by James B. Delaney My father, Chief Warrant Officer 4 James Delaney, was a pioneer serving as one of the first African-American helicopter pilots in the United States Army. He served his country for over 30 years, taking our family throughout the United States and Europe. Yes, I am an Army Brat. My dad passed... Continue Reading →
The quality of our presence is the most positive element that we can contribute to the world.Thich Nhat Hanh I was struck by this quote from Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk. The quality of our presence is the most positive element that we can contribute to the world. It is one of those simple... Continue Reading →
"A house divided against itself cannot stand." In 1858, a young politician quoted this phrase from Matthew 12:25 in his acceptance speech of the Republican Party in the race for the U.S. Senate. The famous "house divided" speech made the then relatively unknown Abraham Lincoln a national figure as he spoke out against slavery. "I... Continue Reading →
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!Psalm 150 I’m a “sigher” as my wife would say. When I’m presented with something I don’t like or am unclear about, I stop and let out a sigh. She finds it to be one of my less enduring qualities. And, yet, I’m finding more and more support for what... Continue Reading →
Breaking News: At the British zoo Lincolnshire Wildlife Centre, keeping some of the bird residents' vocabulary limited to G-rated language has proven challenging — and park employees had to go as far as separating five African grey parrots to squash the swearing. According to the Associated Press, Billy, Eric, Tyson, Jade, and Elsie — who all were... Continue Reading →
Soon to arrive in my office is a gift my daughter gave me many years ago. Best known as “Newton’s Cradle,” it used to be a popular office item. The version most of us know was created in the late 1960s, but the concept was explored in the late 1600s by physicists. Actually, Newton had... Continue Reading →
I've watched with both pride and concern as my college-aged son has immersed himself in the Black Lives Matter movement, ranging from large, loud protests to riding through downtown Grand Rapids in a skateboard protest. My concerns, given the violence that has rocked some of these protests, is obvious. My pride comes from seeing my... Continue Reading →
By Mike Howes Over the last 5 months, vacations and outings have been few and far between for many of us. Back in June, our family took a trip to Turkey Run State Park in Indiana. We met Kelly’s sister’s family there, as well as her parents. We felt pretty safe making the trip, as... Continue Reading →
For this week's rumination I'm stealing from a nun! Okay, not really. I'm sure Dante has a special circle in hell for people who steal from nuns. However, I'm providing the article below that was published online by my favorite nun (and, yes, I have a favorite nun). Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble has appeared on... Continue Reading →
When John Furniss was 16 years old he tried to commit suicide. He survived. His sight did not. Clearly a troubled young man he later turned to meth as a way to cope, becoming addicted in the process. After run-ins with the law, he turned to his parents for help. With their support, he became... Continue Reading →
Monday Ruminations 