Everyday – searchingforthinplaces

Rationalization required

I have continued my practice of running. Since I no longer have the excuse that I am preparing for a long walk in Spain, I have searched for a new rationalization for continuing. Of course, I have set a few goals for myself, that seemed outrageous in January, but now are dangling just beyond myContinue reading “Rationalization required”

Looking back

When I was a kid growing up the US was in the middle of the space race, who could get to the moon first. It was a huge deal, so big that televisions would be brought into our classrooms (yes, we did not have TV’s in our classrooms) so that we could watch “blast off’s”Continue reading “Looking back”

Back to school

It’s back to school time, which means it’s back to work time for me. And this first week back is always a mixed bag of feelings. First, there is the joy of seeing everyone at the “be back” gathering. (Be back, the day we all have to be back to work). Hugs and expressions ofContinue reading “Back to school”

Oh the places you will stay

This, by far, has been one of my most extreme, prolonged and adventurous travels, to say nothing of the diversity of tasks that I engaged in while away. I was on a walking pilgrimage through Spain which required hiking boots and trekking poles, a day pack and a few varied food stores. From there IContinue reading “Oh the places you will stay”

On my way

Well, if things are going as anticipated, I and several of my friends are making our way to Spain to begin our pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. You can follow along on this blog, or search for Buen Camino 2014 on Facebook. Prayers are requested.

Here I come, ready or not

This slogan was on a church sign, with Jesus’ arms outstretched, the stuff of the epic rapture films of the late 1970’s. Jesus is coming back, ready or not. I am not much on the eschatological theological concern (big seminary word, just means end times). I did have a friend who had a t-shirt whichContinue reading “Here I come, ready or not”

Spring into life with Jesus

Seriously, the sign on the church was “Spring into life with Jesus,” complete with goofy graphic of Jesus bouncing around on big springs. Sort of like a crazed guru on a weird drug induced trip. When I saw the sign, my first thought was that’s inappropriate for Lent, because we were pre-Easter and I amContinue reading “Spring into life with Jesus”

I paid it all — Jesus Christ crucified

This slogan struck me because it is a take off from one of my favorite childhood hymns, Jesus Paid it All. What was the striking thing was the grim image of Jesus hanging on the cross, blood dripping and the phrase “I paid it all – Jesus Christ crucified.” That’s great. But I am notContinue reading “I paid it all — Jesus Christ crucified”

Trucking for Jesus

It was on the mud flaps of a big 18 wheeled truck, “trucking for Jesus,” which I found so much less offensive than those silhouetted images of naked women which seem to be found in that location. Trucking for Jesus. The literalist in me instantly said, “no your not, your trucking for …” whatever massiveContinue reading “Trucking for Jesus”

This bloods for you

The roadside sign was in front of a small, white, clapboard church. It was a roughly sketched out image of Jesus, with blood droplets coming from the crown of thorns and his hands. The droplets were in vivid red, although somewhat faded with age. And beneath the image the caption read “This bloods for you.”Continue reading “This bloods for you”