Neither of us had been to the northern plains before Abby went to North Dakota last week, so I took great interest when she described the vast grassland and the dark, rich soil. Then I wondered aloud, "How did the soil get so fertile, and why are there no trees?" What perfect provision for … [Read more...] about The mystery of the plains
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The Conan approach to gardening
This week I took the Conan-the-Barbarian approach to ridding my garden of weeds. I leveled everything by wielding my "grass whip," which is like a battle axe for weeds. Done in a morning. This is a difference from earlier years, when we took several weeks pulling each weed out by hand. But I … [Read more...] about The Conan approach to gardening
Cycling Race Report
Two weeks ago we saw one of the greatest race finishes of the century when a Dutch cyclist named Mathieu Van der Poel came from behind to win the Amstel Gold race in Holland. The storybook scenario inspired a full-page article in the Wall Street Journal. Here's a short summary: Van der Poel's … [Read more...] about Cycling Race Report
Easter Energy
What's the source of Easter energy? When Cardinal Keeler said daily Mass in the mornings at the Basilica, he would say that "we are treated to the book of Acts during Easter." This was a "treat" to read in place of the Old Testament readings because we get to see the resurrection power exhibited … [Read more...] about Easter Energy
Trial’s night to childlike
As we mature, we become more independent from our parents. But spiritual maturity is the opposite--it means becoming more dependent on God. This is at the heart of the childlike faith commended in Scripture. Our collect for today's feast of St. Francis of Assisi encapsulates this … [Read more...] about Trial’s night to childlike
Songs in Place of Sighing
Recent events have brought to mind a song called "Save the People" from the musical Godspell. The context is about how Jesus came to save God's people from both an oppressive secular state and compromised religious leaders. Shall crime bring crime forever? Strength aiding still the strong? Is it … [Read more...] about Songs in Place of Sighing