It is time to hand over control of GroupBibleStudy.com

| July 31, 2018

I’ve mentioned GroupBibleStudy.com before as a website I work on and have helped develop for my friend Pastor Keith Thomas, but didn’t realize I’ve been doing it for 7 years — shocker. It is now time to hand it over to a new volunteer … and I’m finding it difficult to relinquish control, but also know Keith would love […]

Music Monday: The song “I Can Only Imagine” and recent movie

| July 2, 2018

This content is restricted.

A discussion of Muslim coverings required a little research

| May 17, 2018

I had a discussion early this week regarding the protests over the opening of the U.S. Embassy in the capital of Israel – Jerusalem. The embassy’s move has been promised by the last few presidents, but finally followed through on by President Trump. For all his bloviating and questionable behavior, he does seem to prioritize […]

Annalyn was dedicated at Waterville Community Church

| April 24, 2018

This content is restricted.

Happy Easter! Victory over death and sin through Jesus Christ.

| April 1, 2018

Happy Easter brothers and sisters in Christ!         He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed. This past week I’ve been listening to Alistair Begg speak on Life After Death recorded from Parkside Church and shared on the Truth For Life podcast. Ever since Katelyn and Drew gave me the Amazon Echo Dot for Christmas I […]

A tribute to Billy Graham – “I can only imagine”

| March 5, 2018

https://youtu.be/Rlu-a1lgeTo William Franklin Graham Jr. (November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018) Adding a story that is fitting after reflecting on Billy Graham. I read it during my brief morning (usually evening) devotional and had me smiling as I remembered pre-NIV King James Bible reading as a teenager. This morning, I want to tell you a […]

Do something for someone this Martin Luther King Jr holiday

| January 15, 2018

Today, January 15, 2018, our nation celebrates the life and accomplishments of one of our greatest Americans on his national holiday, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This past Friday, President Trump signed a proclamation that honors Dr. King by designating his birthplace, church and tomb as a National Historic Park. Along with the president’s respectful […]

Food for thought from a pediatrician on gender identity

| December 19, 2017

Although I have the traditional conservative view that one’s gender is in our DNA and one that we are born with, I understand there are those who differ. Let’s at least try to agree as a nation that we should at least protect young kids and early teens from the irreparable damage parents and doctor […]

Music Monday: The Way It Is – Bruce Hornsby and The Range

| August 14, 2017

This content is restricted.

Thanking God for His artwork

| April 29, 2017

Just as I was beginning to “once again” ponder the wisdom of keeping our sailboat in Florida while still working, taking care of a home and being pulled in different directions … an early morning walk back to Encore reminded me that it is healthy to slow down, de-stress and appreciate the daily paintings He makes for […]

Stand up for what you believe, but do it with love for one another

| April 15, 2017

Standing up for your own views is a good thing. Recognizing the views and values of others is a great thing. Coming together in respect for others is much too rare a thing … but it is likely the only way we’ll find peace while living here on this earth. Whether or not you accepted […]

Obituary: Frances Ann Louise Howard has graduated

| January 17, 2017

My mother-in-law passed away last week … or as my good friend Pastor Keith Thomas (groupbiblestudy.com) said, "graduated." The word choice is very fitting for Mom Howard considering she has been a lifelong Christian and loved studying and memorizing the Bible. She has been looking forward to "graduating" from this temporary life on earth to […]

Merry Christmas and God bless all of us on the good Earth

| December 24, 2016

The Apollo 8 Christmas Eve Broadcast Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the Moon, entered lunar orbit on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1968. That evening, the astronauts; Commander Frank Borman, Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell, and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders did a live television broadcast from lunar orbit, in which they showed pictures […]

Happy Thanksgiving 2016

| November 24, 2016

Because my kids are out of town and Brenda is working today, I didn’t intend to post anything for Thanksgiving this year; I just figure I would just let an uneventful day pass. BUT, after mentally reflecting on this past year, I realized just how much I have to be thankful for … considering what […]

Dad posts heartbreaking photo of daughter 

| November 3, 2016

This is not a feel photo or story, and I suspect like me, seeing 4 year-old Jessica Whelan suffering from cancer and in pain in front of her dad is enough to bring tears to the eyes of any parent. For those sheltered from this kind of agony, a social network shared photo like this speaks […]

Follow up video from Mr Godwrench and The Happy Church

| September 28, 2016

Thanks Tim for sending me the video from the Mr. Godwrench service day in Jackson, Kentucky (last week’s post). It was great to see the good times and teaching moments … both "hands-on" car maintenance and emulating what it is to have a Christian heart … and I’m sure it felt good for the givers […]

Tim Ellison, a Christian entrepreneur that Walks the Talk

| September 24, 2016

We are humbled to call Tim Ellison of Mr. Godwrench our friend. A few years ago when he started his automotive repair business I knew his unabashed and outspoken Christian "modus vivendi" was attractive to me, so I quickly promoted his automotive services and did as much business with him as I could. Due to […]

GroupBibleStudy.com website traffic is exploding in India

| August 3, 2016

An online website project that I have the privilege to be involved with is GroupBibleStudy.com. My good friend Pastor Keith Thomas, a super nice guy and one of the more scholarly writers and teachers that I know, writes and teaches small group Bible studies from his home base in Cincinnati, Ohio. His online reach is […]

My niece Sarah Gerber is an impressive young lady

| June 10, 2016

We recently returned from the high school graduation of my niece Sarah Gerber who has fought and lived with childhood cancer her entire life. She continues to defy the odds with an inoperable brain tumor and her story is truly encouraging for all who face similar medical challenges. Sarahs’ 18 years are ones of courage, […]

Music: Going Home from 1975 by Barry McGuire

| May 22, 2016

This content is restricted.

Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz diesels can last a long time

| May 2, 2016

From the Christian perspective, I have mixed thoughts on using the "Think eternal" line for a 1963 classic Volkswagen Beetle cover on Hagerty Classic car magazine. It is of course a Peope’s Car with a l-o-n-g and beloved history by VW enthusiasts, but the word "eternal" when it comes to "earthly material things" can be […]

He has risen … He is risen .. He is risen indeed.

| March 27, 2016

   Happy Easter to all believers and those yet to acknowledge God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  Today is the day we recognize the fulfillment of the earthly life of Jesus. Without the risen Lord and Savior … we sinners are not capable of existing side by side with God. I am so thankful […]

Hosanna! Celebrating Palm Sunday

| March 20, 2016

On a spring Sunday in 30 A.D. (est), the city of Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims who had come for the annual Passover celebration. Jesus, who had been traveling through the towns and villages of Palestine was also heading to Jerusalem. He preached about the kingdom of God and healed the sick wherever He went, […]

Take an Insprational Trip to Israel this spring – Mar/Apr 2016

| January 11, 2016

Have you ever considering visiting Israel? Here’s a great opportunity to go with my friend Pastor Keith Thomas for a “Best of Israel” tour. He has been taking groups for years and combined with his handpicked guides and economical  group rate accommodations and airfare, a trip this spring may be your best opportunity. Touring Israel […]

Americans often formulate opinions from media sound bites

| September 22, 2015

It may not be politically correct for Ben Carson or any other American candidate running for political office to say “I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation” … yet the reasons are more rational than most Americans who are NOT religiously or ethnically prejudicial think. After hearing Dr. […]

Fifty years ago radio personally Paul Harvey saw the future

| August 29, 2015

Maybe it didn’t take much imagination to see where society and our country was heading … but it does give me the chills to listen to radio personality Paul Harvey’s broadcast from 1965 when Democrats embraced their big government solutions and promoted President Johnson’s Great Society program. (and the answer from today’s Liberal Progressives is […]

My Dad … a new beginning is near

| August 9, 2015

Even for life-long Christians it is challenging facing the reality of our earthly life ending and accepting “by faith” the promise of eternal life. Part could be facing the pain of death or leaving those we love behind … but we humans also question. This weekend my dad experience a major stroke, although we knew […]

Surgery update on Brenda and my friend Keith is also ailing

| August 1, 2015

As my daughter Katelyn told me prior to Brenda’s surgery to reconstruct her damaged shoulder and upper arm … "take a deep breath." I did, but didn’t know I would be holding it for 4 hours (a few details below – also previous posts 1 and 2).   When the surgery was over, Dr. Wyrick […]

He has risen – Happy Easter 2015

| April 5, 2015

Jesus Has Risen 1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering […]

Social networking, a show of support and our changing values

| April 3, 2015

No matter which side of the political tug-of-war you are on when debating “marriage,” there is something distasteful about using ordinary people as political fodder. Crystal O’Connor was one such naive pawn used for divisive purposes as Indiana’s Governor Mike Pence tiptoed around modifying the Religious Freedom Restoration Act know as Senate Bill 568. The national media and LGBT activists highlighted O’Connor’s Christian opinions regarding “providing […]

March marched in like a lion with weather and health concerns

| March 7, 2015

A catch up post since hear in Cincinnati we have had a much snowier February and early March than usual … although a change is coming, so I hear? Sharing a few medical concerns: Activities this first week of March have revolved around medical care for a few in my family. Most pressing concerns are […]

