The Four Candles

  The four candles burned slowly.  The ambiance was so soft, one could almost hear them talking. The first candle said, “I am peace.  The world is full of anger and fighting.  Nobody can keep me lit.”  Then the flame of peace snuffed out completely. The second candle said, “I am faith.  I am no longer indispensable.  It doesn’t make sense to stay lit another moment.”  Just then a breeze softly blew out Faith’s flame. The third candle said, “I am love.  People don’t understand my importance, so they simply put me aside.  They even forget to love those nearest Read More

Baseball and Church

Have you ever talked with a friend, a stranger, or a neighbor about church and the Lord?  The conversation may sound something like this:  The one you are talking to says, “I’m such-and-such religion, so I’m good.”  But the conversation continues. “Could I put that into perspective for you?” you ask politely.  He nods. “Let’s say you are playing baseball.  You are on Cee’s team and another player is on Bee’s team.  The rules of the Baseball Handbook are the same whether you are on Cee’s team or Bee’s team.  Cee’s team is up to bat.  The batter hits a Read More

Restored

My husband bought an old, dilapidated hoosier.  When Burt brought it home, I raised my eyebrows in wonderment.   The wood looked like it had been starved of oil for a half century, the latches sported deep-seated rust, and the work surface displayed dents, pits and more rust.  A pathetic example of what was formerly a farm woman’s pride and joy as well as the essential cupboard in her kitchen.  “What was he thinking?”  “I’m going to restore it good as new, ” Burt announced.  “Well, I hope,” he muttered under his breath. I looked at him and gave him a Read More