Category Archives: In A Nutshell

Setting Time Aside to Read the Bible During a recent course of study at the Methodist Theological School of Ohio near Columbus, I took time to stroll through the library. As most libraries go, this one wasn’t all that large, but there were still rows and rows of books, many of which were gathering dustContinue reading “In A Nutshell | December 9, 2022”

Purple Passion and Its Place in the Christmas Story Colors can evoke a range of emotions, and during the Advent season, we are celebrating each week with a different color. We opened with green last week, and we move onto the color purple this week. Purple is a symbol of passion, and is often associatedContinue reading “In A Nutshell | December 2, 2022”

Placing a Special Emphasis on Being Thankful  As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends this week, let us take a moment to remember those who will not have a place at the table and might be dining alone, if they are able to dine at all.  It’s amazing how we can liveContinue reading “In A Nutshell | November 25, 2022”

Tightening My Belt Heading Into the Holidays  What I dread most about this time of the year is not the holiday, but rather, the consequences of eating too much, so this year, I am going to try something different.   Instead of dieting after the upcoming six-week celebration of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, I’m going to tryContinue reading “In A Nutshell | November 18, 2022”

Building a Foundation for Service Through Humility   Election Day has come and gone, and most of the races have been decided. Now, as our new leaders prepare to take office, it is essential that they understand their role as servants first and leaders second.  Jesus set the standard for servant leadership during his brief timeContinue reading “In A Nutshell | November 11, 2022”

Out of the Darkness and into the Light   It’s that time of year again — time to turn our clocks back one hour as we return to Standard Time. This annual ritual brings a short-term benefit and a long-term dilemma. The benefit, of course, is the extra hour of sleep we will enjoy this Sunday,Continue reading “In A Nutshell | November 4, 2022”

Facing Our Fears Through Our Foundation in Faith  I never understood the fascination that some people have with fear. There are enough things in life that scare me; I don’t need horror movies or haunted houses to add to my angst, but there are people out there who get a kick out of frightening themselvesContinue reading “In A Nutshell | October 28, 2022”

Autumn Colors and the Promise of Eternal Life  Autumn’s brilliant display of colors will likely reach its peak in the coming week, so be sure to take one more opportunity to breathe in the landscape and reflect once again on the beauty of the earth.  It’s hard to imagine how anyone could witness the magnificenceContinue reading “In A Nutshell | October 21, 2022”

There’s No Place Like Home  In The Wizard of Oz, perhaps the most iconic movie of all time, Dorothy closes her eyes, clicks the heels of her ruby red shoes three times, and says softly, “There’s no place like home.” I think most of us would agree with that sentiment. We love to travel, butContinue reading “In A Nutshell | October 14, 2022”

A Youth Movement and Other Signs of Growth at Oak Chapel It was so heartwarming to see eight young people at our most recent Youth Fellowship gathering this past Sunday — the largest such gathering during my tenure at Oak Chapel.  Jen led the group, and she did a terrific job, engaging in a gameContinue reading “In A Nutshell | October 7, 2022”