Product Placement
Peter Solarz
cherry valley forever
#extradirty
@theartofmadeline
Cosimo Galluzzi
we're not kids anymore.
Lint Roller? I Barely Know Her
todays bird
pixel skylines
Janaina Medeiros
Claire Keane
Game of Thrones Daily
One Nice Bug Per Day
Cosmic Funnies
"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
dirt enthusiast
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Monterey Bay Aquarium
Mike Driver
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@thesanctifiedmuse
Why Ignoring Critical Issues Isn't an Option
I get tired of hearing people deflect serious statements by saying, “I don’t want to get into politics.” I want to be clear on this: I completely understand the feeling behind the objection. We live in the age of social media and deranged causes. Schools and the media, indeed even our culture — instead of teaching people the value of critical thinking, respect and composure, instead teach us to…
Things are Getting Interesting
This is not a political rant. It is nonpartisan commentary, very much concerned with humanity as a whole, not with factions. Many people habitually pull out the “Conspiracy Theories Are Bunk” placards whenever people discuss actual conspiracies. I can almost see the laughing emojis. But please trust me: this is not an impromptu diatribe or some kind of angry catharsis. I wish I did not have to…
Rescue
I appreciate all the responses to my post a few days ago. All of those responses were by text or social media. Some people expressed alarm, but I am fine – just going through difficulties. I wanted to express some of what I have gone through recently in a raw way – to let out the pressure and give voice to things many people are experiencing. I felt quite refreshed the evening after I posted…
Mayday
With the upheaval going on in the world, I find myself experiencing a dilemma in my spiritual life. I spend much of each day cringing as I walk through a desolate world. The people I encounter are mostly one of two types: 1) savage creatures in monolithic pursuit of personal gratification or 2) decent people who have permitted themselves to be chased into the corner, where they put on a brave…
Controlling the Conversation
“All I need is a sheet of paper and something to write with, and then I can turn the world upside down.” -Friedrich Nietzsche How could Nietzsche have made such a statement? Because words are significant. They are the building blocks of ideas, out of which our beliefs are constructed. It is those beliefs that propel us in whatever direction we end up going. So words are powerful, not the…
A Separate Peace
A week ago today, I went online and learned that conservative leader Charlie Kirk had been senselessly killed. I spent the rest of that day in a state of rage. It hit hard, not only because of the loss for our country but because the man was a great inspiration. He spoke the truth in love. His presentation was an otherworldly mix of gentleness and fierce conviction. So when I got the news about…
Words Matter
As an old friend of mine is fond of saying, words matter. We can tell a lot about the nature of things by examining language, both past and present. Words reflect culture and history: the human experience as it has been put into words. This is how language develops — first the thing, then the word for the thing. About culture: anthropology informs us that every culture that has ever been…
Watershed
I had to think long and hard before I wrote this article. I started to write it and was three paragraphs into it before losing interest. And it wasn’t because the story wasn’t worth telling. It’s a great story, because God’s fingerprints are all over it. I lost interest because I felt like there wasn’t any value in telling it. (more…)
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An Encounter with a Pigeon
An Encounter with a Pigeon
Here’s a short story to brighten your day.
I ate dinner with some friends recently. After dinner, we launched into prayer and a short Bible study. Toward the end, Joe told us a story I thought was worth sharing.
Joe works as an equipment tech at a local health club. After working a full day, he left the club to head home. As he approached his van, a group of pigeons scattered. (more…)
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A Letter to a Failing Middle School
A Letter to a Failing Middle School
I wrote a letter recently after witnessing an incredible display of antisocial behavior by several students at a local middle school. I haven’t decided whether I plan to send it. First, there may well be a strong backlash. That wouldn’t deter me if I believed it would do some good. But my letter would probably fall on deaf ears. The 60’s anti-authority movement has come back to bite us, but many…
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A Letter to a Failing Middle School
A Letter to a Failing Middle School
I wrote a letter recently after witnessing an incredible display of antisocial behavior by several students at a local middle school. I haven’t decided whether I plan to send it. First, there may well be a strong backlash. That wouldn’t deter me if I believed it would do some good. But my letter would probably fall on deaf ears. The 60’s anti-authority movement has come back to bite us, but many…
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Free Will: Myth or Reality?
Free Will: Myth or Reality?
Sooner or later, every thinking Christian must attempt to reconcile the paradox of a sovereign, omnipotent Creator who governs a universe filled with free creatures. If God maintains control over the affairs of men, are we truly free? It’s a compelling question, one that is impossible to answer in a way that is fully satisfying. (more…)
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Overturning Calvin
An evening Bible study with some friends turned into an intense discussion recently. Sparks flew. There was the potential for unpleasantness, but no one said anything they would have to apologize for later. It ended just the way a discussion among Christian brothers and sisters ought to. Still, there was lingering discomfort afterward.
During our discussion, after I proposed there might be other…
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Goodbye, Joey
I had to say goodbye to a good friend on February 4th. While I set about writing this memoir, I am aware that a great many people knew and loved him. We all said the same thing: natural causes or not, he left too soon. But while the world is poorer for his absence, heaven is richer. Blessings and fondest regards to the family and friends of Joseph Bendickson.
I met Joey Bendickson around 5 years…
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Thinking it Through
Disclaimer: If you are offended by rational examination of cultural hot button issues, this article isn’t for you. Following are simple questions and examination of some preconceived ideas and practical outcomes associated with homosexual behavior. Keep in mind that God loves everyone and condemns no one. (more…)
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The New Racism
I’ve understood the new system for a number of years now, but I’ve never experienced it so directly. (more…)
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Reflections on Psalm 119
A note to the reader: All but the last part of this lengthy article (Psalm 119: 169-176 ת Tav) was previously published section-by-section, each section corresponding to one of the 8-verse sections laid out in the Psalm. (more…)
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