Transforming Gratitude--Wednesday

Tim Riter November 21, 2018

Thanking God for a Purposeful World

In researching a book proposal I came across a quote by Jean Paul Sartre, “Without God, we are condemned to be free…Everything is indeed permitted if God does not exist, and man is in consequence forlorn, for he cannot find anything to depend upon either within or outside himself.” Or, we have no purpose beyond a relentless pursuit of personal pleasure and advancement.” Kind of describes our culture—a zero sum game where we compete for who gets the most. That’s life without God, but…

Transforming Gratitude--Tuesday

Tim Riter November 20, 2018

Although they’d never admit it publicly, among themselves pastors often confess, “I really love the church. But I sure struggle with some of the people.” And we’re all like that, being imperfect with some rough edges. Science defines friction as two uneven surfaces that rub against one another, producing heat.” We can all relate to that. However…

Words by Melody Beattie, image from quotefan

Transforming Gratitude--Monday

Tim Riter November 19, 2018

The brevity of Thanksgiving has long troubled me. One day. And really, just a moment there, with a quick prayer of thanks before feasting with the family begins, before old stories are remembered and new ones get shared, before we chew down a handful of Tums. Then a good friend, Murray Pura, piqued my thoughts by posting a Canadian Thanksgiving menu covering four days. Why can’t we focus on…

Pray. Like This

Tim Riter October 8, 2018

Following Jesus has its difficulties, and prayer ranks near the top. Communication with the God we love shouldn’t distress, but it often does. Even the apostles need to ask for a prayer lesson, in Matthew 6:9. Mutual, two-way communication builds any relationship, and the lack brings damage. I do OK with trying to stay aware of God each moment of the day. I try to say thinks for the good stuff, and rely on him for help with the bad stuff. On the big decisions, I’m decent with immersing it in prayer. But I’m not OK…

Bucket Lists

Tim Riter October 1, 2018

Bucket lists typically focus on getting dreams finished near the end of life, but we all have goals and dreams and hopes. Important tasks we desire to do. However, we all face limits that hinder those. It may be physical conditions. Despite my love of playing football, I knew that would never occur in the NFL. Too small to be a linebacker or lineman, too slow for backfield spots. Now, I did…

The Key to Intimacy Is...

Tim Riter June 25, 2018

How do we enhance intimacy in human relationships? An important question, since as humans we’re so enmeshed with others. But I suspect what builds intimacy between humans often works between humans and God. Makes sense, since he created us in his image. That key is…

A Decaying Past

Tim Riter April 30, 2018

I like old stuff. Always have. Dad’s aunt and uncle would escape the Utah winter and snow to stay in Santa Monica for several months each year, and I’d quietly listen to tales of much earlier frontier days. On the bike trips, old farms, barns, and houses entrance me. Two years ago we spent a few days in Deadwood, SD, where Wild Bill Hickok was killed, where Calamity Jane capered, and I was nearly in heaven. Last spring Sheila and I visited an old central California town. She headed for an antique store; I crossed the street to a hotel/bar about 120 years old. So when Roland Peachie…

Making Trades

Tim Riter April 16, 2018

I enjoy making trades. Back in ’78, I swapped a well-used ’73 Honda 750 and a few bucks for a nearly new ’78 Goldwing. The pic above shows an authentic Colt .45 from 1889, that my dad’s brother got in trade for a pocketknife, in about 1925. The Colt has a value of about $2,000—I’m sure the knife got thrown out or lost quite some time ago. A recent and much better trade has made a huge difference in my walking with Jesus...

Unconventional

Old Faith, New Following