“I’ll Do It Later…Much Later”

Everyone knows how to procrastinate – including me. I decided about two months ago to write this column. Finally, today I had to force myself to sit down and begin. Why? Why do we humans put off doing what we know we need to do? From what I have observed, the animal kingdom doesn’t do that. Just us.

Where’s Your Name Written?

It was his first real job. It was payday. Exciting! But, no paycheck. He had bills to pay, things to do. No money. He went to HR, where there was a copy of his cashed check. “It looks like your signature to me,” the HR person said. “No, that’s not my signature! There’s a thief, but it’s not me!

. . . from the Pastor’s Desk

I want to give tribute to our fathers; those alive and those deceased. The unfortunate thing about this topic is that I spent a lot of time this week remembering my best friend and my hero—my father. He went home to be with the Lord 15 years ago February 29 th.

Are You Grieving?

Losing a loved one is not an easy ordeal. Grief of any kind takes an emotional toll on whomever it affects. The grieving process is difficult but necessary for proper recovery from the traumatic event that causes grief. Having lost a loved one, this chaplain understands how grieving works.

Beware of STUG!

Have you ever come across a new word that strikes you as so good you wonder why you hadn't heard of it before? I’ve found a new word for grief. STUG! Coined by Therese Rando, it just makes total sense and sounds a bit more upbeat than Grief Triggers.

Living With Our Loses!

Scissortail Hospice Chaplain Bristow, Oklahoma We often think of losing a loved one when we think of a loss, but loss can be much more than that. A loss can range from giving up on a dream, to changes in a friendship, to disappointments, to betrayal.

Thinking Out Loud

In the years of serving as youth minister, preaching minister, and now a hospice chaplain, the strongest regrets emanate from those who have lost a loved one to death. I have heard laments from 'I wish,' 'if only,' 'it's not fair,' and 'why?' just to name a few.

. . . from the Pastor’s Desk

Pain and suffering. Many of us experience pain and suffering in one way or another; physical, emotional, relationally, financial. Sometimes our pain and suffering is mild, but at other times we wonder how we will ever go on. There have been times I have asked that question—maybe you have also.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor, This town and its people hold such a dear place in my heart. We have a treasure that is becoming more and more rare around this nation, and that is our old fashioned valvues and moral integrity.

John T. Writes about Joe T.

John T. Writes about Joe T. I first met Joe while attending Bible college in Oklahoma City. He was an upper classmate and I was a freshman. We had the privilege of getting to know each other better by playing basketball and attending several classes together during the next three years.