Mrs. Blake and I are preparing for our twice-yearly migration pattern: south to north in five weeks and then north to south at the end of summer. This will be our first entire cycle of migration. One thing you always see when driving the highways is ubiquitous “orange barrels.” They seem to sprout up like tulips this time of year. We like the finished project and the accompanying improvements, but…
Read MoreFive Hundred Blog Posts
500! A couple of days ago, I posted my 500th blog article. Since I lived twice in Indianapolis, I thought I would commemorate by including a picture from the Indy 500 race. In late 2014 I decided I would write a couple of blog posts. The origins of Wesley’s Horse came from days working for the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center. The name came to me via Bryon…
Read MoreLife Lessons learned from jig-saw puzzles!
One of the things that Susanne and I have taken up in our early retirement days is putting jigsaw puzzles together. Before retiring, the last time I worked on a puzzle was in my pre-school days. I had no interest whatsoever in putting a puzzle together. Susanne, likewise, was a puzzle assembly novice. When we spent a few weeks last summer in the Chicago area, we decided to ‘do a…
Read MoreTransformation Living: the List and the Lesson
As a lifelong rule-follower and list maker, this passage from the book of 2 Peter has always intrigued me. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from…
Read MoreIs Quitting an option?
I must admit there have been times when I wanted to quit. If you look in certain places in our homes, you will find some discarded items that were once part of something we thought we would enjoy and master: musical instruments, sports equipment, and a host of hobby paraphernalia. Is it appropriate at times to quit? I have heard all the cliches regarding giving up on something:…
Read MoreFour Reminders I Need Daily
How often do I need reminders? Daily and often! There is a tendency to forget things. I am not just talking about keys and notes. Much time is spent looking for misplaced items and remembering what we promised. There are many devices and suggestions to aid us in remembering important things. Nothing is more significant than our relationship with the Lord. I came across a verse from Psalm 143. Immediately…
Read MoreA Few More Things I am Learning in This Season Of Life
I am telling my friends I am living the retired life, and I currently have training wheels attached. I was barely into retirement when asked to fill in for a friend while he took a medical leave. I have committed to staying on until his replacement is elected in mid-July. During this phase of my life, I have discovered some things that are helping me navigate the change and adapt.…
Read MoreA Few lessons Learned from a Wilderness Experience
During the Lenten season, I have been reading a devotional book centered on Jesus’ temptation by the Devil in the wilderness. He was alone, and He became hungry, and He went through a time of testing. Throughout the history of God’s people, there have been wilderness times of trial and testing. Moses seemed to spend considerable time in the Wilderness: 22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and…
Read MoreRetreat to Win
A step back is not necessarily a sign of weakness or defeat. There is a need in our world to reflect and take a deep breath. Those of us who love to push ahead and keep pressing on, the need to hit the pause button and take some time to think unhurriedly. It is very appropriate at specific points to take a time out. It is okay to step back…
Read MoreWhat is your Influence Story
Someone, several in fact has influenced all of us in ways large and small! It starts at birth; parents and other family members affect us significantly. In life, we develop friendships and have teachers, pastors, neighbors, and others who make a difference. The opposite is also a fact: you and I have influenced others. Humans require connections. Even the timid crave connection. As I reflect on the years, several people…
Read More