Here we go again. It’s January, and maybe you’re like me, compelled to take stock of that dreaded checklist—the promises-to-myself that I constructed last year at this time. Let’s see…recover well from a hip replacement. Check. (Thanks mostly to Karen’s love and care. I wasn’t such a good patient the first couple of weeks.) [...]

The air was wet as the five of us emerged from a meeting at the church office. It was cold and dark, a typical winter night in the Pacific Northwest. But the car heater took away the chill, and my anticipation at joining a “band of brothers” warmed me on the way home. That’s [...]

Karen and I are slow to put Christmas away. The special decorations are still out—the manger scenes, the statues of the wise men, and such. The Christmas dishes, bowls, and mugs are still displayed on our kitchen counter. A hint of Santa can still be found around the great room, especially ornamenting the tree. Yes, [...]

A story of powerful faith and devotion. As we approach another Christmas season, Karen and I are so thankful for our family and friends whom we love, our church community, and the many blessings that bring us great joy. Yet, to be honest, a blanket of sadness covers us most days. One we must [...]

Grab ‘em right away with your opening lines, or they will put your book down. As a novelist, I’ve had this advice hammered into my brain, and my keyboard. This is not an easy task. And I’ve found this to be true with the books I pick up. Goodness…how many novels have I taken [...]

Chances are, if you’re not a kid yourself, you remember that age-old refrain from the movie Bye Bye Birdie. Comedian Paul Lynde sings the lament that parents from every generation have expressed during their child-rearing days, yours truly included. If you’ve never watched it, this 1963 film is a parody on rock and roll [...]