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It is said that all good things must come to an end. I do hope that my readers would say that my long series of articles examining and expounding on the book of Proverbs has been good. I am sure some folks are ready for something different. I doubt that I will ever tackle such a lengthy series again. I trust that you have learned some things and been challenged along the way as I have. In some ways, the final chapter is a bit unusual. For one thing, it is attributed a king named Lemuel. The...
The approach of Valentine’s Day means a lot of people will think and hear about love in the days ahead. I recall decorating shoe boxes at school to bring home those little cards that each classmate would get for one another. Charlie Brown would hang out at his mailbox waiting for cards to come. They came, but only for Snoopy. I remember when I was single looking forward to Feb. 15. My wife and I do not make much of a deal with the red, heart-themed day. We try to show love to one another e...
As January mercifully nears its end, our thoughts turn to springtime. However, no matter how much we may long for green grass and trees blossoming with warm temperatures, there is the reality of having to get through the short but cold month of February still. I have told people that I like the four seasons that Pennsylvania offers. The older I get the more I realize that I like three out of the four seasons. As much as I may wish for spring, the reality is that I must wait for nature and the...
For weeks, my siblings and our families planned our annual holiday get together on Jan. 2 at my younger brother’s home. About a week before that, his wife was stricken with COVID. Soon after, two others in their family also got sick. As I type this, my sister-in-law is improving in the hospital. She went through a terrible ordeal in order to finally be admitted. Not only did our party plans fall apart, but we were given a new perspective and drawn into intense prayer. Around that same time, I v...
Now and then I make the mistake of asking my hospice patients what is new with them. In general, nothing is new with a person who is in their final months or days. Now and then they may receive a visitor or gift. But typically, their reply to what is new is “not much.” Something was new with a lady I visit who is 103. For the first time, she held out her hand so that I could hold it. I did so for quite a while. Later, she made a fist with that same hand and waved it as if to say it was time for...
‘Twas just days before Christmas and this columnist thought, “Will I be able to write creatively for the big day or not?” He went to his keyboard with a slipper on each foot, glad to not have to go down a chimney with soot. Would he write about past December memories or the recent holiday play? Shall he consider Mary, Joseph and the baby in the hay? So, he asked the Lord to give him a plan; an idea that would be pleasing to each woman and man. Then up in his mind there finally came one thing. What if he focused on songs that were sung by Bing....
As I have been immersed for several months now with a theater version of A Christmas Carol, I thought I would make some random observations of the Charles Dickens classic redemption story and my experiences after the first weekend of performances. I have simultaneously been reading a book with life lessons from the haunting Christmas story. This is the first Christmas season that I have put much thought into the book that was published in 1843. It is said there have been over one hundred film,...
Due to nursing home facility visit restrictions, I had to do a telehealth visit via Zoom today for a dear lady of the faith. It was the second time in the last several months that I had to settle for that with her instead of an in-person visit. In her early 90s, she had never talked with anyone by a screen. She was fascinated by the technology. A few weeks ago, she could at least get around in her wheelchair. Cancer has weakened her to the point of being limited to her bed. Yet, today this...
Sometimes in life we find that we are lacking the very thing we need at any given time. Last week I was well down the road on my way to work and already thinking about lunch when I realized I had forgotten my wallet. Thankfully, I had enough change in the car that I did not go hungry. I did have to limit myself, however. Today, I wanted to glue an old pair of my son’s tennis shoes that he wears for work. I found a bottle and tube of adhesive. They were both hard as a brick. I was lacking what I...
A few days ago my brother sent my sister and me a bill. As mentioned in my previous column, the three of us traveled over 1,000 toll road miles to Illinois to visit with family from England. The trip lasted what amounted to a few hours over parts of two days. Keep in mind that one of those we came to see was our 3-month-old great-niece. When we saw the total amount for the trip, divided by three we realized it was not cheap but definitely worth it. We enjoyed talking for hours in the vehicle,...
As I type these words, I am just a few days away from a trip with two of my siblings. Our unique journey will take us to the Chicago area to visit our 3-month-old great-niece. Her parents will be there, too. They are coming to America from Liverpool, England, for a wedding. Based on the pictures we have seen, she is a real cutie, with hair way longer than mine. As the time of seeing her in person approaches, I could not help but think about what a different world she is growing up in than her Pe...
If I have learned anything from working through the book of Proverbs, it should be the problem with pride. While I would like to think that the Lord has helped me stay humble, there are still weak spots. The fact that I have never had a drop of alcohol is something I am proud of. That is not a bad thing to take pride in. However, at times, I think my alcohol-free record has led to me looking down on others who choose to drink. The Bible does not ban the drinking of alcohol. It certainly gives...
