“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you … Continue reading Put oil on your head and wash your face
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Into the wilderness…
It's not often when we get such a stretch of nice weather in February in these parts, and when we do the urge to take up the fly rod and commune with trout and nature is sometimes more than I can bear. So today my good friend Jeff and I will shirk our worldly duties … Continue reading Into the wilderness…
Winter in Appalachia
Well, it's been a bizarre season here in the hills of West Virginia. By the time we hit Groundhog Day most years, we're complaining about cold, snow, ice & slush, and hoping that French Creek Freddie (our resident meteorological rodent) will predict a quick transition to spring. This winter, though, has been marked by unusually … Continue reading Winter in Appalachia
In search of the real Jesus
This quote came from my friend Jeff's Facebook status earlier today: It is easy to say "Jesus," much harder to see him through 2,000 years of history and church tradition and the prejudices of my own mind. Jeff and I have spent many hours on trout streams, on forest trails, behind windshields, over lunches and … Continue reading In search of the real Jesus
The fine line between boldness and foolishness
I'm about to do something this week I said I'd never do...this Sunday, in my home church (First United Methodist of Williamstown, WV), I'm going to preach from Revelation. It's either the bravest thing I've ever done as a speaker, or the stupidest. John's Revelation is a daunting book for even the most seasoned theologians. … Continue reading The fine line between boldness and foolishness