By JIM NICHOLS Many of us have heard that preachers (or writers) often preach or write what they, themselves, need to hear. When the product comes out, it may not be obvious, but I believe it is often true. That is an admission from me that I want to talk to myself here and let you listen in. These seem

By JIM NICHOLS “Bench research” describes scientific endeavor that involves, at least partially, standing at a laboratory bench doing experiments. This might involve test tubes, various liquid solutions, small machines, and, in the case of a biologist, some sort of living organisms. The goal is to generate numbers that have some meaning or usefulness. I have done a lot of

By JIM NICHOLS Several weeks ago, small flags appeared in our front yard. Our next-door neighbors were re-financing their house and one of the legal requirements was to identify the true boundaries between the properties. Boundaries are apparently important to all of us. In recent days, more flags have appeared, this time in our back yard. After asking my permission,

By JIM NICHOLS If you understand anything about computers, you know more than I do. Most of us carry around a small computer we use as a telephone but also use for many other purposes. Many of us have access to a larger computer that we use for gathering and sorting information, communicating, and, frankly, playing. My hunch is that

By JIM NICHOLS One of my favorite musical shows is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The first time I saw it I was fascinated how the creative artists put together a charming and important lesson from the Bible featuring catchy songs and great dancing. It tells the story of Joseph’s life from being (literally) cast out from his family

By JIM NICHOLS Everyone acknowledges that children are full of questions. In many ways, they are starting life knowing little of anything and they learn by asking questions as well as observation and, perhaps, imitation. They ask questions seeking answers; as adults, we also seek answers, but adult questions include some deeper possibilities. For those of us trying to follow

By JIM NICHOLS Like many other children, I grew up with great appreciation for Halloween. What can be better for a child than to dress up in a costume of some sort, walk up to a stranger’s door, and they give you candy? For free! What a deal! I have lots of memories associated with Halloween and they are almost

By JIM NICHOLS My editor has issued a caution to avoid writing anything that is too political. I will do my best, but note that I am presenting a testimonial here; you do not have to agree with it. It is mine. Two items have come together in my thinking. The first is the great story of Samuel choosing David