Russellings of the Spirit

unconditional

  • Listening to The Voice

    “I love you,” she said. She paused. And then added, “Always have… always will.” And although he’d heard those words from her thousands of times during the 24 years of their relationship, it was different this time. That word –… Continue reading

  • Listening to the Dogs

    Today, Joan and I will be spending a lot of time with the dogs.  Given the events of this day, Tuesday, November 3, 2020, it seems like a wise idea. We will be walking them, yes. Also playing with them,… Continue reading

  • Like a bridge…

    When you’re weary, feeling small When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all, I’m on your side, oh, when times get rough And friends just can’t be found Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay… Continue reading

  • There Must Be a Reason

    My wife, Joan, is a big fan of “doing things for a reason.” And there is always a good, solid reason for the things she does. When cooking her world-famous pasta primavera, for example, [What… you’ve never heard of it?]… Continue reading

  • “You’re FIRED!! “

    Have you ever been fired from a job? I don’t mean “Sorry, Russell, but we’ve got to let you go because of a downturn in economic conditions.” I mean FIRED. As in, “Dude, we thought you would be good at… Continue reading

  • Canine Comfort

    Here we are on day 1,465,283 of The Great Quarantine of 2020… … at least that’s what it feels like. Like most of the rest of you, Joan and I have stumbled upon a variety of strategies to help us… 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

  • These Dogs

    These dogs. They don’t do much, in the grand scheme of things. Sleeping seems to be very high on their list of “Things to do” every day. (A little too much of it, if you ask me). There is also… Continue reading

  • Go Do Love

    Yesterday at church I heard an inspiring sermon. The pastor challenged me (well, all of us actually) to make an intentional practice of acknowledging the many-layered, complex, rich, and vibrant nature of every person we meet. She told us that… Continue reading

  • The Love Loophole

    I love you. At least I know I am supposed to love you. It is one of the central commands of the Christian faith I profess. (See John 13:34, John 15:12, Romans 12:10, Romans 13:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 1 Peter… Continue reading