Author Archives: Pastor Ken Frantz

Very few things are set in stone, even if we believe them to be absolute and unchanging. That is true in the case of our old farmstead and the concrete steps leading up to the back door. The original concrete mixture was filled with sand and a wide variety of small stones of different shapesContinue reading “Set In Stone”

The spring blessing of new life is evident in the everyday as we emerge from a year of anxiety and concern. Amid the news of the day, old and new, are signs that life moves forward in positive ways if we choose to embrace it. Gardenwise, bulbs begin the flowering process without offering us theContinue reading “Faithful Hyacinths”

Finding good help these days can be difficult. Not the domestic notion kind of help that is cast deep in fiction and culture, but the good friend help where one person stands by and with you when challenges arise. Often it is a spouse or significant other fulfilling the charge. Sometimes the best help comesContinue reading “Minding The Help”

The office desk I use isn’t exactly modern art. It stems from the ’40s or ’50s, a hand-me-down that has served well but will never win a beauty contest. It was made during the era of everything veneer, and while it no doubt was unspoiled when new, it has become something less than perfect fromContinue reading “Hell For Stout”

A debate continues to unfold between Christian evangelicals and other Christian adherents over the definition of who “children of God” represent. For some, a focused reading of scripture would confer the honor only upon those who are “saved,” though in truth there is as much to debate over the merits and meaning of “saving” languageContinue reading “Children Of God, Or Not”

For many who claim Christianity as their own, unfettered joy is one emotion discoverable in Palm Sunday writings and liturgy. The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey of all things was stiff cause for celebration. His entrance is often described as “Triumphal,” though gossip was quickly afoot that both man and myth wereContinue reading “Riding On A Donkey”

The difference between light and dark can be tricky when it comes to religion. For many, shadow and nuance are integral to our understanding of faith, life and love. If it were easy, there would be little need for interpreting scripture and dogma would reign supreme. Black and white would represent the sole choices inContinue reading “Shades Of Understanding”

Some weeks there are certain phrases or words that pop up unbidden but that are nevertheless welcome. During the recent cold snap, “gratitude” tended to rise above the flurry of other words in part because the weather was dangerous and problematic, even in mostly benign settings. Gratitude was expressed for pipes unfrozen, animals protected, electricityContinue reading “Gratitude, Gifts, And A New Day”

Great art inspires. One need only look at works of the old Masters to confirm that aphorism. Art in the Christian Tradition (ACT) is one example of public access to religious art. Sponsored by Vanderbilt University, the ACT database continues to grow in size and scope, exhibiting a remarkable body of work that is freelyContinue reading “Inspiration On The Refrigerator”

Defining personal boundaries and borders can be a daunting task on the best of days, yet we know that life is generally better when we understand our limitations and constraints. For some, simply being clear regarding those boundaries is helpful; this is where I am, where I intend to be, or where I hope toContinue reading “Respecting Borders, Expanding Boundaries”