When Words Undo Us, Silence Speaks
“To have a good day, one must be willing not only to do things, but to let other things go undone.” During our ramp up to the holidays that’s an oft used expression. Don’t DO so much. When opportunities become obligations, our energy is sapped and the glow goes right out of the season. Simplify, […]
Two forces are at work in the world
“If we are to have a good day, there are certain things that we must do as Christians, and certain things that we must be content to leave undone. Further, there are certain things that we must be prepared to have done to us just because we are Christians. Our text opens with a kind of […]
This is the day to have a good day
Have a Good Day. Such a hackneyed phrase we use upon parting, offered limply to someone we don’t know well. Why title your book this way? Apparently because Dr. Rilling knew he had something to say in the sermon he chose for the first chapter, its namesake (with added exclamation!). But truth be told, it’s probably also why […]
Seeking to See – Glimmer or Grand Illumination?
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and rich. He sought to see who Jesus was, but could not on account of the crowd. ~ Luke 19:1-3 “The thing that Zacchaeus wanted to do more than anything else that day was to […]
Are You Making that Up?
A visitor to an Austrian refugee camp felt sorry for a little wisp of a girl, carrying a bucket of water along a muddy path. He asked her, “How long have you been without a home?” Surprised, the nine-year-old looked up at him and replied, “Our family has a loving home. We just don’t have […]
Why Would Anyone Write a Book?
Grandfather wrote his own Preface, so let’s begin there. “The spectacle of sermons in print has been compared to a visit to a mortuary for the purpose of viewing a departed friend. What we cherished — the smile, the personality, even the mannerisms are all gone, leaving only the cold and lifeless remains.” Ah, preaching […]
In Today’s World, Sport is No Longer Optional, It’s Essential
In the wake of the daily headlines, do sports and recreation even matter anymore? What does it matter that I teach kids to dribble, pass, and shoot? What does it matter that they learn to play the positions? What does it matter that I set a line up with starters and subs? play a system, […]
The Dance of Life
Gliding, flowing, streaming across the surface, without effort without care without fear, she slides along. The ice is slick, but, on razor’s edge, she is balanced and strong. Her blade is firm, posture sturdy, confidence in full bloom. Leaping, landing, forward and backing, running, jumping, dancing and whirling, spinning, stopping, pure delight. Shall we dance? […]
The Joy of Movement: Have You Ever Watched a Child Dance?
Early athletic success may have been the worst thing that ever happened to me. Things came easy. Classwork came easy. Grades? No problem. Even playground games were a delight because I could hit, catch and kick with minimum effort and much success. Who wouldn’t love to play games they are good at? And I did. Lots […]
Through the Eyes of Love – the Dedication
“To MARY CATHERINE”… the dedication reads. Short, sweet, and to the point. Very German, some would say. And I expect they would be right. Mary Catherine was my maternal grandmother, and had been Grandfather Rilling’s helpmate and companion for nearly 30 years at the time of this writing. Not to mention the mother of his […]