Author Archives: collardg

I love this picture. Years ago, when I was in Athens, Greece, while strolling through the city, I happened on this intersection. The old church caught my attention. Nestled in a bustling shopping district, somehow I thought it looked out … Continue reading →

Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday: a truly red letter day for the Church universal. Red is the traditional color for that Sunday from the calendar of the church year. I did some holy, celebratory musing as I worshipped with the faithful … Continue reading →

(My thoughts here are for our American culture only. I’m aware my summons is not a universal truth, although I wish it were.) I fancy myself a gentleman, at least I diligently try. I don’t really know where or how … Continue reading →

Surprised by Inanimate Objects as Guides I sat poised for worship at Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte. The church is nearly one hundred years old. I found myself focusing on the marvelous interior design of wood, stone and … Continue reading →

I like words. They fascinate me.That makes me think about language and its use. I’m thinking about how words can be good and bad; how with words we build up or tear down. I’m too free with them sometimes, using … Continue reading →

John 1:14 When we read this verse in John our first thoughts take us to the sanctity of family life and the birth of the new born child. The wonder of life is repeated by all humanity as the natural … Continue reading →

Legacy I have always had a desire to pass on the legacy of my life to all my descendants. I recognized years ago the basic fact that everyone leaves a legacy. The abiding question is, “Is it the legacy you … Continue reading →

All humans are social beings. I’m aware the older I get the more I realize this truth is a fact of life. There is something rich and rewarding in the cultivation of friendship. A peculiarity of friendship is the more … Continue reading →

Reluctant Obedience Jonah is a picture of a reluctant servant. His response of reluctant obedience is centered in his attitude toward the people of Nineveh. That he shunned his privileged position as God’s spokesman is clear by his aggressive response … Continue reading →

Traces   The pursuit of my vision for life and ministry sometimes is clearer than other times. Life brings a fog that obfuscates that vision. The fog is somewhat intermittent, sometimes being thick as pea soup, other times wispy, clear … Continue reading →