Waiting for a deliverance, for some, seems to come easy. To folks wired like me, who get frustrated if I miss an opening in a revolving door, not so much. I recall a special needs student who explained why he sometimes had outbursts. He simply said, "Life don't easy." I can relate. With so much to be thankful for, and following a God who has shown himself faithful time and again, why would I doubt a deliverance was on the way, but I often do.

Ever listened, really listened to how folks pray? Better yet, have you ever paid attention to what you say when you pray? All too often it seems my prayers major on the stuff I hope God will do for me and mine. Don't get me wrong, we are encouraged to ask for what we need, but if we settle there time will show if we shrink down to a room of mirrors. For followers of Jesus, that is no way to live.

If you are like most folks, you have at least a passing recollection of the story of Jonah.

This reluctant prophet was called by God to travel east from Israel to proclaim God's message in Nineveh, the capital of ascendant Assyria. Known for brutality and ungodliness, this land of foreigners (in present day Iraq) was a direct threat to Israel. Understandably, Jonah scooted west and hopped a ride on a ship to Tarshish. Instead of going some 700 miles northeast, he intended to get as far away west as possible.

So far, 3.5 years into Grandparentland, I'm a fan. Remembering back, I think I was so busy scrambling somewhat cluelessly when our girls were toddlers that I missed some of the magic of a young life. Now, I find it easy to watch our daughter's daughter wander through her territory of discovery and experience sheer delight at the small things I rush right by, like …

In the midst of hard times, when we hope strong people will grow and emerge, folks of faith can wonder, "Where is God in all this?" Even in difficulties of our own making faith can waver and trust can wander. While we may not blame God for our circumstances we come close to that mindset. The difference lies in the God we follow.

A bit ago a memorial service was held for a dear friend, Mary. Having a part of the service was a gift and the time turned out to be just what a celebration of a believer's life should be. Long ago I was taught that there are three goals of a good funeral: Highlight the guest of honor, Comfort the bereaved, and Challenge those remaining.

For many of us, fall means football (and if it doesn't for you...hang with me for a bit). High School, college and the pros draw the attention of the nation. While soccer remains king of world-wide sports, American football sure moves the needle in the US. A couple of Fridays ago over 4,000 fans piled into Summit High's stadium and watched a great game between the Storm and the Bend High Lava Bears. It was a back-and-forth contest that hinged on just a couple of plays. Unless something weird happens, these two will see each other again, deep in the state playoffs.

The Psalms of ascent in the Hebrew Bible were road songs sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for religious festivals and are found toward the back of the bible's songbook. The lyrics affirmed faith, they reminded of true truths and encouraged travelers to do the hard work of trekking onward. One of my favorites is Psalm 133. The first line reads:

How good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity.