Deus Misereatur

Bullets, Badges, and Bridles: Horse Thieves and the Societies That Pursued Them by John Burchill My rating: 4 of 5 stars While my wife and I toured the Dalton Gang Hideout in Meade, Kansas, walking through the underground tunnel, and touring the gift shop, we happened upon "Bullets, Badges, and Bridles: Horse Thieves and the Societies That Pursued Them." Here, I thought, was a part of the frontier that I knew little about. And so I was delighted to pick up this 192-page softback, penned by John K. Burchill, associate professor of Criminal Justice at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas. It was almost like sitting down with the author and allowing him to tell you the fascinating stories and accounts he had found in his studies. Sometimes a bit disjointed, but always informative, and at times downright fascinating. Most of his material revolves around the ascent and exploits of anti-horse theft associations in the late 18th to early 20th Century. These secretive c...

I have been reflecting a bit on my 3-Month Sabbatical, which was a beautiful gift given me by my congregation, Heritage Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I thought I would set down a few, short points that might benefit others. Three months was just the right amount of time. Any longer, and I would have done weird things. Any less and I wouldn't have had enough time to really unwind. It took me two to three weeks to finally settle into the groove and breathe with relief. We (my wife and I, and my elders and deacons and I) started making plans one year beforehand. My elders and deacons made sure we would have the money to cover my absence (pulpit supplies, taking care of me, etc.). They also gently pushed and challenged me to make sure I would go. I'm not the best at taking time off or vacations, so it was a bit of work for them. Be very flexible with your plans! Our initial plans never materialized. The longer we spent thinking about them (the value of...

What's So Funny about God?: A Theological Look at Humor by Steve Wilkens My rating: 4 of 5 stars I love puns, Dad-Jokes, witticisms and jests, both getting and giving them. It’s a family trait. My dad was famous for such things, all told with a twinkle in his eye. And if he received his desired effect, groans and laughter, his day was made! So, my interest was piqued when I saw that Steve Wilkens, author and professor of philosophy and ethics at Azusa Pacific University, penned “What's So Funny About God? A Theological Look at Humor”. This 200-Page softback is coming out just in time for the New Year, and I was not disappointed. It is peppered, on almost every page, with witty jokes and quips, but they are all married to healthy theological subjects unpacked in a relaxed and friendly manner. I think the author achieved his desired aim of helping his readers to “meditate on what we might see in Scripture and in our faith when we look at them humorously” (5). One of Wilkins...

[This water color and pen picture was drawn by Elizabeth Mary Watt in 1949] Glory be to God on high: and on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you: we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory! O Great King and Sovereign look upon our country and the nations of this world, and move over the plans and intentions of our Oklahoma State Senators and Judiciary . May all come to know your peace on earth, becoming men and women of goodwill. O God of armies send forth your hosts to preserve and protect our greater Oklahoma City area firefighters, police officers, Sheriffs, deputies, and Troopers, and our military members, particularly those who are close to danger, at home or abroad ( xxxxxx )... Yahweh Rapha, Lord our healer, sustain and direct our doctors, PAs, nurses, First Responders, and specialists – especially those who are on call or working now and throughout this Christmas season. Thank you for their help a...