In my most recent column I mentioned looking forward to our big family vacation. I stated that you may be hearing more about it in the future. Now that I have been back for over a week, I thought I might just spend this entire space looking back on our time out west. If you are one who easily gets bored or jealous hearing about someone’s trip, you may want to read another section. But hopefully you can read on as I reflect on observations and lessons learned as I take you to beautiful S...
As you read these words, I will have just completed what may be our last family vacation. Only the Lord knows the future; but my sons are young adults now. Between them working and being in college, this may be the final one. We have been looking forward to the four of us exploring the beaches, cities, nature and food of Southern California. I am sure I will be writing about our adventures in the near future. It is a wonderful thing to have something to look forward to. That is one of the great...
With the holiday weekend upon us, I thought I would do something a bit different. I am taking a break from my Proverbs series to answer your questions as I open up the reader mailbag. It will be a way to help you get to know a bit more about me. It is hard to believe I am entering my fifth year writing these columns. I am sure you have gotten to know some facts about me and my family as I have written. Perhaps this will be even more enlightening. Do you have any particular July 4 memories and...
This summer has already been interesting. I booked a family vacation for California. We watched our youngest son graduate from high school and vacation without us. I got to play disc golf with my older son. Now we have to try the new course in Martinsburg. Numerous turtles have been spotted crossing the road. I saw a little bear exit and enter the woods about fifty feet from my house. I have crunched a few cicadas under my feet and listened to millions of them. The Lord gave me several...
Most people know that there are things in life that we can control. I control my thermostat – until my wife changes it. I decide what clothes I will put on in the morning and how fast I will drive. Folks also realize that there are some things that are out of control. Even as I type this sentence, there is a severe storm warning – with blue skies overhead. We cannot control the weather. I have no say in what people around me say about me or what their activities are. The more I have the right perspective about control the better my life wil...
For over a year, my bicycle has been hanging in the garage – untouched. It needed new brakes, tires and an overall tune up. Since I have no mechanical abilities, I broke down and decided to take it to the shop. Though it is over 20 years old, the cost of repairs was far less than buying a new one. Last week I picked it up and was thankful for a great weather forecast. After several short, but intense rides I was reminded of a few things. Just as I have for almost 50 years, I love being on a b...
Recently I found myself in an interesting position. Although I help people prepare for grief and in the midst of their grief, this was a new one. It is different when family is involved. What made it even more unusual is that it was my brother’s dog that had died and I had never been a fan. But my sibling and his wife were much shaken with the unpleasant death of their first and only beloved canine. She had lived beyond her life expectancy and been a good pet for the family of four. So, I did m...
Recently I have been watching old episodes of the TV show Dragnet from the late 1960s. I am not sure why I am getting into it but I find it very interesting despite the stiff, predictable acting and recycled character actors in each show. Those are "just the facts." I remember the dramatic dirty hand with the stamp at the end of each show, signifying Jack Webb's production company. Maybe I like seeing what the world was like when I was a child. Yet, life in Somerset County was much different...
Some people find the number 13 to be unlucky for some reason. I never heard the reasoning behind that superstition. Some tall buildings go from floor 12 to floor 14 just to avoid the dreaded number. On the other hand, there are athletes who choose to wear number 13 to show they are not afraid of the digit. I personally always enjoyed getting 13 ears of corn when paying for 12! Whatever your view, you can't go wrong by learning God's truths found in the 13th Chapter of the book of Proverbs. A wis...
As I continue to write this series of observations and applications from the book of Proverbs it becomes increasingly clear to me that it is easier to write about God's truth than it is to obey it. Practicing what I preach has always been something that I take seriously but if I am honest, it can be a challenge. Sometimes the parenting expert is not the best parent. I can gladly advise husbands on how to improve their marriage but I do not always give a full effort in truly loving my wife as I...
I am nearly 2.5 years into my ministry as a hospice chaplain. Time flies. I like most everything about the job. I am able to meet amazing people and share God's Word with them. We listen to and sometimes sing wonderful hymns of the faith together. The Lord allows me to encourage people daily as I pray aloud with them. I get to travel around a beautiful area. Naturally, there are things I do not like. I am not fond of dogs barking at me, especially if they are bigger than me. A cat rubbing...
Think about the various things you think about and deal with on any given day. One minute you can be at peace and looking forward to something and the next you may be sad and troubled. Your good perspective can quickly turn sour. Yesterday I was struck by how dark and dreary the January skies were. Within the hour, out came the sun. The next day was cloudy once again. But the forecast looks promising. Like the people who used to be elevator operators, life is full of ups and downs. As we look...
I do not like saying goodbye. I suppose most people are the same way. For years I served on a national board associated with our fellowship of churches. Twice a year about a dozen of us got together from around the country with the goal of making local churches more effective and having greater evangelistic impact. We would meet in different locations to plan, pray, review finances, evaluate, make hard decisions, and visit churches that were making a difference and being creative. We also enjoyed good food and had much laughter together. There...
