Easter is upon us. Sanctuaries will be decorated with Easter lilies. Some folks will don new clothes as a way to celebrate new life. Lenten fasts will end, and an Easter feast will be looked forward to. And as Americans, we will find some way to incorporate chocolate into this festive day, whether it be chocolate eggs or chocolate bunnies or chocolate cake...

Humans and animals are very good at reading signs. When we are outdoors and see trees and flowers in bloom, we know that the season of spring has arrived. When we go to stores and see toy rabbits, multi- colored baskets, plastic grass and chocolate eggs and bunnies, we know that Easter is approaching...

Last week I attended a trivia night whose proceeds were given to a young woman battling leukemia. Some of the questions were fairly easy, like “What two people were the closest to Harry Potter in the Harry Potter books and films?” (Ron and Hermoine.) Some were difficult, like “In the TV sitcom Friends, what was the name of Mike’s dog?” (Chappy.) Trivia nights are usually opportunities to learn new facts and to contribute to a worthy cause...

Where I live there are a lot of birds. Robins, cardinals, bluejays, screech owls, hawks, sparrows, wrens, and the list goes on and on. With the lengthening of the days and as official spring approaches, I no longer need an alarm clock to get up in the morning. Birdsong begins with the rising of the sun. I enjoy listening to these songs...

This past Sunday one of our scripture readings was Mark 8:31-38. This is the story of Jesus telling his followers that he will suffer, be rejected and die. Peter, not wanting any part of a future where Jesus will suffer and die, rebukes Jesus, basically telling Jesus not to take the path into this future. In response, we hear a very familiar rebuke of Jesus to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan.” Jesus is not going to let Peter lead him away from God’s plan of salvation which is found in the cross...

One day last week my sister took care of her granddaughter. After spending the day with her, my sister returned to her home. As she got out of her car, her husband asked her if she would drive back into town and go to a couple of stores to pick up some things he needed. My sister got back in her car to do so...

I recently spent some time with my great-niece, who is 4 years old. I was wearing my mother’s wedding band. I showed the ring to my niece and told her it belonged to her great-grandmother. She looked at me and said, “And when you die, I can have it.” I could do nothing but chuckle...

If you look on certain calendars, there are several events listed. Feb. 10 is the Lunar New Year, ushering in the “Year of the Dragon.” I hear that on Feb. 11 there is going to be a big football game on TV. (I am not sure of copyright laws regarding the actual naming of this game in print.) Feb. ...

Today is Groundhog’s Day, the day when we want to know whether a groundhog sees its shadow. While Punxsutawney Phil is the most famous of our nation’s groundhogs, each region has its own, like Woodstock Willie in Woodstock, Illinois, or Tater in Kansas City. ...

I mentioned last week that I made a quick trip to Glendive, Montana, recently. The purpose was so that my brother-in-law could purchase a couple of bird dogs. We found the house, met the friendly elderly couple selling the dogs, met the dogs, and then led the dogs to the SUV. ...

Recently I made a quick trip to Glendive, Montana. In three days I made the long round trip. It was tiring, but I was able to see parts of this nation I had never seen before. A part of my drive took me through the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota, which encompasses part of the Badlands. The scenery was breathtaking...

In my denomination’s tradition, our gospel lessons will focus upon Mark. The Gospel of Mark differs from other gospels in that there is no birth narrative. In Matthew we have the story of Jesus’ conception and birth from Joseph’s viewpoint. In the Gospel of Luke we have the nativity story from Mary’s point of view. ...

On Jan. 6, the church celebrates the Epiphany of the Lord, the traditional day that we celebrate the coming of the Magi to Bethlehem. In some Christian customs, it is on Epiphany that you exchange presents. According to tradition, there were three wise men based upon the three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. ...

Just as soon as Christmas gets here, it seems to quickly leave. Too soon, the decorations come down and life returns to its normal routine. The change from weeks of so much festive activity to none rattles us in such a way that it can lead to the January blues. This Christmas pattern of up, up, up and then down is nothing new. It happened to Joseph and Mary, too...

In “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is a song written in 1943 as a way to honor soldiers stationed overseas who longed to be home for Christmas during World War II. The song was recorded by Bing Crosby and was a Top 10 hit. Longing to be at home with your loved ones on Christmas day is a feeling we naturally have as it is a day that we remember the birth of God’s Son, Jesus, and of how Joseph and Mary welcomed this little babe, increasing their little family by one...

In the last week, I had the opportunity to attend two musical events. The first was an Advent Sing at a church where members of four church choirs performed Advent and Christmas choral music. The second was at the River Campus in Cape Girardeau where the Wind Symphony performed Christmas and secular music...

