Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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At fifty-one years old, I still find glory, fun, and contentment in our vast and wild Montana. Specifically, on my boating experiences, I have enjoyed small raft, one-man skiff, canoe, and kayak. I’ve been dunked by them all. I’ve never had the experience of sailing, yet and still, with little watercraft knowledge, I respect the wind. I recall one fishing trip on a small reservoir in the Pintler Range southwest of Anaconda as a child. My grandfather and father took me on many fishing trips. I was a nine-year-old. “How do you tie that hook...
I grew up watching the television series This Old House, a 1980’s home improvement show. With only one television in our home, our family accepted my father’s choice. The construction variety of the show was dad’s attraction. Now, I, too, dabble in my own home projects, and it’s very motivational. When I get done with a fence or patio, there’s just something about it. Moreover, I’ve had the pleasure of working side by side with my father on numerous occasions; in turn, I see the wisdom in doing the same with my wife’s and my children. Are...
Time directs our lives, including daily routines and special events marked by the calendar. From a personal perspective, time puts limits on us. God, on the other hand, is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. God is sovereign. His (and ours) course history. But, we humans from about twenty years old until we are 105 (as the old song says) see short windows counted as the present. When circumstance challenges us, our assumptions lead us to believe something is wrong. That is not necessarily the whole truth. God has a purpose in...
Estate planning isn’t always on our mind but many lawyers suggest that one should prepare for the inevitable. Families certainly experience shock after the death of a loved one, additional stress occurs when estate planning is absent. Some families are torn apart as possessions are divided while other families suffer extended grief navigating the long nightmare of legal matters. Is all this the legacy we long for? King Solomon casts light on his legacy, however, from a somewhat negative viewpoint. “So I hated life because the work that is don...
Most of us assume our decisions are mostly based on wisdom rather than foolishness, right? We can be our best cheerleader, maybe even pat ourselves on the back. In our search for wisdom, it is imperative that we too evaluate our lives often, and look to God and His Word for wisdom. Proverbs 13:20 implores us: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” If you think of a spectrum line with “Fool” on the left and “Wise” on the right, we probably put ourselves somewhere in the middle, probably more toward wisdom. N...
The self-serving slogans “Make America Great Again” and “Build Back Better” contrast with the wisdom of the Bible’s Ecclesiastes. Most Americans find a purpose for living beyond daily living. The great poet Robert Frost said, “Most Americans are deeply spiritual,” and I agree. Today, again studying Ecclesiastes, I hope you’ll find inspiration. Solomon explores the topic of life’s purpose throughout the entirety of Ecclesiastes. The maturing Solomon found that wisdom and pleasure in and of themselves were meaningless. In the process, he exami...
Pleasure seeking isn’t anything new, but isn’t part of the turmoil of our age due to plain old generational conflict? Aren’t millennials rightly concerned that the baby-boom generation is going to bankrupt the nation? Don’t older people talk sensibly about out-of-control sexuality? We’ve been turning to the book of Ecclesiastes for inspiration. Known for the phrase, “There’s nothing new under the sun,” King Solomon put things into perspective. We may point out that America is highly sexualized and driven by consumerism. However, this i...
The desire to be “top of your game” or “top of the world” is a near-universal want. For centuries, people have aspired to great heights, achieving some of life’s “greatest” passions. Individuals like Tom Brady, Serena Williams, Usain Bolt, Oprah Winfrey, or even Henry Ford are known as individuals who sought to be better and better. In ancient times, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Alexander the Great excelled at both political and military power. We’ve been focusing on King Solomon lately, reading through Ecclesiastes, from the Old Testament....
You’ve heard it, or perhaps have said it a thousand times yourself, “History repeats itself.” While we long for life to be full of new experiences, we often view everyday life as monotonous—you know, the same old stuff. Citizens of industrial countries give Mondays a bad rap; whereas, they look forward to the last day of the workweek, Friday. Meanwhile, those in undeveloped countries are more concerned about basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. How do you view life? King Solomon was never in want. In fact, he had everyth...
Every person in life is on a quest in one respect or another. Daily, people search for happiness, love, purpose and so much more. Reason and emotion make humans the pinnacle of all living organisms, and many exude exceptional physical abilities as well. On the other hand, “a rodent’s struggle for life,” became coined in American fiction: Christopher Morley’s book, turned into a movie in 1940, describes a modern problem: “The rat race”. It seems that we all want to win. King Solomon was the third and last king of ancient Israel and for 40 years...
Perhaps Americans are more individualistic than any other citizens in the world. But, regarding Christmas, my caution is to choose wisely between fact and fiction. Some embrace the folklore of Santa Claus, reindeer, and elves. Some believe Christmas simply represents giving and receiving of gifts, while others completely abandon any concept of Christmas in any light. I admit I am in the category of people who love Christmas. For the record, my beliefs go far beyond religion or superstition. A Biblical worldview recognizes the ample evidence...
Although times seem troubling, we can have a full assurance that peace is possible through Jesus Christ. Some believe the “world” to be on fire, everything from politics, economics, health issues, and a litany of other flashpoints. The mere mention of these items causes some people to feel their temperature rising. Christ’s peace is essential in such times. The truth is turmoil has always been present in human history. We or our parents and grandparents have faced the 2008 housing market crash, 9/11, WWII, and the Great Depression in moder...
