An odd category at first glance, this is the place where you can find odd facts, rocks you can turn over, minutia that’s important, wandering musings and rabbit trails to tempt you into different realms of thought. “Miscellany” might describe the category, and it might not….
(In worship a few Sundays back, the *Triple Praise Thanksgiving for the Table—written by liturgical poet Gail Ramshaw—included the phrase, “The saints pull us into their presence.” Today, some reflections sparked by those words.) Ramshaw evoked the picture of saints—now living in the glories of Heaven—going about their daily work. (“What do saints do now?” I wondered.) In some parts of ChristianMORE...
(The legendary characteristics of an ill-tempered elderly male are well-known to me—traits and behaviors that I exhibited a few weeks ago. Not one of my proudest moments. Perhaps these reflections might be helpful….) Given my life circumstances in this era of grumpy political leaders, crabbiness might seem to have some legitimacy. Like you, I live in testy times, so it seems fair to join in theMORE...
Over about six years now, I’ve grown increasingly wary about elements of daily life that have shown themselves as potentially dangerous. The ascendancy of a treacherous autocrat started the process, continuing with his tumultuous years as presumed leader of the free world. A variety of near-thefts of my online identity added to my cautious spirit, as did several widespread hacks of enterprisesMORE...
Some of those who think about the inner workings of AI have come to the conclusion that, around 2026, chatbot training processes might run out of human-originated data! This might seem arcane—as in “Who cares?”—except that large language AI training algorithms depend on machines that slurp up vast quantities of information to feed into models of predictable reality. With less material to scrapeMORE...
(I’ve written previously about a brilliant member of our church—let’s now call him Larry—who’s one of those outliers way out ahead of the rest of us and therefore deserving of our admiration and respect. Today a different take on Larry’s current predicament—one many older adults may know full well….) Recently I’ve encountered Larry’s vexation about some of the electronic wizardry that surroundsMORE...
As I write these thoughts, hundreds (or thousands) of newly hatched 17-year cicadas are flying around in our yard. They seem different than other insect visitors—in a hurry, a bit unsure about their destinations, definitely noisier. Probably more single-minded about what they’re destined to accomplish before it’s too late: discard the exoskeleton, sing, mate/lay eggs and die. For about two weeksMORE...
Where I live, yards, trees, buildings, cars and even human torsos have become the chosen perches for millions of 17-year cicadas. Their raspy singing fills the soundscape. Still, I’m not concerned about having to share the world with God’s red-eyed insects. As a bona-fide older gentleman, let me tell you why I enjoy cicadas…. Their buzzing/clicking fits my hearing needs. My hearing aidsMORE...
It’s easy to criticize toadies. They seem sadly lacking in self-respect, fawning over political, entertainment or sports figures who don’t always deserve flattery. Over many years, sycophants have garnered more than their share of public disdain. Their original, 17th century manifestation: Subservient assistants to medical charlatans in Europe. They pretended to being cured—by the self-proclaimedMORE...
(The following paragraphs are an explanation for the several weeks’ absence of entries at this site. Perhaps they’re also my confession about some older-adult self-examinations that you, too, might have faced.) I’ll admit it: I’ve never liked the word “blog.” It’s always felt like another one of those 1990-ish terms that lacked heft but somehow made it into our lexicon. (You might also rememberMORE...
Every so often I hearken back to my early childhood memories. Today’s trip back in time took me to my first “memory work.” I attended a Lutheran grade school, and even in first grade we were assigned a daily Bible verse (or other important piece of spiritual truth) to memorize. The first entry in our memory book was 1 John 4:16b, “God is love.” My reaction on completing this assignment? “HeyMORE...
BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.