Part two of a series begun in June, 2022 A certain man wanted to be the next Secretary of Transportation and phoned President Calvin Coolidge at 3 a.m. and said, “President, your Secretary of Transportation just died and I’d like to take his place.” Coolidge, aroused from sleep, replied, “It’s OK with me if it’s OK with the undertaker.” That was one of many jokes … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Baptized to Help the Poor and Needy
By Rev. Timothy Sandeno St. Johns Lutheran Church and School This past Sunday, many of our churches celebrated the Baptism of our Lord and read Matthew 3:13-17 during the service. Being nestled close to Epiphany on January 6, it is a beautiful revealing of who Jesus truly is as the Father’s voice booms from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with who I am well … [Read more...]
Your Flying Farmer – Tackle Smash and the Days We Choose
As I write this, my son is moaning that he is hungry. It is past his bedtime, and he keeps asking, “Can’t I eat anything?” You would think there is no food in this house at all, and that he doesn’t have a mother who gives him everything he needs. It’s funny how brushing the teeth of a young, growing boy can suddenly trigger deep pangs of hunger. When there is no longer an … [Read more...]
He Uses Soggy Tea Leaves To Polish His Crystal Ball
The doorbell rang. I opened the door, and a robed visitor accompanied by sitar music walked in out of the dimming twilight. The renowned mystic from the Far East part of the township, the fabled soothsayer, the seventh son of the seventh son of the seventh son, the oracle from just down the road, Swami Davis Jr., took a break from selling fortune cookies to stop by with his … [Read more...]
Happy New Year MMXXVI, Sometimes Called 2026
I stood on my left foot as the clock neared midnight. It was as if I were a pink flamingo. I wore pink socks, immersing myself in the role. Actually, I wore pink socks because my yellow, orange and purple socks were all in the wash. When “12:00” showed up on the clock, I put my right foot down. I started the New Year off on the right foot. The radio played “Auld … [Read more...]
Eat Well, Be Well, Have Fun
“In the hands of an able cook, fish can become an inexhaustible source of perpetual delight” - Jean-Altheme Barrat-Savarin It’s comfort food season, and that is one of my downfalls! Creamy soups, rich pastas, not to mention all the holiday sweets. Therefore, I’m trying to double down on fresher healthier options to break my routine of cooking meals that make me feel … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – “I’m Sick …”
By Mark Geselle Valley Christian Center Well it’s that time of year again. Christmas, New Year’s, the Vikings don’t make the play offs, flu season, and man, am I sick! It’s been over a week and from what I hear, I only have a week or two more to go. Ish! Now of course, I’d rather not be sick, but I am. Chances are you might be as well. So, we deal with it, take our … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – First Fire Engines, the Good and the Not So Good
Second part of a two-part series “It is a wise move and not a moment too soon,” according to The Houston Valley Signal newspaper published on January 25, 1883, “A call has been issued for a meeting at the Hall Saturday evening to organize a Fire Company. Any day might witness a fire that would sweep the best part of Houston away in an hour. Due precaution would do much to … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Fire – a Necessity and a Ceaseless Threat
Part one of a series They depended on flames in the 1880s and 1890s. Wood-fueled stoves were almost always used for cooking, and during long Minnesota winters, wood was burned to heat buildings. After dark, light came from oil-burning lamps. A fire getting out of control was feared but unfortunately, a common occurrence. “Lookout for fires these cold, windy days and nights,” … [Read more...]
Cardiac Rehabilitation is a Work of Heart
They took my blood pressure. And they didn’t give it back. It was early, but not as early as the dawning of a day when I was wandering around Gulf Shores, Alabama, in pursuit of the world’s most beautiful bird. I had no idea what species it was, but I wanted to see it. I encountered a fellow seated at an outdoor table and welcoming the sunrise with an adult beverage. He … [Read more...]