Russellings of the Spirit

family

  • Two Years On…

    Today is the day when – two years ago – our world turned upside down. After experiencing a long bout of various gastrointestinal distresses, Joan went made an appointment with her doctor. She went in on a Wednesday to get… Continue reading

  • Part of the Pack

    This is Patrick. Patrick is our 4 ½ -year-old Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. And no, even though we lived in Kansas City for many years, he is NOT named after Patrick Mahomes. Patrick loves people. In fact, as far as people… Continue reading

  • A Cracked Shell

    Something seems to be leaking… and I can’t help but believe that’s a good thing. In fact, I hope you are starting to leak a little, too. When you and I first come into the world as babies, we have… Continue reading

  • My Tribe

    “Where are you from?” It used to be such a simple question… with an equally simple answer. People asked it as a way of understanding a little bit more about what made you tick. I used to envy people who… Continue reading

  • Ash-A-Palooza 2019

    “But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Matthew 19:30, NRSV I consider myself a committed, albeit deeply flawed, follower of Jesus Christ. I try to live my life by his example, in spite of failing and coming up short… Continue reading

  • Picnic Power

    Yes, “hot weather,” “swimming pools,” “no school,” “sunscreen,” and “baseball” are all worthy candidates, but I’m afraid none of them say SUMMER quite as well or convincingly as the word “picnic.” We went with some friends recently to see a… Continue reading

  • Graduation Day

    Ah, graduation. I remember it… vaguely. But as luck and family circumstance would have it, I had a chance to relive that magic moment a couple of weeks ago. My wife and I were privileged to travel to Corvallis, Oregon… Continue reading

  • MINE!

    I hoped my wince went unnoticed. But then I realized I was dealing with one of the most perceptive, most eagle-eyed people God ever created; my wife Joan. And so of course… she saw the wince as soon as it… Continue reading

  • Christmas Present

    It is one of the hardest questions I ever have to answer at this time of year. I puzzle over it for hours and still really don’t ever come up with a good answer. The question in question is, “So,… Continue reading

  • Be My Guest

    Having family visit for Thanksgiving – or any occasion, really – is a real treat. Especially when those family members live far away and you don’t get to see them very often. Electronic communication – as convenient as it is… Continue reading