Category Archives: Relationships

Toward Peace

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Doc Arnett

We sit, then, sipping cold drinks
and watching the moon slip its way
into the branches of the pin oak. Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Christian Living, Death & Dying, Family, Gardening, Nature, Poetry, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged closeness, conversation, evening, gardening, hope, peace, resting, talking, twilight | Comments Off

I have a 1997 Ford Ranger pickup that has spent most of its entire life carrying more weight than it was built to carry. In that regard, it’s kind of like a few people I’ve seen in Wal-Mart. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Humor, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged buying used car, checking oil, deceit, evangelists, honesty, used cars, used truck, Wal-Mart, WalMart | Comments Off

Good Measure

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Doc Arnett

In the strong stir of southern wind,
the long, slender limbs of locust
bend to the north in sweeping crescents
of graceful submission, Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Nature, Poetry, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged adjusting to life, bending, birch trees, gentleness, influence, locust trees, storm damage, trees, wind | Comments Off

Blair, Kansas

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Doc Arnett

There are bound to be a hundred stories here, buildings that used to host something resembling a flourishing business, once-fine houses now lived in by the last, poorest cousin of some entrepreneur, once-occupied, now empty lots including the one where they finally tore down the old school. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged Blair Kansas, Doniphan County, evangelism, neighborhood, old towns, poverty, rural community | Comments Off

The Long Walk

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Doc Arnett

Another item on the list of things Barry has not been able to buy during his unemployment is the medicine he needs for some psychological issues. “When he’s on his meds, he does great,” his girlfriend explained. “When he ain’t, look out! He’s a real bear.” Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Family, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation, Work | Tagged determination, health care, lack of medicine, laziness, medicine, poverty, stereotypes, unemployment, work | Comments Off

Lawn Chair Evangelism

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Doc Arnett

Randa sat on the doorstep outside the tiny dilapidated apartment and let me have one of the folding chairs. Bryan’s girlfriend sat in the other while he leaned against the railing. The sounds of loud music and louder voices hammered along the line of doors with peeling paint and sagging gutters. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Prayer, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged evangelism, faith, poor, poverty, prayer, pride, witnessing | Comments Off

Hitchin’ Post

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Doc Arnett

It used to be pretty routine for me, officiating weddings for people I didn’t know. Part of the job, goes with the territory, that’s what ministers do, etc. I’d guess that over half of the weddings I’ve done since 1975 were for people I’d never even met until they decided they wanted a legal union. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Family, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged church, commitment, marriage, minister, pastor, preacher, priest, vows, weddings | Comments Off

More than Trophies

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Doc Arnett

According to Dan, turkeys can’t smell worth a hoot but their vision is legendary. I stay and stay still as he finishes elbow-walking his way to the edge of the cornfield that stretches out over the next two hills. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Family, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged camo, camouflage, evangelism, father, father and son, hunting, Kansas, northeast Kansas, Relationships, son, turkey hunting | Comments Off

Late Night Ruminations

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Doc Arnett

With nothing particular on my mind and no dietary suspects, I cannot explain the trouble I had in getting to sleep last night. Sometimes, I think such times might be the result of some deeper concern, something disturbing the spirit, something beyond normal thought. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged disturbance, insomnia, peace, Relationships, self-control, trouble sleeping | Comments Off

An Ancient Art

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Doc Arnett

My third son, Daniel, has been the premier outdoorsman of the family since his youth. His dedication has cultivated a skill level that rivals that of anyone I’ve ever met. Although we have fished together since he was a kid, this is the first time we’ve ever been on a hunt together. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Family, Nature, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation, Sports | Tagged Doniphan County, Doniphan County Kansas, family, fathers, hunting, skill, sons, turkey calls, turkey hunting | Comments Off