“Imagine there's no heaven / It's easy if you try / No hell below us / Above us, only sky // Imagine all the people / Livin' for today… Imagine there's no countries / It isn't hard to do / Nothing to kill or die for / And no religion, too // Imagine all the … Continue reading Imagine
Tag: god
Incantations
One segment of my course, “Music, the Arts, and Culture,” consisted of an overview of film scores – their composers, history, techniques, etc. In the process, teams of two or three students were assigned to give class presentations. We chose films “out of a hat,” literally, so no one would feel they were unfairly assigned … Continue reading Incantations
Wisdom Revisited
While I’m recuperating from a medical procedure, here are some thoughts I posted on my office door many years ago. This is an edited version. The “Wisdom” of the World contrasted with Christ’s Wisdom: Never apologize. Saying “I’m sorry” is a sign of weakness. “First, be reconciled with your brother.” It takes strength to admit … Continue reading Wisdom Revisited
The Corinthians
Once upon a time, there was a Corinthian King who said he loved his country. He said, “I love the poorly educated.” He also said, “When somebody’s nice to me, I love that person. Even if they’re bad people, I couldn’t care less. I’ll fight to the end for them.” Perhaps he thought, “nobody knows … Continue reading The Corinthians
Mercy
An Easter Meditation Some of us like to pray for justice. Amos 5:24 is often quoted. “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Yet, if the Lord decides to give us what we truly deserve, perhaps we should be happy to receive mercy instead. In the Easter season, we … Continue reading Mercy
What is Love?
Paul was getting married. He was engaged to Mary, who was obviously able to put up with Paul’s quirks and antics – at least according to Jim, Paul’s best friend. Paul invited Jim to the wedding to support him on his joyous day. Jim had never attended a Quaker wedding, much less a Quaker service, … Continue reading What is Love?
Beautiful
“It’s a beautiful day in Pennsylvania!” Thus spoke Pete Wambach on his daily radio program for over 20 years. I grew up in Pennsylvania, so I remember it well. Fred Rogers used to sing his title song, “It’s a Beautiful day in the Neighborhood” for his children’s show. “The night is beautiful, so the faces … Continue reading Beautiful
The United States
Once upon a time, in grade school, we had to memorize “The American's Creed,” written by William Tyler Page in 1917. I still remember parts of it. “I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent … Continue reading The United States
Winners?
When he saw one of us after a concert or recital, one of my music professors would ask, “So…winners?” If our performance went well, we would answer, “Winners!” If we hesitated, he said, “Losers, then?” His expression said, “Well, you can’t win them all. Better luck next time.” We could tell he wanted us to … Continue reading Winners?
Affirmations
The only time I missed a performance in college was when I contracted mononucleosis. My spleen was the size of a football and because of the risk of a rupture, I was confined to the infirmary for a week. I brought all my textbooks and a Bible. I thought the time alone might provide an … Continue reading Affirmations
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