A few years ago I was doing some reading about Sabbath and Sabbath practices. It is tragic that for many people, “Sabbath-keeping” is associated with all the things you aren’t allowed to have or do on Sundays. A strict list of what can seem like...
Simplicity. That is my word for 2018, and I am embracing it with a vengeance. One of the reasons that simplicity is my focus this year is that I recognize within me a deep hunger and longing for it. I am coming off a year that...
I sit in my office this morning, fingers poised over the computer keyboard, awaiting words and inspiration and more words. Because nothing is coming, at least not yet, I am suddenly aware of the loud cacophony outside my window: horns honking, a man yelling, something...
Isn’t Caller ID one of the great inventions of contemporary life? I absolutely love it. Despite the fact that my home and cell phone numbers are registered with the national “Do Not Call” list, I still get an annoying number of unsolicited and unwanted calls...
When I was a kid, I was in the habit of wishing time away. I wanted time to speed up, to get me to the next big milestone faster—my first bike, turning “double digits”, becoming a teenager, finally getting to drive, graduating high school and...
I have a confession to make, and this is a risky thing for a preacher to say out loud: Advent may well be my least favorite church season to preach. Ironically, I love Advent from a personal/family/worship standpoint, but preaching the story of Mary, Joseph...
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, For in so doing, some have entertained angels unaware. Hebrews 13:1-2 What comes to mind when you hear the word “angel”? For some people, thoughts of chubby, sweet-faced cherubs immediately pop up. For others, their images...
Christmas. Just say the word and we all have different reactions. So often we race through December, checking the boxes and frantically trying get it all done. (I love to say that perfection is the enemy of done!) I love to SAY it. Putting it into...
I woke up on Monday in a near-total panic. The voice in my head was screeching at triple-fortissimo, “Oh my heavens, it’s December and I have no idea what I’m preaching on Sunday, much less what my theme for Advent is.” [Editor’s note: some people...
Happy Thanksgiving! Gratitude is a deeply spiritual discipline, one that people of faith all around the world are encouraged to practice regularly. But I am still glad we have a special day devoted to gratitude in the United States. Yes, it is also a day...