Monthly Archives: July 2026

Signs of the Times

Posted on July 17, 2026 by mitchteemley

It’s Important to Think Ahead Signs of the Times My favorite sign ever was painted on a shop window in Canterbury, England. It said, “Sex Aids for Ferrets!” Only upon drawing nearer did I see the small print beneath it … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Entertainment and Popular Culture, Humor, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Family Member

Posted on July 16, 2026 by mitchteemley

Minuet – photo by our daughter Beth Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Family Member Does the fact that Minuet was a cat make this post seem any less sincere? It’s not. Anyone who’s adopted an animal knows that pets are … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Memoir | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 94 Comments

The Day I Ran Away

Posted on July 14, 2026 by mitchteemley

Photo source: Michal Bres My Real Memoir The day I ran away didn’t arrive unbidden. After all, I’d threatened before to leave once I’d had all I could take of unreasonable adult demands (brain-numbing homework and soul-sucking chores). But leave … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Memoir | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 60 Comments

Learn From the Past, Live in the Present

Posted on July 13, 2026 by mitchteemley

Roy T. Bennett Thought for the Week Learn from the past, live in the present: If we are wise (and if we are not, no advice will help), we will learn not to dwell in a place where change is … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

Be Childlike, Not Childish

Posted on July 12, 2026 by mitchteemley

The Right to Become Children of God Be Childlike, Not Childish Jesus calls his followers to grow spiritually, and yet at the same time to become more childlike. Isn’t that a contradiction? No, because being childish is trusting in something … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 41 Comments

50 Wildly Inventive Sculptures

Posted on July 10, 2026 by mitchteemley

Glass sulptures  by Rob Mulholland It’s No Secret That I Love Art But what I particularly love about these 50 wildly inventive sculptures is their use of unexpected media. Some artists, it must be admitted, are a little crazy, or … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Entertainment and Popular Culture, Humor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

Always Tell the Truth, Even When You’re Lying

Posted on July 9, 2026 by mitchteemley

Photo by Thom Milkovic Tips for Writers Always tell the truth, even when you’re lying. Um, what? Most of us are familiar with the Blind Men and the Elephant story. Its point is twofold: No one has a complete picture, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Culture, Humor, Writing and Blogging | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

The Day We Entered the Tunnel of Doom

Posted on July 7, 2026 by mitchteemley

Source: urbexiam.com My Real Memoir The Day We Entered the Tunnel of Doom: There are severe limits to how far you’re allowed to wander at age 7. Hence, to legendary adventurers like Rory, Jeff and me, “Don’t cross [insert name … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Memoir | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 49 Comments

What Makes Us Civilized?

Posted on July 6, 2026 by mitchteemley

Photo by Biljana Martinic Thought for the Week What makes us civilized? Dictionary.com defines civilized as “having an advanced or humane culture.” One that responds collectively to the goodness that is intrinsic in each of us at birth. It’s what … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

But What Is True Freedom?

Posted on July 5, 2026 by mitchteemley

Photo by Mitch Teemley Yesterday Was Independence Day in My Country… …and I’m proud of the freedoms its founders proclaimed. But what is true freedom? I’m under no delusion that any country, culture or class can grant me the kind … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments