James Snyder

One good look at the Good Book

I very seldom get lost when I am going somewhere. That is, unless your definition of seldom is every time I need to find a new place. Then all options are out the car window. Still I need to understand what you mean by "lost." Lost is a rather relative... Read >

Troubling News from the North Pole

While many are absorbed with the trifling news of the weakening economy, bailing out the all but defunct auto industry, and the emergence of a new Britney Spears, news that is more important is not being heard. Believe it or not, there are some things mor... Read >

For Sale: One Lying Bathroom Mirror

Nobody enjoys privacy more than Yours Truly. I confess I am not a very happy camper when that privacy is compromised in any fashion. Recently, I endured a tremendous trespass on my privacy. One day last week, I got up as usual and tottered off to the b... Read >

What It Takes to Be an Expert on Anything

After what seemed like months of a hectic schedule the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and Yours Truly were enjoying a relaxing evening in the parsonage living room catching up on a pile of newspapers. It is amazing to me how much the new news is like ... Read >

Dancing with the Squirrels

I was sitting in my chair going through a large cookbook that had belonged to my grandmother when the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage came into the room."Are you reading a cookbook?" she asked.Let me stop here and just start from the beginning. It all ... Read >

Bad Habits and the People Who Enjoy Them

"Do you know," the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage said rather sarcastically to Yours Truly, "you have the bad habit of leaving your socks rolled up under the bed?"Being the sarcastically-challenged husband that I am, I knew this was rhetorical and not... Read >

I-Phone, U-Phone, We All Scream At Our Cell Phone

Technology, undeniably, has made marvelous improvements to our lives. Much of this technology I would not want to give up under any circumstance n technologies like my computer, automobile, microwave and other such conveniences. Life is good because of th... Read >

Sometimes It's Necessary To Fool Mother Nature

Summer may not be the only time to have a picnic, but it is by far the perfect time to have a picnic. At other times of the year we are normally more rushed than during the summer. Therefore, the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and Yours Truly endeavor... Read >

As Any Husband’s Luck Would Have It …

For many people July 7, 2007 was considered a lucky day. All across our country hundreds of young couples selected this day to get married. It had something to do with having three sevens in a row. Everybody knows this is the epitome of luck. Actually,... Read >

A Tribute To The Few Who Sacrificed For The Many

America has successfully celebrated another Independence Day. I could be corrected in my calculation, but I believe every American celebrated this great holiday in some fashion, with barbecues aplenty along with many firework displays. All government offi... Read >

Don't Mess with My Morning Coffee

On my recent "get away," I checked myself in to a non-expensive hotel. Okay, it was a cheap motel. But I was not interested in fancy accoutrements, simply getting away and resting. Personally, I don't need much to do either. I don't need a lot of entertai... Read >

The Winds Of Change Don't Always Blow Gently

The more my age changes the less amicable I am toward change. I really would not mind change so much if some changes were not so different. Of course, my mind is open to change on this subject. For example, I really don't get this idea of Daylight Savi... Read >

Old Phil Propagated A Good Old Hoax

It began as all things begin n a long period of boredom with nothing exciting to do. Whoever said, "Idle hands are the devil's workshop," knew something of what they were speaking. As the story was told to me, it went something like this: It was toward... Read >

Drumsticks along the Tabletop

Finally, the house was quiet and I was relaxing in my favorite recliner musing on the activities of the day. Just a few hours previous, the house was clamoring with the noise of my family celebrating another Thanksgiving Day together. My wife is in the ki... Read >

It Became An All-Night Serenade Crusade

I'm at the age when sleep, especially during the night, is a very fragile commodity. The least little noise arouses my body to full consciousness. I say my body, because I'm not sure my brain is ever conscious. Too much evidence exists to make one believe... Read >