Author Archives: Don Follis

In Memoriam Darrel Allen "DA" FollisJanuary 1, 1928-May 13, 2009—–Born in rural northwestern Kansas … lived his whole life there … lived on 7 different farms growing up, where his father (my grandfather) worked as a tenant farmer … sergeant in the infantry in the Korean Conflict (honorably discharged) … Married to Patricia Jennings for 57 yearsContinueContinue reading “In Memory of my Dad”

I overheard a guy at Subway talking about how he wanted to be the captain of his own ship.  He was spelling out to the fellow across the table from him how his whole new business venture would work.  It sounded pretty peaches and cream to me minus the pain or sacrifice.  Finally, I heard himContinueContinue reading “Becoming the captain of your very own ship”

The experience with weakness … as I get older and especially now as I see my parents frail health … hits hard.  So very hard.  But it does link me with Jesus. "Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested."  Hebrews 2:18"This HighContinueContinue reading “How does Jesus feel about weakness?”

A couple of more thoughts from Andrew Marin and his winsome, stimulating new book by InterVarsity Press … Love is an Orientation (IVP, 2009) …  He argues throughout the book that our words and phrases, especially when interacting with the GLBT community, really do matter."Christians too easily lose sight of the fact that not everyone takesContinueContinue reading “The words you use really do matter…”

The focal point of GLBT/Christian relations, according to Andrew Marin in his terrific new book Love is an Orientation (IVP, 2009), is irrevocably linked to a set of questions that both communities not only ask each other, but have already each assigned to their own right answers.1.  Do you think that gays and lesbians areContinueContinue reading “Reframing the questions as a move to facilitate sustaining the relationship”

Andrew Marin's Love is an Orientation … Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community (IVP, 2009) deals with intelligently, humanly and biblically with the gay community like no writer on this issue I've ever read before.  It's a bold read.When three of Marin's best friends came out to him, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community suddenlyContinueContinue reading “Love is an Orientation … A terrific new book”

This link takes you to the site featuring Rich Stearns, President of World Vision, new book … The Hole in the Gospel.  Bill Hybels interviews Rich and this 10-minute segment is touching and powerful.  Stearns talks about how he went from poverty to incredible wealth to the Presidency of World Vision.  Really, really worth 10ContinueContinue reading “Fascinating interview between Bill Hybels from Willow Creek Church and
the president of World Vision”

  Prayer seen on a chaplain's leaflet in the Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa:Ever-present God, though I do not know what this day will bring, I trust you are with me.  You have promised, "I will never forget you.  I hold you in the palm of my hand."  Fill my empty places withContinueContinue reading “My recent morning prayer …”