The Empty Chair

Christmas is supposed to be a time of great joy and happiness. This year is different for many. You probably know some for whom it is different but do not realize it, or maybe it just slips past you in all the hustle and bustle of the year. It is quite possible that you are one of those for whom Christmas is different.

There is a special chair in someone’s home that is empty this year. It may be the straight back chair at the dinner table, the office chair at the desk in the study, the lazy boy in the den, or some other special spot. It was a favorite for him or her. Continue reading

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

After States Cast Electoral Votes CNN Still Poses Scenarios

In the movie, Dumb and Dumber, the character, Lloyd Christmas wants to know the chances of a guy like him connecting with a girl like Mary Swanson. She clearly doesn’t want to hurt his feelings but he presses the issue and she finally tells him that the chances are like one out of a million. Lloyd confidently responds, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance. YEAH!”

Since the Presidential election, we have watched the main stream media, particularly CNN, live out the role of Lloyd Christmas. Electors in states across the nation cast their votes for President on Monday, December 19, 2016 and Donald Trump was officially elected as President by a majority of electors. Continue reading

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Infamy

Photo of SSG John D. Barker

SSG John D. Barker US Army 1941 – 1945

As I begin writing this article, it is the same time that 75 years ago today, nearly 2,500 sailors, soldiers, and marines lives would be tragically and suddenly ended or changed forever. A carefree assignment on an island paradise in the Pacific turned into a fury of chaos, confusion, and death.

Scott Barker and I served in the US Army Military Police together in the 1970’s. After his service in the Army, Scott joined the FBI and has now retired.

Scott’s late father, SSG John D. Barker – US Army 1941 – 1945, was at Pearl Harbor on that day. Scott’s father did not talk much about it until his later years. Continue reading

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

The Awe of Christmas

Small child gazing in awe at a Christmas Tree

Zac Andersen – Photo by Victoria Andersen

There is nothing like the twinkle in a child’s eyes gazing at a Christmas tree. Words like awe, wonder, amazement, peace, warmth, joy, and love are feeble efforts to capture the feelings of Christmas.

The deluge of news and events at home and abroad can drown the simple wonder of the Christmas season. Negativity abounds.  King Solomon’s writings in Ecclesiastes reminds us that things in this world remain strikingly the same across time. Continue reading

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather