Monthly Archives: September 2009

“If you wanna’ run with the big dawgs you can’t be cryin’ like a puppy.” I love that expression and have often used it to bother the two “wanna be” men growing up in my household. It captures the essence … Continue reading →

Peter Marshall came to America in the 1930’s from Coatbridge, Scotland. He trained for the ministry at Columbia Seminary and served three churches, the last of which was New York Avenue Presbyterian in Washington D.C., where he also served as … Continue reading →

“Look Dad, old guys.” I was at the local sports complex last night with son David (age 10) and he was looking into one of the caged mini-football pitches. Inside there were about a dozen guys kicking the ball around. … Continue reading →

Why do we bow our heads when we pray? Ever thought about that? Everyone does it, across denominational lines. When it comes time to pray we all bow our heads and close our eyes. Children mock the process by keeping … Continue reading →

Many Scots have asked my opinion of Barak Obama’s presidency. My information is sketchy and filtered through the European media, but in light of the panic that seems to have swept the US in recent months, perhaps a comment or … Continue reading →

I continue to marvel at iTunes. I’ve been combing through their vast library of music, tracking down a number of songs I used to play at our former church in Wichita Falls. It was an “all contemporary” church that had … Continue reading →

I’m not usually looking for booze before 10 AM. But, this past Saturday we were invited to dinner by some friends. It’s customary to bring a gift to a dinner party: flowers or a tipple or both. I was at … Continue reading →

Sunday is Harvest Thanksgiving here in Scotland. Lasy year I introduced the congregation to Candied Yams, a favourite at American Thanksgiving feasts. This is a story of my first encounter with this delicacy. You’ll find a recipe at the end … Continue reading →

My car squeals, like a herd of pigs. It didn’t always squeal. One unwelcome pig at a time has climbed aboard. I can tolerate one pig, but two, then three begins to test the limits of my tolerance. I don’t … Continue reading →

Optimism is not an emotion I generally entertain when planting seeds. Yes, I’ve seen the small miracle of a green shoot sprouting out of a polystyrene cup filled lovingly with potting soil. I have even watched as the thing grew … Continue reading →