In the season’s darkness, let your light shine
What’s wrong with this picture? By Bruce Stambaugh Residents of northeast Ohio have now tasted both the Thanksgiving Day turkey and the season’s first snow. The holidays are indeed upon us. As we...
View ArticleInspired by the paradox of Christmas
Ready for Christmas. By Bruce Stambaugh Make no mistake. The celebration of Christmas is a paradox. It always has been, and likely always will be. I sensed that conundrum even as a child. Amid all of...
View ArticleClinging to hope despite experiencing the dark side of baseball
First pitch. By Bruce Stambaugh Another Major League Baseball season has begun. As a devoted Cleveland Indians fan, I’m hoping this will finally be the year they win it all. I say that every year. But...
View ArticleThis birthday is a big one and I’ll enjoy it just like all the others
A previous birthday with the grandkids. By Bruce Stambaugh When I was a youngster, I never liked having a birthday in December. From my perspective, my day always seemed to get caught up in the hubbub...
View ArticleWith the past in mind, decorating for the holidays took on a new look
Our modest outdoor light display. By Bruce Stambaugh Decorating for the holidays is a given at our house. My wife and I have modestly festooned our places of residence ever since we were married....
View ArticleA Christmas Poem: Do Not Fear
“We live in fearsome times.” My father told me that when we uselessly practiced nuclear bomb drills by hiding under our school desks, when with trepidation I sat cross-legged on the floor in front of...
View ArticleYear-end Shadows
The end of 2018 is in sight. Given the state of the world today, perhaps we all need a fresh start in life, no matter our age, our situation, our status. A new year brings new hope. I reflected on all...
View ArticleHope
There is nothing particularly spectacular about this photo, although it is pretty. The photo’s details make for a diverse composition: The deflected sunset rays, the fog rising from the hollows of the...
View ArticleNever Give Up on Hope
The first rain after weeks of drought in the Shenandoah Valley. Photo by Bruce Stambaugh. I remember standing on our back porch watching an approaching thunderstorm. It was the middle of July 1988,...
View ArticleWhat Does Advent Require?
Advent candles and tapestry. We are halfway through the season of Advent already. Advent in the Christian tradition occurs the four Sundays before December 25. That is the day earmarked as the birth...
View Article