At Christmas, certain things just go together. There is mistletoe and holly, Bing Crosby and White Christmas, red and green, Mary and Joseph, Santa and reindeer, milk and cookies, fruitcake and...jokes. But as Christmas approaches, let us consider how fear and peace go together. As the dreadful calendar year of 2020 draws to a close there are many people living in fear. Kids fear Santa will find them being naughty instead of nice. Parents fear the credit card bill. Some fear for the future...
I remember as a teen, hearing John Denver and the Muppets sing a song I had never heard before. It was sung in the round. Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. Please put a penny in the old man’s hat. If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do. If you haven’t got a ha’penny, then God bless you! On and on it went. I did not understand the song at the time but still enjoyed the tune. It turns out the song was based on a British nursery rhyme from the 19th century. I assume the goose...
You may know some people who like to talk. Some folks go on and on in their speech. Of course, there is nothing wrong with being talkative. The problem is when a person talks without being a good listener. I admit that even though I listen for a living, I am better at talking. At times I must reign myself in. This is one of the many practical issues of life addressed in the book of Proverbs. As the wisdom series continues, I will pick it up with selected verses in Chapter 10. The wise of heart...
Just about everyone has had experience with at least one hospital if not multiple ones in their lifetime. It all began the moment most of us were born. Of course, we cannot recall the moment of birth or leaving the hospital a few days later with our proud parents. Other hospital times are very memorable, whether it was a trip to the emergency room or an admission. You were either the patient or with the patient. I have extensive hospital experience as a child, grandson, son, husband,...
Editor's Note: Due to unforseen events, Pastor Lee Seese was unable to write a column for this week. The column below appeared in the Oct. 11, 2018, edition of the Herald. Some scattered, random thoughts as we approach the middle of October... I wonder what "month" it was when God created everything. We celebrate and commemorate all sorts of things, but no one knows when it all began. What was the high and low temperature in the Garden of Eden? Or was it always the same? Was Eve usually cold and...
As the trees in the valleys and on the hills and mountains of Pennsylvania become more colorful, I am reminded of several things. The seasons and leaves change but God never does. He remains faithful and unchanging. The Lord also creates beauty for his glory and our enjoyment. As you admire his handiwork, worship the Creator but not his creation. Proverbs 9 and 10 reminds us of how God's human creation will be much better off when they follow the way of the Lord. "Instruct the wise and they...
Some weird things happen to me almost every day in my ministry as a hospice chaplain. People stare at me and folks eavesdrop on my conversations. There are other unique things that go on as well, but I will spare you those details. I often visit patients in lounge areas in facilities where folks are very close together. It is possible that people are simply staring and thinking, "Who is that masked man?" One can smile until being blue in the proverbial face but when wearing a mask no one can be...
Last night I drove my car in a strange manner and it malfunctioned. I ended up safely at the airport, only to realize I did not have my passport or driver's license. I searched frantically for my license as people around me laughed. Thankfully the kind woman at the gate said I could take the flight using my rewards card from a popular convenience store that rhymes with "beats." Why did she allow that? Beats me. After all, it was just a dream. Lately I have been having vivid nightmares and dreams...
As the unique summer of 2020 winds down, I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to contribute to this space for over three years. It is challenging to me that it cannot be more of a conversation. I have no way of knowing if my readers number a handful or hundreds. No matter, I will keep thinking and writing if you keep reading...whoever you are! In the paragraphs ahead I will continue with the series on Proverbs as I examine and reflect on random ones that the Lord impresses me with. We...
I thought I would take a break from my series of columns from the Proverbs to reflect on my recently completed hurricane-shortened, mask-wearing vacation. I can still remember the vacations of my childhood. Neither of my parents grew up in a home where they could go to another state for a getaway. However, from the time I could remember they made sure their family of seven would have vacations to remember. I recall my Dad carrying me out to the family station wagon in the wee early hours of the...
If you have adult children you can probably relate to what I have been experiencing over the past several years. My sons are 17 and 18. They are not children anymore. And though they want to be treated as adults they are not showing a lot of signs of being ready to be on their own. They may be taller and physically stronger than me. Yet they are somewhat lacking in the wisdom and maturity department. One even said he could probably be fine without his parents besides the money thing. It...
As we are now midway through the hot summer, I thought it would be cool to continue looking at the Proverbs. I know some folks read a Proverb a day to keep foolishness away. I have at times prayed some Proverbs. Whatever approach we take it is certainly beneficial to read and apply God's wisdom in these troubled times. According to Proverbs 3, we should not forget his teaching, but keep his commands in our hearts. What if we do that? It will result in a prolonged life, peace, and prosperity...