Just last week we celebrated the national holiday of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and to remember what in life we have to be thankful for. On this day we feast on delicious food. Many spend time in front of their televisions watching Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and football. But for people who cannot be with their families and close friends, the day can be a bit of a downer. With so many businesses closed, it can be difficult to find a meal to eat...

In a bit over a week, the season of Advent will start and we will begin to look forward to Christmas Day. We will put up our Christmas decorations and make lists of all we need to do in order to prepare for our Christmas celebrations. Christmas carols will be heard on car radios and in stores. We are approaching a truly delightful time of year...

My favorite Mexican restaurant is right here in Sikeston — El Nopalito. I love their grilled food. Whether it be chicken or shrimp or whatever, the flavor is so full of depth. When I think of food off the grill, it is this food I imagine. A friend and I ate at the Mexican restaurant in a town north of Sikeston. ...

This past Sunday morning my mother died at 7:07 a.m. As I reflected upon her passing, I came to understand that she died at a time perfect for her. For you see, she was born on July 7, or 7-07, her time of death. And she died on a Sunday, the day of the week we Christians gather to worship and praise God; the day of the week that Jesus rose from the dead; a day of the week when we remember that we have the promise of a resurrected, eternal life...

Do you like to bowl? I have rarely ever bowled, yet as a little girl, I was in the bowling alley a lot. My dad bowled in a men’s league, and both of my parents bowled together in a mixed league. In addition to this, my dad would hit the lanes on his own, as he prepared to go professional. ...

Halloween is just around the corner. Did you know that more money is spent on Halloween than any other holiday, with the exception of Christmas? More than Thanksgiving, Valentines’ Day, Easter, Mothers’ Day or Fathers’ Day. We in this country love to decorate our homes with spooky items, and we love buying, giving away, receiving and eating all sorts of candy. ...

This past week I had food poisoning. I was really ill, and all I could really do was try to keep hydrated and suffer through it. I must admit that there was a time or two when I really “wanted my mommy.” Now, this desire for my mother’s comforting arms and care is something that can no longer be granted. Yet, deep down, I think we all from time to time long for this special kind of loving, healing presence in our lives that for many is now just a memory...

As a Christian, and more specifically a Christian minister, many people expect me to always say “yes” to their requests. They know that Christians are to be charitable and generous. Thus, they think that each time a request for money is made, or a ride is asked for, or a whole host of other needs are brought up, that I, in order to be a faithful disciple, must comply. If this were true, then all Christians would be the world’s doormat, being trampled upon and used without complaint...

It is bridal shower season in my family. We come together as the families of the bride and the groom, and the friends of the engaged couple. We celebrate the couple with gifts and with food. It is a joyous time. And yet, I have noticed something: I did not fully anticipate...

Recently a group from Hunter Memorial First Presbyterian Church, and I traveled to Patti’s 1880 Settlement Restaurant in Kentucky. I had never been there before, but several others had. We met at the church and carpooled over. I was one of the drivers, vehicle number two in our procession. ...

My sister and I were recently at My Daddy’s Cheesecake in order to plan a bridal shower. It was fun picking out the sandwiches and especially the desserts. What stumped us was how much of each item to order. We were raised by a mother, grandmothers and aunts who all lived by the same mantra: “It is better to have too much than too little.” After ordering, I made a comment to my sister that we should have containers in our cars just in case there are leftovers. ...

I have long admired the life of a modern-day saint – Mother Teresa of Calcutta. One of my favorite quotes of hers is: “Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God’s gift of himself.” In other words, it is through prayer and the marching of time that our soul’s are able to hopefully, one day, be completely filled by God. ...

This past Sunday I did something I rarely do. I missed a Sunday worship service I was supposed to lead. In my many years as a pastor, I may have missed worship due to illness just one other time. That does not mean that I have been healthy each and every Sunday I have preached. ...

This past week while I was visiting my mother in the nursing home where she lives, she was treated to two special visitors. They were Paris the dog, and Petunia the pot-bellied pig. While a lot of people petted Paris the dog, the star was Petunia the pig. My mother and the other residents had big smiles on their faces and were full of chuckles when Petunia was near. They even got to feed Petunia potato chips...

The summer between my fifth and sixth grade school years, my family moved from Boulder, Colorado, to Jackson, Missouri. Changing schools can be challenging, particularly if you are shy and introverted. On my first day of sixth grade in my new school, a classmate came up to me during recess and started talking with me. ...

A common bird outside of my window is the sparrow. The house sparrow in particular has an interesting history with humans. These birds have been living around humans for over 100,000 years. We may be familiar with each other, but humans have not been kind to sparrows. ...

