Daily living
Senseless Sayings
To me, there are some commonly used sayings that sound good at first but make no sense once you think deeply about them. For example, I recently heard someone (a fundamentalist) speak about the gay community. I always cringe and bristle when somebody says, “I love the sinner but hate the sin.” That’s terribly judgmental. … Read more
Don’t Impeach—Be Creative
At this stage of Trump’s presidency, no one knows if he is truly impeachable. We do know that he has told countless lies since he became president. We know that he is highly disorganized mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and that he has a huge credibility problem with the rest of the world. We also know … Read more
Don’t Split—Educate
When I grew up during the 1930s and 1940s, I had no understanding of the terms lesbian, nonbinary, transgender, gay (back then, it meant “happy”), bisexual, or undecided (pertaining to sexuality). I did know the words homo, fag, and queer. I don’t think I knew anyone who was any of the above, and I only … Read more
Come See John’s Heart
I was reading the Los Angeles Times on Sunday, April 7, 2019, and this article caught my eye: “150-Year-Old Priestly Heart Tours the U.S.” I had to read the title again. Yes, that’s what it said. Unbelievable! It seems the real heart of a Roman Catholic priest, John Vianney, has been set in a little … Read more
My Ski Retreats
Annie and I recently went to Big Bear Lake, California, for three days of skiing. The conditions were idyllic: sunny blue sky, forty degrees, six feet of snow pack, well-groomed trails, and not many people. In 1975, after living in Hawai’i for twenty years, Annie and I moved to southern California. During our first winter, … Read more
To Vaccinate or Not?
I am an authority on vaccinations, not by education but by on-the-job training. My wife and I are the parents of a rubella (German measles) baby, born fifty-four years ago. We still feel the effects, and life hasn’t been easy. I also come at this issue from a Christian ethical point of view. I live … Read more
My Obit
I have a friend who reads the obituaries every morning, and if his name isn’t in there, he gets dressed. I also read the obits every day out of curiosity. With tongue in cheek, I present my future obituary. William Hamilton Aulenbach, Jr.: October 28, 1932–February 29, 2042 Bil died surrounded by no one while … Read more