Category Archives: Spiritual Contemplation

Through the Eyes of a Little Boy

Posted on December 19, 2025 by Doc Arnett

I can take my Old Man Me, look at my life—both past and present—and twist myself up with guilt, regret, disappointment, and disillusionment. Or… I can remember that little kid and ease down to my knees, bow my head, and give genuine thanks for being blessed beyond imagination. Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Family, Farming, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged achievement, appreciation, disappointment, faith, family, farm, farm kid, gratitude, guilt, life, love, perspective, regret, wealth, work, writing | Leave a comment

Cold Days and the Way of Faith

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Doc Arnett

These single digit temps cleaning up the horse pen remind me of bitter cold mornings in an unheated milk barn sixty-five years ago… and of how faith sustains us through all things. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Farming, Nature, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged bitter cold, chores, cold, dairy, dairy farm, determination, duty, faith, frozen ponds, ice, milking, winter | Leave a comment

The Mystery of Fog

Posted on November 20, 2025 by Doc Arnett

Even as a young kid, I loved foggy mornings… Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Farming, Metaphysical Reflection, Nature, Poetic Contemplations, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged autumn, fall, fog, foggy mornings, Holy Spirit, leaves, noise, peace, presence of Jesus | Comments Off

The Farrier’s Passing

Posted on November 11, 2025 by Doc Arnett

In the twilight shadows below a great cottonwood tree, we fed the horses and remembered the farrier who had tended to their feet for us. Continue reading →

Posted in Death & Dying, Farming, Poetic Contemplations, Poetry, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation, Work | Tagged autumn, cancer, death, dying, farrier, feeding horses, horse, horses, Lewis Johnson, moon, moonlight, moonrise, ranching, trees | Comments Off

A Single Leaf

Posted on November 3, 2025 by Doc Arnett

Is it wrong to appreciate beauty and count our own blessings while others are suffering? Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Nature, Poetic Contemplations, Poetry, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged appreciaiton, autumn, autumn rain, beauty, blessings, caring, destruction, empathy, gratitude, grief, hurricane, nature, sharing, tragedy | Comments Off

Blessed Beyond Belief

Posted on October 23, 2025 by Doc Arnett

Realizing that I can choose any one of three bathrooms in our house made me remember we didn’t even have an indoor bathroom! So many things to be grateful for… Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Christian Devotions, Humor, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged appreciation, bathroom, expectations, family, gratitude, growing up, home, negative thinking, outhouse, Todd County KY | Comments Off

Sixth Annual Cider & Fireside Chatauqua

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Doc Arnett

Four men sit around a fire on an autumn evening, sharing thoughts and perceptions about things that matter… in this world and in the world to come. Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Christian Devotions, Family, Metaphysical Reflection, Nature, Poetic Contemplations, Poetry, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged chatauqua, conversation, fire, flame, iron sharpening iron, men, metaphor, Relationships, sharing, Spirit, talking | Comments Off

Thoughts from Above the Porch

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Doc Arnett

Marveling at the moon in night sky with passing clouds, I think I might understand why some worship what is made rather than The Maker… Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Metaphysical Reflection, Nature, Poetic Contemplations, Poetry, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged clouds, Creator, fame, God, greed, idolatry, Jesus, Maker, money, moon, night sky, pagan, power, sex, worship | Comments Off

Morning Moon

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Doc Arnett

A full moon setting on an early, chilly morning, brings images of peace and comfort. Continue reading →

Posted in Farming, Nature, Poetic Contemplations, Poetry, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged fall, full moon, grass, harvest, harvest moon, horses, pasture, rest | Comments Off

High Goals & Lumps of Coal

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Doc Arnett

“Made to be like God.”

Wow! What a statement Paul gives to remind us of our purpose in Christ. “True righteousness and holiness.”

High goals, yes, but we have the Spirit of God working within us. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Higher Education, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged Bible, christianity, doctorate, faith, God, God at work in us, high goals, holiness, Jesus, lofty ambitions, made to be like God, new creature, Ohio State University, PdD, righteousness, true religion | Comments Off