‘Tis the season for joy. In the last couple of years, I’ve been sincerely questioned if I truly have felt this way, and I have concluded that in these times people are feeling more stressed than in the past. I’m not pretending to ignore current difficulties; however, I have a different perspective due to my faith in Jesus Christ. I purposely choose joy over woe, and not just because it’s the “Christmas” season. By now you’ve heard the familiar sounds of Christmas songs either over the radio or other forms of media. Communities are preparing for...
Christmas will be here before we know it. Time marches forward at the same pace every day. Doesn’t it seem time gets away from us? In all the hustle and bustle of life, it is vital that we slow down. A consequence of not being contemplative is the possibility of missing the truth of Christmas. On the very first Christmas, at the birth of Jesus Christ, there was a diabolic plot which was intended to disrupt the very plans of God. Humanity often has seen the likes of this. Thwarting the sovereignty of the Almighty wasn’t to be. News spread reg...
The holiday season is in full swing, and retailers are tempting consumers with Christmas specials. I swear, the more I’ve aged, the margin for advertising has broadened wider and wider. Will we see Christmas in July at some point? Now I’m not opposed to celebrating holidays all year round; in fact, I suggest that celebrating Christ-like virtues personally in our lives is for all 365 days in the year. A little less consumerism might be nice. So in the spirit of Christmas, another virtue worth discussing, is being gift-full, and yes, it’s a wor...
In conversation last week, many people in two different states shared worries of pending economic trouble. Uncertainty might be the keyword; Montana might be more secure than other parts of the country. I don’t like doomsday talk at Thanksgiving. We’ll have turkey and all the trimmings; you may as well. For those of us who have been blessed with an abundance, I cannot get away from this virtue: thankfulness. Believe that God desires for us to continually grow in thanksgiving. When our hearts are full of His love, thankfulness is as well. Ove...
Thanksgiving: a break for many; a burden to many more. I admit to being old-fashioned in this and it will be a break for most of my household, except the cook. If only the country would go back to the time of rest around the holidays. Some go hungry and find themselves alone. Maybe it would be a good idea to find at least one person or another family who could benefit from our abundance. One can be generous through a simple invite to dinner or by surprising another family with a drop off meal. It seems to me that our family always has more...
For a moment, picture yourself as Bob Ross or Picasso and on your palette there is only white and black paint. No matter how many times you mix the two colors together the results will always be a shade of gray. One drop of black dramatically changes the tone of the white, never to be pure white again. Many remark that we are living in a gray world, asserting that truth is often canceled. I, for one, believe truth still matters. Wholesome virtues have been part of human society: truth versus deceit is a long standing battle. The noble trait of...
There are many character traits we can aim for in life. Some happen to be wholesome, while others tend to be unhealthy. One virtue that stands above so many others is faithfulness. A person whose character is marked by faithfulness in multiple areas of life traditionally is deeply admired. Therefore, each of us can strive for such a high mark, like an Olympian pole vaulter continually aiming for higher goals. I believe most people wish to be a better person. Still, biblically speaking, the goal of being a “good” person is misguided. Good is...
The late comedian Rodney Dangerfield was well known for his: “I get no respect”: “When I was a kid, I got no respect. I played hide-and-seek. They wouldn’t even look for me,” he quipped in his gravelly voice, his eyes sort of bugging out. “When I was a kid, I got no respect. I told my mother, I’m gonna run away from home.” She said, “On your mark.” Dangerfield passed away in 2015 after open-heart surgery, and the States lost a great comedian. Almost all of the old-timers in the public service sector, tell me they have experienced a long...
COVID-19, the border crisis, inflation: are these stealing our sense of hope? Pessimism and wistful thinking keep many from enjoying the blessings of good cheer. The Oxford Dictionary defines wistful as “having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.” Such a sentiment leads many to believe that hope is in the wind. Although life has its share of difficulties, the Bible points us to eternal hope found in Jesus. Paul encourages us to look beyond the temporary, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet...
In life we have an important choice between being merciful or vengeful. We most definitely are living currently in a culture that’s on pins and needles. People are at great odds over matters that shouldn’t drive us apart. The truth is, when someone wrongs us our natural tendency is to return the hurt, to stick it to them real good. I strongly believe there is a better alternative. Rather than choosing vengeance one can deliberately choose to be full of mercy, practicing Christ-like virtues daily. No one said this would be easy; Jesus fully unde...
Jesus had the ability to look at people gently and speak to them in the most gracious tone. Compassion, kindness, sincerity--Christ displayed earnestness. It is no wonder he is the embodiment of grace worth following. “You’re full of it” is a phrase you’ve heard before, right? Often in jest, such a remark is either coarse or derogatory. I thought it would be a great twist to utilize this phrase in a positive affirmation, that which displays some of the great virtues taught throughout the Bible. After all, if we are to model Jesus or strive to b...
Christians to this day eagerly wait for Christ’s return. If we are eager today, what might be one of our goals? Our mission is to reach the lost and make disciples for Jesus. At a more personal level our goal as believers is to simply grow in Christ’s grace. This is a life long journey on this side of eternity. The late preacher, Billy Graham said, “Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion-it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.” Are you growing? That is the central question. Our reflect...
Lately the subject of generosity has been on my mind but as I read God’s Word, I’ve noticed how grace is an integral part of what it means to be generous. Jesus exemplified this in his life and ministry; he was both truthful and graceful. “An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it...
