It's been a while since I've written here. Life has been happening the past few months. I have decided to start fresh, so I'm moving this blog over to Wordpress. If you have enjoyed what you have read here, I invite you to go over to fredshope.com and check it out. I've enjoyed writing on here and I am grateful for those of you who have read my musings over the years. Thank you ..read more

For some, this is the week we pause to give thanks for all of the blessings God has given us. Others commemorate the time by eating too much, and then watching football or battling the crowds at all the stores. Some have a hard time coming up with things to be thankful for. It can be the beginning of a hard season for some. If you know someone who is struggling this time of year, try to spend some time with them and let them know that someone does care about them. Here are the links: Excellent article from Bruce Hillman. Yelling at God? Yes. Some good news. Speaking of the caravan. Officials ..read more

It has been a rough week in parts of the country. The hatred and vitriol that has marked the country the past couple of years has gotten worse in the months leading up to the midterm elections. The worst dialogue and actions are being carried out by a minority of folks on either side. I pray that enough people wake up to the damage that is being done and refuse to listen to those that would further divide us. On to the good stuff: Screen dangers. Sinners and saints. Don't be a Stepford Wife. Satire? Maybe. Good post on Halloween. A warning. Classic iMonk post on Reformation Day. This is unf ..read more

It has been a bit chilly here in the sunny South this past week. The political ads are getting more numerous and nastier. It's rare these days when a candidate gives you positive reasons why you should vote for them rather than negative reasons why the other candidate is evil. I don't know how the elections are going to turn out, but no matter what happens, my calling as a follower of Jesus doesn't change. On to the real reason you are here. The links: Happy happy? Are you haunted? Here is a very touching article. We need more of this. This is a problem. Leaving Facebook. Good article from ..read more

This is the time of year that sports fans have a number of games to choose from. There is professional and college football, baseball, and pro basketball. College basketball teams have begun to practice for the upcoming season. This year's official political campaign season mercifully ends in about a month, although it doesn't seem, that it really never ends these days. On to the good stuff: Serious article from McSweeney's. Don't forget eternity. Good post from Donavon Riley. The dad joke. This is a good story. Lawnmower? Really? Amy Hollingsworth remembers Mr. Rogers. Sarah Condon on reco ..read more

Here in our little corner of the sunny South, we survived Hurricane Florence. We were just south of the circulation of the bands of high wind and rain, so we escaped. The folks to the east of us had a rough time and now face even more flooding as the water from upstream comes back down already swollen rivers as it returns to the sea. Please pray for the people in the eastern part of the Carolinas, and help if you are able. On to the links: Remembering Johnny Cash. Drawing lines. Hurricane prep. Two lies. Watch out for those houseplants. Good question. This is an amazing story. A dangerous p ..read more

It's a long weekend here in the sunny South, and I hope it is for you all as well. College football has kicked off the season, and the pros are getting ready to begin theirs. Political campaign signs are popping up like weeds, and we will soon be bombarded by media ads telling us why the other candidate is the scum of the earth. On to better things: Good post from Donavon Riley. You don't have to be good at everything. I wouldn't mess with this guy. Now you know. Back to school buying guide. Good post from Steve Brown. New book! Taking things for granted. Good question. A Christian band? W ..read more

In our gathering last Sunday, I had the privilege of speaking on Acts 27. You can listen to it here ..read more

As you can tell, this month has been a busy one, so I haven't had the chance to do much wanderings through the interwebs. I don't know if it's going to get a whole lot slower heading in to Fall, but I have some time this weekend to wander a bit, so here is some of the best out there. Early Yelp reviews. So, evidently there is a new shape. Finally, realistic self-help books. An excellent, must-read article. Another good post. This must have taken a while to put together. This is interesting. In case you you are something other than a "helicopter parent." Good post from Bob Edwards. So much wo ..read more

Summer is winding down here in the sunny South. It's actually been a bit cooler here than normal. Football season is gearing up, and the major league baseball playoffs are getting closer. The silly season is upon us again, as politicians start pandering, er I mean jockeying for our votes. On to the important stuff: Grace never expires. In case you're thinking about deleting Facebook. Slow learner. Summer and eternity. Good question. Watch out for those extremist groups! Interesting article. The smell of rain. Good article. Good post from Bob Edwards.  G-L-O-R-I-A. More than you ever k ..read more