Fourteen years ago our country was brought to its knees by terrorist. Since then many have forgotten how to forgive. Every anniversary we see mantras about ‘we will never forget.’ Anyone that was old enough to understand then never will. Yet fourteen years later our country again is being brought to its knees. Internal discontent has formed such animosity towards each other. No longer do we need to fear al qaeda so much as we fear our own brothers and sisters. A string of unfortunate circumstances has sprung a leak of hate that is infesting our nation. As Christians we struggle to remain prayerfully hopeful. Jesus gave us a prescription for our lives that can be a bitter pill. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Did you hear that? Read it again “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Those five simple words can be difficult to comprehend. How do you love your neighbor that molest children? How can you love your neighbors that rape, kill and pillage? Those whose lives matter and yet they call for an all out war on those that serve and protect? Loving your neighbor as yourself,  means loving those that shoot up college campuses or movie theaters. Loving would be forgiving those that took down the towers. Loving means forgiving, not necessarily forgetting. The day after this fourteenth anniversary of 9/11, I will be on a plane to Haiti. Answering the call to serve the forgotten. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.” He sent his […]

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A Rain Barrel is a great way to save a little cash, help the environment and even class up your house. Imagine how much water you could collect when for every 500 square feet of roof equals around 300 gallons of water for every inch of rain. That is a great deal of water that usually goes right down your downspout to one area of your yard, or worse your driveway, street or sidewalk. By using a rain barrel you can collect water to use on your plants, garden and lawn that would otherwise go to waste. Be sure to check with your local ordinances though, as states like Colorado and Nevada the use of rain barrels is illegal for one crazy reason or another. “A river is more than an amenity, it is a treasure.” ~ Justice Oliver Click To Tweet I will show you in a few easy steps how to build a rain barrel inexpensively and creatively. First you will need a few supplies, most of which you can find at your local hardware store. I purchased mine at Lowes and have provided the item numbers to make your shopping list easier. PVC 3/4″ x 1″ SCH 40 Slip and Thread Adapter – Lowe’s part #22695 made by Lasco (2 per barrel) PVC 3/4″ Elbow [Threaded] –  Lowe’s part #126822 made by Lasco (1 per barrel) 3/4″ quarter-turn brass Sillcock – Lowe’s part #248909 made by American Valve (1 per barrel) 1″ zinc flat washers -Lowe’s part #15012 made by Hillman (2 per barrel) You can purchase […]

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Ever feel like there is a buzzing sound in your head that you just can’t get rid of?

Maybe it is just me that hears the buzzing sound as I sit on the riverbank writing in my journal. The buzz I am referring to is not from liquor, beer or anything like that. As I look over my shoulder and realize the buzz is from dozens, better yet likely hundreds of bees.
Sitting on the bench that’s has a bush buffer behind covered with bees buzzing around.

These bees remind me of when I was a child. I used to catching bees on my lunch break in my sandwich bag. Granted this was not an amusing hobby according to my panicked teachers. Fear consumed their reaction creating havoc every time. They feared I (or worse they) would be stung by the bees (which never happened).

The furry little legs and beady eyes would intrigue and tickle me as they crawled on my hands and arms. Terrified my teachers would move the other kids away from me.

It never ceases to amaze me how these same bees hold the future of the world on their wings. “One of every three bites of our food originates from bees pollinating the flowers that produce many of our fruits, nuts and vegetables.” We depend on bees for much of our food and with them on the edge of collapse should be something we treasure rather than fear.

As I sit where many others would panic I watch God’s little army at work.

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