October 26, 2016 Children look forward to being an adult. “When I grow up, I want to be a fireman” – or doctor, or teacher or president. Little girls dress up in women’s clothes and clop around in high-heeled shoes three times the size of their feet. Boys “drive” toy trucks and fire engines like […]
October 19, 2016 Our culture places so much emphasis on success that we can easily forget the value of failure. The reality is that many people find it difficult to even talk about failure. We are a success-focused society. Success is a good thing. We should give our best energy to whatever task or opportunity […]
October 12, 2016 It would be interesting to know how many people consider their daily routine a rich experience. For those whose assignment is nearly identical day after day, the routine could become monotonous and even boring. It reminds me of dogs pulling a sled. The lead dog has a rich view of the scenery, […]
October 5, 2016 Two well-known Christian leaders had a major disagreement over the interpretation of a Bible passage. It was not one of those non-negotiables like the deity of Jesus or the “one way” of Salvation, but it was important to them that people agree with their position. Eventually, their argument grew to the point […]
September 28, 2016 I was sitting in a room filled with pastors who were discussing issues relevant to our profession. As I glanced around the room I realized that I was the “old guy” listening to a younger generation of men who are committed to their ministry. Some of the comments were refreshing – showing […]
September 22, 2016 A department store would define success according to the number of sales and the profit margin. A stockbroker is considered successful if investments turn out to be profitable. A student feels successful when receiving a degree or landing a dream job. I listened to a recently retired person talk about their career. […]
September 14, 2016 “Legacy” by simple definition is “something handed down or left behind.” It can be property, influence or a memory. Its value is often in the eyes of the recipient. What one person considers a legacy, another might see as having little or no value. Most humans possess something from a parent, grandparent […]
September 7, 2016 On a walking trail near our home was a tall, beautiful tree that we admired. Eventually, its trunk began to show some major cracks and we realized that a strong wind could one day bring it down. It endured for many months but finally lost the battle. All that remained were two […]
August 31, 2016 With some time to relax, I sat in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee and stared at the beauty of nature. I cherished the opportunity for a peaceful moment without any pressing assignments or deadlines. My eyes turned to the coffee cup. Steam vapor that was swirling inside the cup […]
August 24, 2016 The face of the refugee boy continues to haunt me as I try to understand what my role is in helping those thousands of hurting people – especially the children. That boy could be our grandson. He is a real kid with normal desires to play and learn, but at this point, […]
August 17, 2016 Anyone who manages property in the Pacific Northwest knows the challenge of blackberry vines. Covered with vicious thorns, they grow at a nearly observable pace and spread relentlessly. An entire area can be cleared of them, but if not treated, they will soon return with a vengeance. If we like blackberry preserves […]
August 11, 2016 Taking care of our heart is an obvious priority. Our life and vitality depends on a strong heart. It needs care on the inside, which involves diet and exercise, as well as protection on the outside. The Bible talks about another heart within each of us. We do not see it, but […]
June 3, 2020 It was perhaps 18 years ago that a couple of people suggested I should write a weekly blog. I did not know what a “blog” was, but Ponder with Pastor Bill came out of that idea. It has been good for me to have this opportunity, and I hope it has been…
May 20, 2020 It feels strange, almost wrong, for me to ask this question: How could the Creator and Controller of the universe be held in captivity by it? I hope I am not dabbling in something inappropriate, but this has been on my mind. The confinement of lockdown is a familiar situation for all…
May 13, 2020 Creator God gives us a statement of beauty and hope when He puts a silver lining around a dark cloud in the sky. He reminds us that the darkness is temporary and there is something more powerful than the cloud. It feels like our lives, our community and our world have a…
Meditación con el pastor Bill 6 de mayo de 2020 Sentado en mi silla de tratamiento esta semana frente a una ventana que me daba una vista para el Monte St. Helens, cubierto de nieve sobre un fondo azul cielo. Era una escena magnífica, y tuve mucho tiempo para disfrutarla y reflexionar sobre el significado…
May 6, 2020 My treatment chair this week faced a window that provided a frame for Mount St. Helens, covered with snow against a sky-blue background. It was a magnificent scene, and I had plenty of time to enjoy it and ponder the significance of that mountain. Prior to 1980, I called it “Mount Chrome…