Russellings of the Spirit

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  • preaching 911

    The year 2011 was the last time September 11 fell on a Sunday. First, perhaps because it was the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and second, perhaps because it was my first year in a new church, I… Continue reading

  • Pencil

    This one is for the daughter Of the sister Of the man who Oversees the operation Of the pressing machine That squeezes the two slabs of wood Together Around the dowel rod of black graphite At the pencil factory Where… Continue reading

  • FORGETTING

    Do you ever forget things? I certainly do. I forget small things, big things, and things of an intermediate size. In the realm of forgetfulness I do not discriminate. I can say with confidence that no matter who you are… Continue reading

  • Those chores!

    “Rusty! Have you done your chores yet?!” I can still hear my mother’s voice asking that bothersome question today… 46 years after she left us. Because usually the answer was “No, mom.” Followed by the intentionally vague, yet somewhat promising-sounding,… Continue reading

  • Thank you, Mrs. Duncan

    This morning, while sitting at a red stoplight waiting for it to turn green, I stole a quick glance to my right. A largish commercial panel truck had pulled into the lane beside me and I was curious to discover… Continue reading

  • Connections

    A couple of weeks ago I was in the midtown Kansas City area with a friend. It was evening. We had just attended an event together and were on our way home. Suddenly he noticed that his car was low… Continue reading

  • Pioneer Life

    “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation…” – Colossians 1:15, NRSV “Who wants to go first?” In my heart of hearts, I almost always want to respond to this question with an enthusiastic “Not me!” This… Continue reading

  • Love them?

    I have a great family. Mostly. What I mean is, out of the whole group of three brothers, one sister, four step-sibs and a bushel basket full of cousins and in-laws, there are only one or two I don’t care… Continue reading

  • THE PURSUIT OF SAFETY

    Let’s talk about safety for a minute… Are you safe? Why? Why not? If you do NOT feel safe right now, what would it take to make you feel safe? What are the things that cause your sense of safety… Continue reading

  • A Rude Awakening

    This could be a moment of unique opportunity. Continue reading