The other day I noticed in the dirt near my back deck several little downward slanting funnels. I immediately knew that I have a particular insect in residence – antlions.  The adult antlion looks a lot like damselflies, with their slender bodies and delicate wings.  But the larvae are another story. ...

I recently went to a no-kill shelter near where I live and adopted a 5-year-old male cat named Boots. On the first day I brought him home, he was in almost constant motion, going from one room to the next and going downstairs and then back upstairs. Every so often he would jump on my lap and head bump me. I would pet him and tell him he was a good boy. However, he wasn’t totally good. He bit me four times that first day...

Recently, a friend of mine phoned me. I had not spoken to her for over a year, so that call was a bit of a surprise. She said that she was walking to her car at the grocery store and noticed a rubber ducky on the dashboard of a car and immediately thought of me. It was so wonderful to catch up with her. That phone call made my day a very happy day...

In my church office, I keep some items that just make me smile whenever I look at them, like my Moses bobblehead, and a molded image of Mary that you can press into your bread to make “holy toast.” At home I have two collections of rubber duckies. One set is a rubber ducky nativity, and the other set is a rubber ducky angelic choir...

I just read an article posted on the BBC News website about Ubuntu. I first learned about Ubuntu while in seminary, and this philosophy from South Africa really shapes how I view my existence in the world. Key phrases from Ubuntu are: “I am because you are. You are because we are.” Ubuntu stresses the importance of community and coexistence. It is basically the opposite of the individualistic “me” culture we tend to embrace in our country...

This past week, I went to my car dealership to get a new battery for my key fob. Once in the building, a 5-year-old boy who is a part of my congregation and his family were there. As soon as the little boy saw me, his eyes grew as large as saucers, and he tugged feverishly on his dad’s shirtsleeve. He could not believe his eyes. I existed in a place outside of the church building!...

I don’t know about you, but I love watching fantasy-based superhero movies. The majority of these movies are put out by the two main comic book companies – Marvel and DC Comics. I am looking forward to the release of DC’s new “Aquaman” movie, as well as Marvel’s next “Deadpool” and “Captain America” movies. And if not for men from Missouri, our comic book universe may not be what it is today...

Last week in Jackson, I saw a paneled station wagon with a rack on the roof. When I was able to see the back of the car I laughed out loud. The license plate was, “GRSWOL,” and on the rear glass it said in big letters, “You Serious Clark?” The car’s owner presented a perfect tribute to the 1983 movie, “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” starring Chevy Chase...

Recently my 3-year-old great-niece came for a visit. She was outdoors for a while fishing and running around. When she came inside, she proudly presented me with flowers she had picked. Her small bouquet held White Clover and delicate purple Clasping Venus Looking Glass. ...

My family has a long history of trying to scare one another with snakes. My dad told my sister and me a story of when he was a child. He took a long rag, dampened it, and then, while one of his aunts was asleep, snuck into her bedroom, carefully pulling up the covers by her feet. He ran the damp rag along her feet and yelled, “Snake!” According to him, his aunt jumped out of her bed faster than he thought humanly possible. He loved it. His aunt...not so much...

I feel that I practically live my life on highways. Somedays my travel back and forth is rather ordinary and dull. However, other days present things you don’t typically see. On one of my recent trips, I passed a pick-up truck. Now that is not unusual. ...

Not too long ago at Hunter Memorial First Presbyterian Church, we had a potluck meal after worship. We just got done eating pizza after worship and watching a movie. One of my favorite things about being at church together is eating meals together. The food is always excellent and abundant. ...

Recently, I went through the drive thru of a fast-food place for breakfast. I got to the pick-up window, was given my order, and before I drove off the young lady waiting on me said, “Have a blessed day.” What she said filled me with happiness. I was not to have just a good day, but a blessed day. What could be better? And then, a few days later at a restaurant, the server said the same thing, “Have a blessed day.”...

This past Saturday, May 5, I watched the Kentucky Derby. It was a very exciting race as the horse that won spent a lot of the race back in the pack. As the horses made the final turn, Mage and his rider, Javier Castellano, made their move on the outside. ...

I drive back and forth on highway HH a lot. On the north side of the road is a long line of utility poles. At the very top of each pole is a number, such as 69, 70 and 71. I never really gave this much thought, but in thinking it over, this is such a wise thing to do. If a vehicle or a storm damages one of the poles, the utility company just needs to know the pole number and they know precisely where to go...

This past week as I was driving on I-55 near the Benton exit, four egrets launched themselves from a tree by the interstate not far in front of me. Their white feathers gleamed in the sun as they flew to the east and I was struck by how beautiful they were. The sight of them also made me think of the four gospels and the beauty contained in the words and lessons found in them...

