darkness framed in beauty

My wife has been diagnosed with a clival chordoma, a rare cancer. She has surgery scheduled for Nov. 24. Thank you for your prayers.

9/11

we must tell the stories of this great land
the stories of our struggles and flaws
the stories of tragedy and suffering
of all that needs to be healed and restored

we must also tell the stories of valor and bravery
the stories of unimaginable courage
in the face of unspeakable evil
stories of men and women
who represent
our highest ideals
our best selves
men and women
who through their character
their love of country
and their other centered hearts
remind us that we must live for others
that we must reach beyond self

with gratitude for those who protect and serve
for those who rescue and heal
we sing
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer strain
The banner of the free!

in your hands

Let’s be sure that we do what we can to notice the forgotten, seek out the unwanted, sit beside those who are anxious, embrace those who are fearful, and love with abandon. There is a world of family, friends, and neighbours in your hands that you can encourage today.

a beautiful spring night

Amidst the changes and challenges we are all facing, I am grateful for the beauty of a wintry, Spring night. Here is why my Christmas lights up. White lights to represent that we are all created in the image of God. That is my conviction, therefore, I believe that we all carry God’s light. God is love, and when we care for each other, and put others first, we are becoming the highest expression of the light and love of God. Blue lights for the greatest team that I am honored to be a small part of: the Minooka PD. And blue lights for all first responders: firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, nurses, PAs, doctors, and all the medical professionals that are working so hard to help all of us… thank you. Give thanks for each other, and give thanks for so many who are helping.

we are all we have

We are all we have. Struggle well, and love with abandon.

lets struggle well

chilly rise

A still, chilly, beautiful first sunrise in 2020.

favorites from 2019

Just did a quick don’t-think-about-it-to-much look at 2019 and chose some favorites. Many thanks to my WordPress family for stopping by and for all your encouraging comments. Have a safe, prosperous New Year! Happy 2020 everyone!