Staff Trax

One day a pilot returned his plane to the mechanic’s shop with the complaint, “Unfamiliar noise.” Remarkably, the plane was back in service the very next day. The pilot, eager to find out what caused the problem, checked the logbook to see what the mechanic had discovered. The entry noted, “Ran engine continuously for four hours. Noise is now familiar.”

The story raises…

This Sunday in Matthew, Jesus is telling us to be salt and light to the world. We have lots of great examples of being the light: Jesus is the Light of the world; the Light shines in the darkness; “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!” But, let’s face it, salt is tricky. Salt can be exactly what you need, but can completely overpower if there’s just a little too much. If…

I find it hard to believe that 2023 is upon us. We all experience that feeling of time moving more quickly as we age. Do you ever stop and think about how much you have changed over the years? We all change physically, but we also change mentally, as well. This is all in God’s plan for us. What was very important or interesting when we were teenagers may not hold as much interest now. We look…

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, (Jesus) saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea — for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the…

What a great feeling it is when something great happens in one’s day. Each week I write an inspirational “Monday Motivation” for the wellness storefront I manage. Coming up with something different each week can be challenging at times.

Some examples of quotes are, "You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it," “All you can do is your best,” and “I believe in my ability…

One of my favorite Christian authors, Kathleen Norris, writes that sacrament of holy baptism “occurs once, but its consequences unfold over a lifetime.”

The insight reminds me of a story about a rabbi who asked his disciples, “What is the greatest sin of all?” As you might imagine, the question provoked a heated debate among the rabbi’s disciples. One group was sure the sin was…

This Sunday we will celebrate the Magi giving their precious gifts to Jesus, as we prepare for the season of Epiphany. Did you know that many countries celebrate gifts from the Magi instead of Santa? Children in Latin America write letters to the Magi detailing their good behavior and asking for presents, while children in Spain leave straw in their shoes by the door for the Magi’s horses on the…

The best part of the Christmas season is giving to others. I think most everyone agrees with that statement. Even small children that love to receive gifts at Christmas still get excited when they can shop for a gift for a family member like a parent or grandparent. When we adopt a family or provide a gift to one person in need it makes us feel good inside. We are doing something good for someone…

If anything good has come out of the pandemic, it is the ability to worship anytime, anywhere. Prior to March 2020, for most churches, if you were not able to attend worship on a Sunday, you missed it.

In March 2020, churches shut their doors rather abruptly and had to come up with innovative ways to worship, not only on Sundays but for Easter, Christmas, and other major holidays. Prior…

This has been a year with all sorts of unexpected events. Some were good and some were not-so-good. It has also brought more clarity to how precious life is.

Treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time ... and remember that time waits for no one.

Enjoy life, don’t worry about the future.…