Last week as I was driving north on Main Street, I passed a car with a rather unique passenger. Hanging its head out of the window was what I think was a Goldendoodle and it was wearing sunglasses! Now, when I was a child, my sister and I dressed our poodle up with a headscarf and sunglasses, but the sunglasses came off quickly as our dog didn’t like wearing them. ...

A classic children’s story is Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In it, a young girl named Goldilocks happens upon the house where three bears live. The bears are Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bear. Goldilocks comes upon their porridge and she is hungry. Papa Bear’s is too hot to eat. Mama Bear’s is too cold. Baby Bear’s is just right. When she tires and decides to find a place to sleep, she finds their beds. Papa Bear’s is too hard. Mama Bear’s is too soft. But Baby Bear’s is just right...

In the Christian calendar, this past Sunday, April 2 was Palm Sunday and this coming Sunday, April 9 is Easter, the Day of Resurrection. Some people go from the celebration of Jesus’ triumphal entry of Jerusalem directly to the joy of Easter. The week between these two great Sundays is a week figuring out what to wear for Easter, what to eat on Easter and where there are children, setting up an Easter Egg hunt. It is a week of happiness...

On March 31, 1880, it was decreed that Wabash, Indiana, was the first town in the United States of America to be completely illuminated by electricity. Just think of the difference electricity made in the lives of the residents. No more did evening activities, like reading, or darning have to be done by the weak light of candles and oil lamps. ...

The World Baseball Classic has been underway these last few weeks. St. Louis Cardinal Lars Nootbar is playing on Japan’s national team, and the country has embraced him. And what is there not to like? Lars is good at playing his position. He is an inspiration to his teammates. ...

From 1985-1990, the comedian Jon Lovitz was a cast member of “Saturday Night Live.” One of his most iconic characters was Tommy Flanagan, aka the “Pathological Liar.” The character Tommy Flanagan would tell one lie after another, each one a bigger lie than the one before it. ...

It is March, and many people are looking for signs of spring. For some, it is the blooming of daffodils. For others, it is seeing robins in the yard. But I have seen early spring flowers covered in snow and robins hopping in snow as well. For me, a true sign of spring is seeing handsome, male Red-winged blackbirds showing up to claim and defend their territory. ...

Friday, March 3, 2023, is World Day of Prayer. An international ecumenical Christian laywomen’s initiative started this day dedicated to prayer. World Day of Prayer is recognized in over 170 countries. This year’s scripture is Ephesians, 1:15-19. I urge you to read it. ...

Many Christian denominations follow the traditional seasons of the Church in the western hemisphere. My denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA) does, and this past Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, we entered the season of Lent. There are 40 days of Lent; the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. ...

People in southern Turkey and northern Syria are suffering the devastation brought by recent major earthquakes. Street after street buildings have collapsed upon themselves. Entire neighborhoods are gone. Despite freezing weather, people where found in the rubble days after the initial quakes. ...

Last week as I looked out of my windows at home, the world looked like a winter wonderland. All of the ground was covered in white. It looked beautiful. But as we know, looks can be deceiving. Had I ventured outdoors, I would have fallen and possibly injured myself. On the news there were reports of traffic accidents. The winter white, that shield of sleet, had the power to cause injury and even death...

During this time of the year, I love to look up to the skies. If I am lucky, I will be rewarded by seeing large numbers of geese flying high. Many times, instead of being in a perfect “V” formation, it will be a variation of that shape, perhaps looking more like an “M” or a “V” with an extra leg. ...

In the Kansas City Chiefs’ recent playoff game, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was taken out of the game due to a high ankle injury. The backup quarterback, Chad Henne, came into the game, and set a new Chiefs’ playoff record. Henne led his team in a 98-yard touchdown drive. Both Mahomes and Henne have the skills to be good quarterbacks, but their skills are not identical. Mahomes has the greater talent. Yet, that does not negate the fact that Henne is also talented...

Jan. 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has provided us with many instructive and memorable quotes. One of my favorites is: “Hate is just as injurious to the hater as it is to the hated. Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Many of our inner conflicts are rooted in hate. This is why psychiatrists say, ‘Love or perish.’ Hate is too great a burden to bear.”...

Last week I drove to my sister’s home to spend the day. My sister was taking care of her 3-year-old granddaughter — my great-niece. When it came time for me to leave and drive home, my great -niece grabbed a little suitcase with a new outfit, a hoodie and a book inside. She told my sister to put her shoes on her. My sister asked her why, and she said that she was going home with me...