Monthly Archives: May 2012

Theology in a Dry Spell

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Doc Arnett

I pray for a long night
and a following day
of slow, seeping rain Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Farming, Gardening, Nature, Poetry, Prayer, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged believing, disappointment, drought, faith, faith in hard times, rain | Comments Off

Intentionally Invitational

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Doc Arnett

I’d love to know how many hours Randa and I have spent in conversation with each other over the past twenty-three years! Offhand, I’d guess that if we added up all the time Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Family, Prayer, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged close relationships, closeness, couples, developing closeness, getting close to God, time together | Comments Off

Toward Peace

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Doc Arnett

We sit, then, sipping cold drinks
and watching the moon slip its way
into the branches of the pin oak. Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Christian Living, Death & Dying, Family, Gardening, Nature, Poetry, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged closeness, conversation, evening, gardening, hope, peace, resting, talking, twilight | Comments Off

I have a 1997 Ford Ranger pickup that has spent most of its entire life carrying more weight than it was built to carry. In that regard, it’s kind of like a few people I’ve seen in Wal-Mart. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Humor, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged buying used car, checking oil, deceit, evangelists, honesty, used cars, used truck, Wal-Mart, WalMart | Comments Off

Good Measure

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Doc Arnett

In the strong stir of southern wind,
the long, slender limbs of locust
bend to the north in sweeping crescents
of graceful submission, Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Nature, Poetry, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged adjusting to life, bending, birch trees, gentleness, influence, locust trees, storm damage, trees, wind | Comments Off

Blair, Kansas

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Doc Arnett

There are bound to be a hundred stories here, buildings that used to host something resembling a flourishing business, once-fine houses now lived in by the last, poorest cousin of some entrepreneur, once-occupied, now empty lots including the one where they finally tore down the old school. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged Blair Kansas, Doniphan County, evangelism, neighborhood, old towns, poverty, rural community | Comments Off

The Long Walk

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Doc Arnett

Another item on the list of things Barry has not been able to buy during his unemployment is the medicine he needs for some psychological issues. “When he’s on his meds, he does great,” his girlfriend explained. “When he ain’t, look out! He’s a real bear.” Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Family, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation, Work | Tagged determination, health care, lack of medicine, laziness, medicine, poverty, stereotypes, unemployment, work | Comments Off

Lawn Chair Evangelism

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Doc Arnett

Randa sat on the doorstep outside the tiny dilapidated apartment and let me have one of the folding chairs. Bryan’s girlfriend sat in the other while he leaned against the railing. The sounds of loud music and louder voices hammered along the line of doors with peeling paint and sagging gutters. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Prayer, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged evangelism, faith, poor, poverty, prayer, pride, witnessing | Comments Off

Five Generations of Sawdust

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Doc Arnett

Whatever it is, it is joy to me, sharing this talent and interest of my father and my grandfather. Teaching my grandson and seeing him perform the work of my hands. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Family, Remodeling/Construction, Spiritual Contemplation, Teaching, Work | Tagged carpentry, grandson, imitation of God, sanding, sharing, son, tradition, woodworking, workshop | Comments Off

Hitchin’ Post

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Doc Arnett

It used to be pretty routine for me, officiating weddings for people I didn’t know. Part of the job, goes with the territory, that’s what ministers do, etc. I’d guess that over half of the weddings I’ve done since 1975 were for people I’d never even met until they decided they wanted a legal union. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Family, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged church, commitment, marriage, minister, pastor, preacher, priest, vows, weddings | Comments Off