I just placed a Christmas flag at the end of our drive that reads: "Joy to the World, the Lord has come." And, at the center of the front lawn, I set letters that spell out the word "JOY." In the "O" of JOY is a rendering of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and alongside the …
Celebrating and Giving Thanks for All the “Good Men”
The article to which I'm linking here reminded me, in the midst of all the MeToos, to celebrate and give thanks for all the "good men" who have used their strength to stand between me and those who would have harmed me. Good men who put themselves at great physical risk to protect me or …
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Linking to and Reflecting upon a Lament about Anti-Intellectualism in the Church
I'm linking here to a lament over what is true of all too many churches. It begins with the author’s recollection of a pastor who, in the course of his sermon, said he was discussing things he didn’t understand. Worse, he seemed to have made no attempt to get a grip on the Word and …
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Interviewing Paul Bogard, author of The End of Night
I'm looking forward, with great excitement, to next Monday's interview with Paul Bogard, author of The End of Night. The cover of his book notes that: "A brilliantly starry night is one of nature's most thrilling wonders. Yet in our world of nights as bright as day, most of us no longer experience true darkness. …
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Forcing Conformity While Calling It Tolerance
I am a staunch advocate for free speech and the free exercise of religion and am appalled at the steady erosion of these long-in-place and long-cherished rights in the United States. Phil Robertson, of Duck Dynasty, recently responded to a question about sin, paraphrasing--what he believes to be--the Word of God. He has been threatened with …
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An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last
“An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.” – Winston Churchill
Eugenics and Extropic Transhumanism: “Perfection” at What Cost?
Today, when we think of eugenics, our thoughts most likely turn to mid-twentieth century Germany and Nazi efforts to create a “pure race” by eliminating those considered unworthy of contributing to the chain of heredity. What many may not know, however, is that the eugenics movement was well established in the United States before it …
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I’ve Finally Started Tweeting
I’ve finally opened a Twitter account. I’ve begun posting there on Christian spirituality, wildlife, wild places, art, travel, photography, companion animals, poetry, literature, soundscapes, habitats, books, writing, politics, social issues and… You’ll find me under D.F.G. Hailson. I hope you’ll look for me and will connect with me there. Of course, I’ll still be blogging …
The Wild Life: Surprise Encounters in the Natural World
For two years, two months and two days - from late 2010 to the start of this new year - my husband and I traveled across the United States in search of "experiences outside of our experiences." Now settled for a time, I am preparing a book that traces the spirit-elevating lessons to be found …
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Trying to Grab a Victory on the Cheap
Over the last couple of days, self-identifying Atheist Facebookers (not necessarily "card-carrying members," just folks) have been reposting a slam against Christians and the Bible from The Richard Dawkins' Foundation for Reason and Science. Referring to the King James version of the New Testament, the piece asserts that "21st century Christians believe the 'Word of …