Its almost Christmas and we did not decorate this year

| December 24, 2014

It is shameful that Brenda and I have been too busy with “who knows what” to decorate or even put up a Christmas tree this year – the first time in our married life. We have used the excuses that our kids are not coming home, that we are not entertaining, that we have been […]

Happy Easter – As an American, be thankful for religious freedom

| April 20, 2014

It is Easter and no matter what else is happening in the world, it is a “Happy” Easter knowing He Lives. I was reminded the other day just how casual those of us living in a democracy take our freedom to worship … or at least some of need a reminder. My reminder came when […]

Teaching and spreading the Gospel — GroupBibleStudy.com

| March 9, 2014

Keith Thomas, writer, pastor and good friend of mine, has been using his “small group” expertise to help teach others how to lead Bible studies and to be more effective disciples of Christ. His writings and excellent Bible teaching materials are available at groupbiblestudy.com for all who are interested … share the Good News! I’ve […]

Challenging changes that were part of 2013

| December 27, 2013

It has been both a wonderful and unsettling year of change for our family. We’ve had the highs of a wedding (Katelyn and Drew) and a college graduation (Taylor),  AND the emotional lows with the passing of parents. The above events were as they should be and in keeping with the human condition … but […]

Human frailties and the need for our Father’s hand

| December 2, 2013

While messaging my friend Scott last night, I realized just how painful relationships amongst humans can be … be they casual friendships (caring for one another) or intimate bonds between family members (parents, spouses, children). In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray […]

Obit: Earl Gerber (1921-2013) — part of my extended family

| September 6, 2013

When I first started my company, I had the privilege of learning about “taking care of customers” from Earl Gerber who was a long time business and sales professional in northeastern Ohio. Earl passed away at 92 in Cleveland this past week, and even through all his age related ailments, I never heard him complain. […]

Rob Portman commentary: Columbus Dispatch

| March 15, 2013

Thoughts: Will the GOP take the position of Senator Rob Portman? Should they? I have come to believe that if two people are prepared to make a lifetime commitment to love and care for each other in good times and in bad, the government shouldn’t deny them the opportunity to get married. That isn’t how […]

Roman Catholics have a new pope today – Pope Francis

| March 13, 2013

I happened to have the iPad streaming the Slingbox signal from home while sitting in the car (not driving) and noticed that FoxNews just announced that there was white smoke coming out of the chimney at the Vatican. I snipped a screen grab and tweeted the photo. Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina the […]

Are you prepared for catastrophic spending cuts? [sarcasm]

| February 27, 2013

I find it difficult to listen to “the sky is falling” coming from special interest groups with the politicians looking out for them … or for that matter President Obama “crying wolf” once again. If it is so difficult to trim a few percent federal budget (something that was suppose to be done several years […]

My friend Keith Thomas shared some video from his Israel trip

| December 28, 2012

Although Pastor Keith Thomas and I do share a few friends (here is his blog), I know there are also a few reading here that also might enjoy Keith’s first attempt at video and editing. I think the camera was new to him (for this trip) and recall he was hoping to document a bit […]

Archive: Triggering a Christian’s everyday mindset

| May 6, 2012

Christ calls us to be “fishers of men” not just “keepers of the aquarium.” Be bold today. Share the gospel in your deeds AND words.

Carry-in Easter dinner and conversation with mom and dad

| April 9, 2012

We spent Easter Sunday with Mom and Dad this year. Brenda packed up a nice and simple dinner along with a table cloth and candles (a nice touch) to lighten the chores for dad. We still unfortunately spent too much time discussing health issues, but it is what it is this year. Mom’s week was […]

Where’s the line between free and offensive speech?

| March 25, 2012

Americans seem to be flirting with politically correct issue of “hateful distasteful speech” once again. After some trashy talk in the previous couple of elections, from the media notables and celebrities targeting Sarah Palin to the death threats to cartoonist for caricatures of Muhammad, Rush Limbaugh is being targeted for his inappropriate comments of Sandra […]

Just a little Christian humor …

| October 4, 2011

Thanks Jeff … although not sure I appreciated the “this reminds me of you” comment!

Campus Crusade for Christ changing name to Cru

| July 20, 2011

Something tells me that I’m not alone in wondering why an organization that has successfully carried out it’s mission while continuing to grow its ministry since 1951 is changing their name. Not only are they trying to create a less-descript “Cru” identity, but are dropping “Christ.” Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) — the popular, large-scale […]

RHM Camp Day #2 Wednesday 6-15-11

| June 15, 2011

Adding another update from Chris for my family regarding RHM in Constanta Romania. === Dear all friends and family and supporters,   Misu welcomes ALL!  Wednesday started with another incredible worship and Jessica and Lucianna song time.  Almost all the parents returned and all the kids were back along with helpers, siblings and cousins.  We […]

2011 Camp – Day #1: RHM

| June 14, 2011

Reposting the Romanian Handicapped Ministry information for a few in our family … Day #1 of camp was fabulous as usual with lots of excitement, flowers, and gifts for us, kisses, and lots of hugs! Anna was so excited for ‘camp’ to start that she woke up @ 6 am and would not leave her […]

2011 Camp in Constanta :Romanian Handicapped Ministry

| June 14, 2011

Reposting for family following the RHM trip to Constanta, Romania. 2011 Camp in Constanta Monday June 13th-Set Up Day Arrived safe and sound! We slept in a bit today and began set up at camp about 11 AM. We have an amazing camp room this year! It’s more like a huge BALL Room with 2-story […]

World Oceans Day may not be your highest priority …

| June 8, 2011

… but we should at least think about how we care (or poorly care) for this resource. Today (June 8th) is World Oceans Day … and not many of us even know it. I felt including a graphic below which illustrates just one aspect of our oceans – the need to pay closer attention and […]

Happy Easter. Rise Up! Celebrate the King of Glory

| April 24, 2011

Although I’m not a dancer and lack a voice worthy of praising God (but still believing my mouthing of words is appreciated Above), I do enjoy listening and watching those who do have rhythm and voices. I do love the video going viral which was posted a few days ago from thousands of participates of […]

Ryan Riddell is 2/3s through is ‘30 days homeless’ project

| January 22, 2011

The husband of a close friend of ours is in the middle of a community awareness and missions project that has been both eye opening for him and a chance to bring community attention to the homeless. Ryan Riddell, a pastor and real estate agent , is spending the month of January ‘homeless’ rather than […]

Mercy Ships is a medical charity worthy of support

| December 28, 2010

Over the years, I’ve encouraged several friends to consider supporting the MercyShips.org medical charity, partially because I like it’s efficient and effective self-contained hospital ships. Besides that, it is also is a well managed and long running humanitarian charity (1978) which has a solid structure and experience board. As 2010 draws to a close, I […]

The times we live in: Looking at Christmas — 2010

| December 24, 2010

I’m a Christian and make an effort to keep “Christ in Christmas” … but I do my best to be sensitive to other religions going out of my way to send Hanukkah cards to my Jewish friends and ease off offending those that I know have strong objections to the Christian faith and our desire […]

Taylor sort of has lunch with the Dalai Lama

| October 19, 2010

While eating lunch at Miami University’s student union, my son sent me a fuzzy cellphone photo without any text. I sent back a “huh” comment and wondered why he sent me the photo of a bald guys head … suspecting he jokingly thought the lack of hair reminded him of his father? He then mention […]

Suffering child? Any good mother would put a pillow over its face

| October 5, 2010

I’m generally not surprised how casual some people are when it comes to abortion (some even late term abortion)… but I was shocked to hear British television pundit Virginia Ironside on a BBC Sunday talk program saying she would suffocate a child with a pillow to end its suffering. Ms. Ironside was equally as “loving” […]

Nobody wants to grow old and become dependent on others

| September 17, 2010

We are all getting older and inevitably our human bodies give way to age. Some are blessed with good health for 70 or 80 years, but eventually become dependent on others. Learning to adjust is not something most are quick to accept. The days of our years are three score years and ten; and if […]

Why would Christians purposely put troops at additional risk?

| September 7, 2010

When I heard about a radical church protesting at US soldiers funerals 4 or 5 years ago (Westboro Baptist Church), it pained me having to think about families having to endure such cruelty. I wondered, “just what they were hoping to accomplish by this action?” Now, another radical church called Dove World Outreach Center in […]

Prominent King of Kings – Touchdown Jesus statue destroyed

| June 15, 2010

The strong storms which passed through southwestern Ohio Monday evening dumped heavy rain and lightning all around our home (see video clip from Palm Pre at bottom). The pool is full to overflowing and the water retention area  overflowed the driveway and patio areas. Thankfully our two sump pumps worked well to keep our basement […]

Are you looking for someone new to ‘follow’ someone on Twitter?

| May 19, 2010

New to Twitter or just tired of the same ol’ same ol’ tweets? Add @richwarren to your follow list … his tweets are always thought provoking, encouraging and helpful. Besides with the quality of advice he offers he should be over 100,000 followers IMHO. (99,049 as of 5/19/2010) MATURITY:Feeling the wrong thing but doing the […]

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog