Category Archives: In A Nutshell

The Nobility of a Straight Shooter             If you have ever played golf with our very own Tom Wheeler, you know that he is a straight shooter. While my shots go right into the woods, left into the water, and short into the sand, his balls go right down the middle, time after time afterContinue reading “In A Nutshell | October 2, 2020”

Time to Turn Over a New Leaf The leaves on the trees that line the western edge of our parking lot are justbeginning to turn, signaling the arrival of fall. One tree in particular — the fourth from theleft to be exact — has taken the lead with a brilliant burst of autumn red andContinue reading “In A Nutshell | September 25, 2020”

Nutshell – Try a Little Kindness Glen Campbell was a multi-media mega star in the 1960s and 1970s with a wildly popular variety show on television, and a seemingly non-stop string of hit songs as a recording star. His songs, which dominated both the country and pop music charts, included “Galveston,” “Wichita Lineman,” Rhinestone Cowboy,”Continue reading “In A Nutshell | September 18, 2020”

Hidden Blessing Follows the Day the Earth Stood Still             Each of us, I’m sure, can remember where we were and what we were doing when terrorists hijacked two jetliners and flew them into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.             It was a bright and beautiful morning, the Wayne County Fair wasContinue reading “In A Nutshell | September 11, 2020”

It’s a Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood             Growing up in a suburb of Pittsburgh, the city in which Mr. Rogers Neighborhood originated, I had no idea just how much of a national and international icon he had become. It wasn’t until we moved to Ohio in 1984 that I realized the extent of his profound andContinue reading “In A Nutshell | September 4, 2020”

Out of the Fog and Into the Light             A few weeks ago, as I was making my way to the church office, I encountered a heavy fog at the foot of Warner Hill. I could barely see the road in front of me as I ascended the imposing grade.             Then, suddenly, as IContinue reading “In A Nutshell | August 28, 2020”

Blest Be the Tie That Binds Paul and Janet Kauffman celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this month. They were married by the Rev. John McLachlan in 1970 when Oak Chapel’s sanctuary was practically brand new. During the past half-century, their relationship has been a testimony to their faith and their desire to place JesusContinue reading “In A Nutshell | August 21, 2020”

Second Chances Come in Bundles Life is all about second chances, especially when it comes to our faith. Last year at this time, we were boldly planning for a year of transformation at Oak Chapel. Then the pandemic hit, and all “you-know-what” broke loose. On the surface, the first half of 2020 looks like aContinue reading “In A Nutshell | August 14, 2020”

Navigating an Uncertain Landscape             It’s almost impossible to get lost these days. GPS systems in our car and on our phone provide voice-assisted, turn-by-turn, navigation to keep us on the right path.             Wouldn’t it be great if life itself were that simple? Each day we encounter various intersections that require a quick decision.Continue reading “In A Nutshell | August 7, 2020”

Standing Firmly on Our Faith Where did our summer go? How will things look this fall? What will the coming year bring? Right now, our heads are swirling with these types of questions and many others as we head into August and ponder a future filled with uncertainty. Clearly, this has been a challenging yearContinue reading “In A Nutshell | July 31, 2020”