Douglas Wood

HERE AT THE CHURCH O THE PINES on Palm Sunday, we have no tropical fronds to lay before an honored Teacher. But snow is beginning to fall and it appears the pine boughs will soon be bending low. Nor have we hosannas to shout—although the blue jays are hollering enthusiastically. But we recall the story of a humble donkey bearing

THERE IS A BATTLE coming which may last for decades, even generations. In fact, the battle is upon us and has already been joined, although many may not fully realize it. It is a contest over values—between those who value money and power and the immediate acquisition of them (and very little else); and those who value more subtle, more

IT’S BEEN A LITTLE WHILE since we’ve seen the cabin-in-the-woods look like this. With more to come. March might turn out to be our first winter month. Koda-the-forest-kitten is not happy. The congregation of the Church O’ The Pines is cold and hungry, so Fellowship Hall is open for business. We think about all our migrating friends heading back home

I SPENT THE LAST FEW DAYS traipsing across the Minnesota prairie. Visiting some nice folks in Austin at the Sweet Reads Bookstore and Hormel Nature Center, then on to the little community of Arlington to see the kids at St. Paul’s School. North of town on Mcleod County Highway #1 I came upon perhaps the smallest pioneer cemetery I’ve ever