The Book of Jonah, which is known as a minor prophet in the Old Testament, is often remembered as a simple children’s story—a reluctant prophet, a great fish, and a dramatic rescue. But Jonah’s story is far more layered than we may recall. It’s a narrative that invites us to wrestle with deeper questions about obedience, grace, mercy, and our own response to God’s call. Years ago, for a fall Sunday School event at my home church, a group of…
I have had the opportunity to travel across the “pond” several times. I have helped build small homes in Jamaica, preached in England, vacationed in Germany, and visited friends in Russia. With each trip, I have learned more about myself and about the people I have shared life within these places. In the midst of my traveling, some of the most important moments have been shared over a cup of tea. Now, I say tea because I am a tea…
In our living room is a lovely lantern which was a gift to me. The lantern has what looks like a light bulb in the center. This simple light is battery operated. It gives a lovely glow at night in the room when the house is still and lights have been turned off for the evening. It is a simple reminder that that sometimes the smallest amount of light can make all the difference in the darkness of night. However,…
When I was growing up, my Dad had two toolboxes in his garage. In each of the boxes, you could find a variety of tools needed to fix anything. Everything from screwdrivers to wrenches, hammers, and mallets and well a few items which I had no idea as to what they were used to accomplish. My Dad did and frankly, that was all that mattered. As I think back on the toolbox which sat on the shelf, I realize each…
If you have found my blog, I am looking forward to sharing with you thoughts about life through the lens of My Father’s Toolbox. I hope you will join me on this adventure.