Douglas E. McClure

The Hatchery: a blog about my adventures in bird watching

Special Church Welcome

Special Church Welcome We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, filthy rich, dirt poor, yo no habla Ingles. We extend a special welcome to those who are crying new-borns, skinny as a rail or could afford to lose a few pounds. We welcome you if you can sing like…

January 22, 2013
Thoughts about Inauguration 2013

I am praying for the President of the United States… Not because… I think he will do a bad job I do not agree with his viewpoints He is outside of God’s will I think 2016 will be better without him He has made poor choices But, because: I urge you, first of all, to…

January 21, 2013
tripping over me

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth’s become so hard to see The world is on their way to You but they’re tripping over me Always looking around but never looking…

January 21, 2013
Spread too thin

For many months, and in some cases years, I have bemoaned and complained about my lack of focus and drive and productivity. I can feel the push to create and share but at times, it seems stifled. What is causing this blockage, this breakdown, in the flow of my mind and heart? Romans 8:28 tells…

January 10, 2013
2012 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog. Here’s an excerpt: 600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 2,100 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 4 years to get…

December 31, 2012
ROBERTS: Vilifying the Salvation Army harms mission of charity – Washington Times

ROBERTS: Vilifying the Salvation Army harms mission of charity – Washington Times.

December 8, 2012
The One Thing I Seek

Our church has daily Bible readings during Advent and today’s reading was Psalm 27:1-4. David shares about a very challenging time in his life. He speaks of the wicked advancing against him (v. 2) who wish to consume him. He tells of an army (v. 3) which surrounds and besieges him. He even refers to…

December 4, 2012
The Clause of Christmas (Christmas at the Movies – The Santa Clause)

Title: The Clause of Christmas Series: Christmas at the Movies – The Santa Clause Scripture: Isaiah 8:19-9:7 Theme(s): belief, need, promise, future, provision, light, freedom Scott Calvin is a man like most of us. He is too busy or too distracted. He is trying hard to make things work on his own, but he just…

November 25, 2012
All Natural

It is another beautiful day here at Camp Grandview! I have to confess: I am not a person who spends a lot of time in nature. But, when I am, I am reminded of the meticulous nature of God. When you see the design of a tree or the bend of a hill, it is…

July 3, 2012
Saying Goodbye

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11) My family has recently gone through a process that is familiar is some church traditions and completely alien in others. My wife…

June 29, 2012