As hospice chaplain of almost two years I have grown accustomed to the challenges of ministering to dear folks who have dementia. Just today I visited with someone I have seen for over a year. She held my hand for quite a while and said, "I never met you before, but I like you." In her defense, it had been a few months since I had been allowed in the facility due to pandemic concerns. I was also wearing a mask. However, despite all the conversations and laughs we had enjoyed together it was as...
When I was 18 years old I did something for the first time. I became friends with a black man. In fact, in my freshman year of college there were two African American guys who I got to know. The one was on the basketball team and planning to become a pastor. The other ran against me for class chaplain. He won. While we had little in common they were really sharp guys. While we never became close friends, I have positive memories of them. I also got to know an Asian girl. Even though my college...
I cut the grass today. Maybe you did too. Perhaps you wish your health still would permit you to do so. Some people love to mow the lawn. When my dad was alive it was one of his favorite things to do – especially with a bush hog. There is something therapeutic about it. Others dread keeping up with the grass. A guy in my neighborhood has a robot cutting his. One thing is certain. Summer is upon us and the grass is growing. Most would agree they would rather cut grass than shovel or blow snow! I...
Late every summer we hear the term "back to school." There are back-to-school sales, band camps and fall sports practices. In some cases, parents are counting the days until the kids can return. Of course, while some children like to go to school, the thought of summer ending and them going back is something most youngsters dread. One fine student who won't be going back to high school is my son, Micah. He is a member of the class of 2020 and with almost 4 million others he experienced the most...
I must admit that I do not feel like writing this column today. I really did not feel like writing it yesterday either. However, you obviously feel like reading it; so I will press ahead. Think of many times since you were a small child that you have not felt like doing something. Children do not have to be taught to disobey. Sometimes they simply do not feel like obeying because they would rather not do the responsibility or task at hand. Clean your room. Share. Don't pull your sister's hair....
A few weeks ago it was a beautiful spring day with warm temperatures and blue skies. It is not unusual for my wife and me to go for a walk in our neighborhood, which is at the base of a mountain. But I asked her if she wanted to go for a walk in the woods behind our house instead. She declined because she did not want to pick up a tick. My sons did not want to go, either. Apparently our Wi-Fi does not reach beyond our back yard. So off I went alone with nothing but the clothes on my back. No jac...
This will be an Easter weekend like we have never seen before. There will be no crowded malls with people looking for a new Easter outfit. If a person had an Easter outfit, they would not have a church service to attend to wear it. The busiest Sunday of the year for church buildings will be quiet. While we can be thankful for the ability to watch a service online, it just isn't the same. I heard about a group of churches in Johnstown planning to use a drive-in theater for Good Friday, Easter...
I strongly considered writing about something other than dealing with the coronavirus. But it is about all that anyone is talking about and dealing with at the moment. Much has changed even since my last column appeared. Much more will change in the six days between my deadline and the publication. The senior trip that my son looked forward to for years has been canceled. My sister in England found out that a co-worker has the virus. The U.S. economy has been dramatically affected. Friends have...
Lately I have been thinking about numbers. I doubt that Numbers is your favorite book of the Bible. It does, however, contain some interesting digits and stories. There were 603,550 Israelite men aged 20 and older who were qualified to fight in battle. So assuming there were men my age and older with flat feet and bad eyes who were exempt, God's people may have numbered over 2,000,000 when you factor in women and children, too. Moses and the large group of people he led definitely needed the...
Of the many words of Jesus that have been quoted and scrutinized there are some that are easy to overlook. In the midst of a long list of challenging statements which have come to be known as the Beatitudes Jesus says something interesting. "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). I was born at Mercy Hospital. Like two of my old school buildings, it no longer exists. There is a Christian band named MercyMe. I can only imagine how popular they are. Mercy Ships are...
Billy Graham told the story of meeting a less fortunate man on the street. He gave the man some money and asked him what his greatest need was. He did not mention money or a job or house. The man said, "I am all alone. I have no one to love me." Of course, the Rev. Graham took the opportunity to tell the person of God's love through Jesus. That love of God was the focus of my last column. Today I want us to be challenged with how we model our Father's love in how we love others. I was impressed...
The other day I preached from 1 John 3 and was reminded of a verse that is so easily overlooked and a truth taken so lightly. It may be because the first verse of the chapter contains the "L" word. In our world the word "love" is probably one of the most used, overused and misused word in our vocabulary. People love pizza, pets, pals, politics, partners and a plethora of other things. But so many people do not love God because they do not know or accept His love for them. My next few columns...
In my previous column I discussed how every day is a holy day and should be seen as a gift from God. We should be grateful for each day we wake up and can work, play, help others and worship the Lord. Though it is nice to celebrate Christmas and other special holidays we should embrace each day as a holy day as we walk with the Lord. There is one day a year that some people cannot wait for and others could live without acknowledging. Some even dread seeing the day come. If you have not already g...
