could predict the future. If he sees his shadow and returns to his hole, it means he has predicted six more weeks of winter-like weather.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Two shook the rafters

Welcome to the “front-porch.”As we write, it is Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.Ice and snow are on the ground, and a good part of the country has come to a standstill for a few days due to a 2,000-mile expanse of icy terrain.Yesterday was one of the few days when church had to be dismissed in most places...

OUT TO PASTOR: It’s not a mess, it’s my creative décor

The greatest joy I have every morning is not only getting up – but also stepping in my office.When I retired, I had to have a room built at the back of our house for my office.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’

Welcome to the “front porch.”As you read along in the Bible, one of the greatest truths that you will come across is that of the providence of God.I’ve long felt that “providence” is the most important word not in the Bible, at least not in the Bible referring to God.

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?I like it when there’s not much to do, but The Gracious...