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| …the parched land shall become a pool, and the thirsty lands springs of water…(Isaiah 35:7) |
Hurry to JesusHastening to Follow the SaviorBy
July 15th, 2011
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A few days ago, I was listening to a local Catholic radio station. The host of the program was a nun named Mother Angelica. She was answering questions from children, and also told the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10). (more…)
Be Still, and Know That I am GodReflections on Anxiety, Discouragement, and FaithBy
June 29th, 2011
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There is a verse from Psalm 46 that has been resonating with me and keeps repeating in my mind and heart. Verse 10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” In moments of adversity, I would do well to heed the message to be still.
Hurts So GoodThe Paul ParadigmBy
June 5th, 2011
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Columbia River Viewpoint along westbound I-84. River is about a mile across at this point.
I have always loved hiking. Well, not always. When I was a youth, it was a real drag. I think that was not so much because I didn’t like it. It was more because I had such a bad experience as a Boy Scout.
I spent a fair amount of my youth in Flagstaff, Arizona. If you’re not familiar with Flagstaff, don’t let the Arizona part of its name fool you. Flagstaff is forest, not desert. (more…)
Have Patience With MeThe Timing of ForgivenessBy
May 31st, 2011
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"How Oft Shall I Forgive?"
Peter, who was known during the mortal ministry of Jesus, was known for his deep, but impetuous feelings. Well known are his efforts to develop his faith, which he did through trial and error. It took him many mistakes to become the great apostle he was.
Jesus, patiently and firmly, taught him the lessons he needed to learn to lead the Church in primitive times. From Peter’s attempts to walk on water to his denial of Jesus, Peter line upon line and precept upon precept learned what it was to be a follower of Christ.
Of his many questions, one stands out for me. In Matthew 18:21, Peter asked, “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” (more…)
My Misfortune CookieThe Evils of GossipBy
May 29th, 2011
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A while back, I had some Chinese food, Kung Pao Chicken, to be exact. Naturally, I got the obligatory fortune cookie. When I opened it up, it said, “You will come to the attention of influential people.” Being the optimistic and sometimes conceited person, I naturally believed it to be a good thing. I was wrong. (more…)
Are You Ready For Easter?Being PreparedBy
April 24th, 2011
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I was in a store yesterday to buy something. At the checkout, laid all around were Easter treats like Peeps and Cadbury Eggs. The friendly cashier greeted me warmly, and with feeling asked me, “Are You Ready For Easter?” (more…)
Walked AroundWho Are My Neighbors?By
April 16th, 2011
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The Good Samaritan
After reading something on a mailing list to which I belong about the parable of the Good Samaritan, I brought up some discussions among friends in my life who struggle with same-sex attraction. The original idea that made me think about some of these things was a question about who some of the players in the parable might be in our modern day. The discussions, both on the mailing list and in person have had me thinking for several days.
God’s Truth Abideth StillBy
April 9th, 2011
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The truth of God is a great source of comfort and strength in a world of uncertainty and distress. It keeps on going as it has in ages past and continues to do so today. Several events this last week have made me profoundly grateful for his never ending love.
Chided the Billows and Hushed the WindBy
March 24th, 2011
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Recently,  the choir that I sing in did a performance of Verdi’s Requiem. It’s a very dramatic work. If you’re familiar with Mozart’s Requiem think, Mozart Requiem on steroids. A lot of emphasis of the terrors of death and the final judgement. From a artistic standpoint it was nice to sing this again. I’ve sung it before when I lived in Oregon. But the spiritual high point of the evening was actually on the drive home from Davis to Sacramento. (more…)
Knowing Where We Are GoingBy
February 23rd, 2011
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I’m not necessarily the best navigator in the world. I am not awful, but sometimes I do get confused. I have learned a lot about how to get where I’m going since moving to the foreign city of Sacramento California a year ago. But one thing of prime importance is knowing the destination and being clear about its address. (more…)
Our Gaze on ChristBy
January 26th, 2011
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I feel a little out of my element at the moment. As part of my work I am attending a theology conference in Boulder, Colorado. Â I’ve learned some new things, and been reminded of some things that I’ve known for quite a while. Sometimes something we’ve known our whole lives takes on new meaning when presented in a different context. (more…)
On Believing and BachBy
January 4th, 2011
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To Keep Me Mouth Shut?Paying for SilenceBy
January 2nd, 2011
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Kathleen Harrison as Mrs. Dilber
One of my favorite movies, and an annual viewing tradition for me, is A Christmas Carol, many versions. I don’t feel like Christmas is complete unless I’ve watched the version with Alistair Sim as Scrooge and the musical version starring Albert Finney. I like other versions as well, but I always feel like I must see these two. (more…)
How Silently, How Silently the Wondrous Gift is GivenBy
December 27th, 2010
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Another Christmas is here. It’s been different in a number of respects, but one thing that I have discovered is that all that I love about Christmas is still with me and it’s something that is not taken away by mass commercialism, loss of a loved one or any outward cause. The wondrous and sacred gift of Christmas still comes in the quiet and the stillness. (more…)
Lake Wobegon Comes to SacramentoBy
December 18th, 2010
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William Taft Chaffey 1929-2010
It has been quite a long time since have written on this blog. There are a couple of reasons for that. I had started to write a post in October and then my father died on October 16th. My father had a special love of Christmas and particularly the Christmas church services that were part of his childhood. So it is with love and appreciation that I am submitting this blog post in memory of my father, William Taft Chaffey.
