Russellings of the Spirit

forgiveness

  • Grace? Truth? How about “YES!”

    There is a place for artists. There is likewise a place for art critics. There is a place for athletes. There is likewise a place for sports writers. There is a place for leaders. There is likewise a place for… Continue reading

  • Block Party Confessional

    Joan and I went to a block party last week. The party wasn’t technically on OUR block. But someone on that other, partying block was kind enough to invite us. It was a nice event featuring grilled goodies, a potluck… Continue reading

  • “My bad. I’m Sorry.”

    Joan told me. In fact, more than once. She made sure I knew it was MY responsibility. And yet, when we parked our car and got ready to catch the shuttle bus to the Fort Collins City Fourth of July… Continue reading

  • My Prepared Self

    As we sat yesterday watching the inauguration speech of Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr., 46th president of the United States, Joan leaned over and asked me, “Is he reading from a teleprompter?” It sure didn’t look like it. Uncle Joe, as I… Continue reading

  • The Heart of the Matter

    After experiencing a somewhat fraught relationship with it for too many years, I finally can say with confidence that I LOVE the Bible. Whether I am diving into accounts of the trials of God’s people, being seared by the white-hot… 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

  • Doing Love

    Please pause for a moment and pity poor Joan. Joan – for those of you who don’t know – is my spouse. And since we just celebrated our 20th anniversary on Cinco de Mayo, she has occupied that status for… Continue reading

  • Right? Or Wrong?

    In my life, I’ve been wrong about a lot of things. In the sixth grade, I told Marsha Westbrook I was going to marry her. As this early 90s photo of me and my dad demonstrates, I once thought pleated… Continue reading

  • Best Foot Forward

    “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar…  you are familiar with all my ways.” Psalm 139:1-3, NRSV I had a nice backyard chat with Neighbor Dave… Continue reading

  • An Innocent Man

    In 1984, a drug dealer was shot to death at a gas station in St. Louis, Missouri. The shooter was identified as a light-skinned African American male, 5’5” in height. Police immediately began looking for suspects. Even though Darryl Burton was… Continue reading