Retired Life Is Boring?

When people ask what I do in retirement, I usually tell them, “Not much of anything.” It’s the easiest answer. The truthful answer would take several hours, a few cups of coffee, and possibly a PowerPoint presentation. “Doing nothing” has always had a bad reputation. It sounds lazy and unproductive. It brings to mind someone … Continue reading Retired Life Is Boring?

A 90% Chance of Rain – A 100% Chance of Coffee

Today’s forecast called for a 90 percent chance of rain, with a low of 63 degrees and a high of 71. I grabbed my umbrella, stuffed it into my backpack, put on a long-sleeved shirt, and headed out to find the newest coffee shop in town. A friend had recently asked me, while we were … Continue reading A 90% Chance of Rain – A 100% Chance of Coffee

My Spiritual Routine

Every Friday morning in Volcán, something sacred happens between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Community Market opens! For me, this has become a weekly habit, a ritual, and most of all, a spiritual experience. The market is about three or four blocks from my house and takes less than 10 minutes to walk. On … Continue reading My Spiritual Routine

Is The War Over Yet?

Over coffee this morning, I was thinking about this disgusting war with Iran, and an old John Lennon song popped into my brain. John Lennon and Yoko Ono were big protesters of the Vietnam War back in 1969 and ran a billboard campaign in major cities saying: “WAR IS OVER, IF YOU WANT IT! Happy … Continue reading Is The War Over Yet?

The Year of My Dad

I’m sitting on the patio of one of my favorite coffee shops in Volcán. It’s a very pleasant morning, and I thought I’d write about my dad over coffee and an English muffin. My dad died in the year he turned 73. I am now in the year when I will turn 73. Both of … Continue reading The Year of My Dad

The Art of Doing Nothing In Volcán

The Finns have a word, joutilaisuus, which means something close to “idleness” or “leisure.” Some describe it as "the art of doing nothing." The Italians have the more poetic phrase, dolce far niente, which means “the sweetness of doing nothing.” That's one of my favorite phrases from the movie Eat, Pray, Love. The Dutch have … Continue reading The Art of Doing Nothing In Volcán

If I Died Today

Got up earlier than usual this morning, but with coffee in hand, I’m ready for the day. And then I remembered a text I received about 10:00 last night. It was from a dear friend who wrote to tell me that she has been battling cancer - and it’s coming to an end. She will … Continue reading If I Died Today

The Weirdest Sermon I’ve Ever Heard

God and I had a good laugh this morning over coffee. I told him about a sermon I heard the other day from a pastor who believes in Santa Claus! Yep. Pastor was comparing Santa's omniscience (knowing everything) with Jesus'. To make his point, he used the song, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town as … Continue reading The Weirdest Sermon I’ve Ever Heard

Losing My Religion

I once believed in my religion. My religion had many laws… Commanded by God himself. All chiseled into stone by His own hand. My religion said I only needed to Believe. But Jesus said that we must love our enemies, And to treat others how we would like to be treated. … Continue reading Losing My Religion

Ahhhh, It’s Christmastime Again!

While having my early morning coffee, two Christmas stories came to mind. Here’s a little something for you to investigate before Christmas. Don’t be shy! Get out those Bibles and do some reading! Don’t trust what I have to say! Ha! Christmas is one of the most celebrated events in Christianity and throughout the world. … Continue reading Ahhhh, It’s Christmastime Again!

Is America Losing Its Religion?

My Italian-roasted coffee is heavenly this morning. That’s not a word I ever use to describe my coffee, but for some odd reason, that’s what came to mind. I started reading a book by the late Marcus J. Borg, who is sometimes described as a Jesus scholar. His book, The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a … Continue reading Is America Losing Its Religion?

Diversity Of Choices

I’m sitting here trying to decide whether to go to Starbucks this morning or just sit at my comfortable desk at home and write. I am so grateful that I have two wonderful choices where I will enjoy my dark roast coffee on this beautiful day. I’m choosing to stay at home. Have you ever … Continue reading Diversity Of Choices

Why Am I So Grateful Today?

I am the luckiest man in the world! I am at Starbucks with my first cup of dark roast and a blueberry scone and I didn’t have to pay for either! But that’s not why I feel like the luckiest man in the world. Today is my 69th birthday and am so grateful for still … Continue reading Why Am I So Grateful Today?

Abortion Ban In Tennessee

Today is the day in Tennessee when the abortion ban takes effect. Getting caught performing an abortion is a Class C felony punishable by three to 15 years in prison. That means that they will convict your doctor of this crime for saving your life because of a serious health issue related to your pregnancy … Continue reading Abortion Ban In Tennessee

Is Original Sin a Catch-22?

I was thinking about sin this morning with my coffee only because it’s so sinfully dark and delicious. I’m reading a book titled, Did God Kill Jesus by Tony Jones. I’m not going to give you a book review or anything like that. But the thoughts about Original Sin came to mind from reading a … Continue reading Is Original Sin a Catch-22?