God. It’s still the first week of the year. We already feel confused and behind. We’re trying to catch our breath. Some of us because of all the chaos. Some of us because we are actually sick. Our minds, our hearts, and our lungs are feeling clogged. We hear the words about being chosen. We […]

As you know, Jon is beginning a new chapter of involvement in others’ lives by no longer serving as a hospital chaplain. He now has the freedom to be more flexible in other ways to encourage life and growth. This is Paul Merrill writing. (I write here every first Friday.) Jon and I have known […]

Ben turns four in 2026. That’s mostly four fingers for him. The picture is from earlier in 2025. He was three back then. That’s mostly three fingers for him. It’s new year’s eve as I write and he’s sitting in the other room. It’s mostly a night for him. It’s New Year’s Day as you […]

From Rich Dixon +++ I always enjoy Jon’s way of drawing us into Bible stories. Have you ever wondered what the shepherds thought? Here they were, tending their sheep, minding their own business, and suddenly a bunch of angels show up. Had to be a bit disconcerting. These guys were the lowest of the low […]

I was sitting next to a bed. The patient was old enough to have kids my age. She’d had a rough night. She wanted to talk to the priest, but I would do for now. As we were visiting, a man walked into the room, one of her sons. He greeted me, looked at his […]