2015 was a landmark year for our son Adam as he traveled to Africa and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, proposed to Jess, moved into his first house and worked hard to finish up most of his MBA. 2016 will bring his wedding and more changes as he and Jess start their life together. Meanwhile things here… Continue reading New Paths
GI’s and Gridirons
For many Americans, the end of summer means one thing - football! No one loved football more than my father, Jim Austell. But in August of 1945, he was stationed in post-war Germany and had just experienced the most defining months of his life. Football was not on his mind. As a young lieutenant in… Continue reading GI’s and Gridirons
A Quiet Christmas
Here's to a quiet Christmas Like most everyone I know, I have been on the runaway Polar Express since Thanksgiving. When I was looking at the calendar back in November, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed innocent enough. I loved filling in the squares with all the extra activities - family dinners and holiday… Continue reading A Quiet Christmas
What do you want me to do for you?
"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asks this of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, who is sitting by the side of the road, shouting "Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Mark 10: 46-52) The disciples are trying to get him to shut up, but Jesus stops in the middle of the… Continue reading What do you want me to do for you?
Calling God on my iPhone
Just a few short years ago I never would have imagined that I would be carrying around a hand sized computer that would be a part of almost every aspect of my life. At times I feel like I am on Star Trek! Our obsession with our phones can have its down sides - I… Continue reading Calling God on my iPhone
Under the Magnolia Tree 