TheBuddyBlog.Com

Author: Buddy McElhannon

  • Sua Sponte

    Ash Wednesday marks the traditional start of the Lenten season. Christian faith communities observe this season in various ways, including revivals, renewal weekends, fasting, and sacrificial acts — and don’t forget those Friday night fish frys. Lent is a time to focus on repentance, forgiveness, and receiving God’s mercy and grace. It is a time…

  • What Are Some of Your Biggest Pet Peeves in Life?

    Call them what you will: pet peeves, sources of irritation, challenges to my tolerant spirit, or simply things that “get my goat.” Whatever you call them, I confess to having a few. What are the pet peeves that rancor my soul? In no particular order, here are the annoyances that peeve yours truly: My list…

  • Is Life Too Short for Golf?

    Is Life Too Short for Golf?

    A few years ago, I played a round of golf on an overcast and misty day.  It had rained the day before, and course conditions could best be described as soggy.  But, overall, the course was in good shape, and a day of golf with friends is still sunny, no matter the elements.  While I played…

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    The Front Row of a Funeral

    Unless you have sat in the front row of a funeral, you do not know how painful grief can be. You are not alone in the front-row seat. An unwelcome visitor named Grief now clings to you like the humidity of a Georgia August. You discover a newfound sense of emptiness as wave after wave…

  • A Place to Remember

    Are there places in your life that hold a bad memory.  The mere sight of the location triggers an emotional response.  Painful experiences from the past can do that. One such memory for me has since become a treasured remembrance.  Well, that may be a bit of an overstatement.  But, at the very least, it’s…

  • The Significance of Gift Wrapping

    The Significance of Gift Wrapping

    My wife and I take two different approaches when wrapping gifts at Christmas time. She is a connoisseur of decorative packaging, a guru of gift presentation, a wizard of wrapping, a master of ribbons and bows—well, you get the idea. She takes delight in a gift well-wrapped.  In her mind, taking the time to find…

  • Saying Grace and Planting Seeds of Virtue

    It has long been our family tradition to say grace before meals.  I have found it fascinating how many different ways we refer to this simple act before eating.  Some folks “say grace”, while others “return thanks” or simply “say a blessing.”  Whatever, you call it, it is an act with profound meaning.   Having…

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    Ten Things I Like About October and Five That I Don’t

    Having lived in 8 different decades, it occurs to me that my favorite month of the year is October.  Ok, April and December are close seconds, but the first full month of the Fall is always a welcome sight on the calendar. Of course there are some minor distractions and dislikes for every month, even…

  • The Transcendent Beauty of Stained Glass

    Stained glass windows in churches have long been a source of fascination and inspiration for me. I know I can worship God anywhere, anytime, and I do not need beads, crosses, or colored windows to do so. Yet, I have experienced moments with a grand sense of peace, serenity, and God’s presence, all from sitting…

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    The Theme Park of Misery — The Teenage Years

    Any parent who survives the teenage years of their offspring has an abundance of stories to tell.  I am no exception.  However, to avoid being disowned by my five adult children, I will refrain from sharing my encyclopedia of memories I possess of their embarrassing, crazy, scary, hilarious teen years.  I’ll save those stories for…