Author Archives: Don Follis

Here’s a fun evening for Don and Jennifer. Going to the Thai restaurantcalled Siam Terrace in downtown Urbana. Cabbage/carrot slaw, cashew shrimp,chicken ramrong, Thai vegetable soup. Relaxing, fresh, delicious. Talking,taking our time, letting our hair down…

Don't make promises you don't intend to keep.  It is unfair, confusing and it will always get you in trouble.  And don't believe everything people tell you.   It really does take time to trust people.Read II Samuel 21.  You'll see what I mean.At one point, there was a famine during David's reign that lasted 3 years. ContinueContinue reading “An eye for an eye … a tooth for a tooth, being tricked and making promises. Geesh…”

Life always is changing.  This blog is going to be changing soon, I think.  I believe perhaps it will be more interesting soon.  It's pretty darned interesting now, especially when I post regularly.  :)I,Don Follis, will continue to be the writer, but the name will change soon.  It will reflect a new ministry I am beginningContinueContinue reading “This blog is about to change, I think!”

So I am up in Wisconsin earlier this week, and I run into a guy attending a writer's conference.  I met him in the hotel lobby one night and we strike up a conversation.  He was writing on his lap top, surrounded by several legal pads filled with hand writing.Our eyes caught and I said,ContinueContinue reading “Writing about Tears”

I have not been dieting but I have lost 12 pounds since the end of May.  I have never dieted in my life.  I now weigh about what I weighed when I when I was a senior in high school.  Imostly attribute the weight loss to not eating desserts this summer and a substantial slowdownContinueContinue reading “I have not been Dieting”

Paul's words in Romans 12 always stick with me.  Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.  When we hear good news from family members or friends, we should rejoice and whoop it up and squeal with delight.  If we do that, that person with great news will feel blessed. ContinueContinue reading “Laughing and Crying make us real”

I was discussing with some pastors the topic of friendships.  Many pastors have a best friend who is not part of their congregation.  For example:  "My good friend is another pastor in a different state.  I love my parishioners here, but I don't go on vacations with them."On the other hand, I happen to know a pastor whoContinueContinue reading “Pastors and their friends”

Jennifer and I are on the leadership team of the Vineyard national Pastor's Sabbath Retreat at Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake, Wisconsin.Our leadership team arrived yesterday and briefed.Today 8 couples arrived from around the United States.  "The purpose of the Pastor's Sabbath Retreat is to provided a directed retreat for the restoration andContinueContinue reading “Pastor’s Sabbath Retreat”