Monthly Archives: September 2026

An Ode to Hamburgers and Dads

The oldest surviving McDonald’s, in Downey, California My Real Memoir: An Ode to Hamburgers and Dads Until I was seven, the longest walks I ever took were to a unique little burger joint called “McDonald’s.” Mommandad counted every penny in … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Humor, Memoir, Storytelling | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 54 Comments

Forgivness and Mercy: Our Greatest Strengths

Wounded Lion, Lucerne, Switzerland Thought for the Week: Forgiveness and Mercy Our current culture loves to point out people’s failings. It makes us feel strong and righteous. But how often do we really know why others act–or fail to act–the … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Inspiration and Motivation, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 30 Comments

What Is Prayer?

Photo © by Mitch Teemley What Is Prayer? It’s a deceptively simple question. Consider pondering each of the following perspectives thoughtfully and, of course, prayerfully.  “Prayer is a refusal to settle for what is.” ~Walter Brueggemann “To clasp the hands … Continue reading

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Inspiration and Motivation, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith, Self-Improvement | Tagged , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

The Most Ridiculous Knock-Off Products Ever!

Harry Obama Potter the Hedgehog, Fastest Presidential Boy Wizard Ever! Source: acidcow.com The Most Ridiculous Knock-Off Products Ever! “Knock-Off” (noun): A cheap imitation of a popular product. Internationally-marketed brands are easily the most plagiarized things on the planet. Ever since … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Entertainment and Popular Culture, Humor, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

I’m Learning to Love My Broken Self

Image source: Kim Brown Today I’m Learning to Love My Broken Self Yes, I know the idea that we’re all broken isn’t a popular one. It seems many dislike the term because they assume it means either unfixable or unlovable. But … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Inspiration and Motivation, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith, Self-Improvement | Tagged , , , , , , | 50 Comments

I Was a Daredevil Paperboy!

Left to right: Schwinn Wasp “Newsboy Special” bicycle; 1950s Japanese transistor radio; Los Angeles Herald Express; authentic(ish) illustration of my paper route My Real Memoir: I Was a Daredevil Paperboy! As a result of my reckless adventuring and frequent self-disfigurements, … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Humor, Memoir | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 53 Comments