Disappointed
I showed up on a Saturday morning to take my 9-year-old grandson Jacob to the park. Jacob lives with autism and is mostly non-verbal though he speaks a few words: park, train, no.
Holy Verses “Ordinary” Work
My friend is an extremely talented, successful professional who seems good at absolutely everything. And she confesses to me that one thing that would terrify her is if she ever had to give an impromptu prayer or deliver a sermon.
One Size Does Not Fit All
What do you do when someone you care about is hurting? Maybe you have a friend struggling with debilitating anxiety or a family member sinking further into depression. Maybe you have a neighbor grieving an untimely death.
We Need a Do-Over
By the time you read this more will be known about what happened at Union Station on Wednesday. But for now, my heart breaks, along with yours.
Back to Prayer
In his newest book* Christian Wiman tells about the night his wife was traveling for business which left him alone with their 4-year-old twins. He thought all was going well until one of them woke up in the middle of the night and said she couldn’t sleep. He gently suggested to her blue Read More...
What’s That Feeling?
On Monday we celebrated the MLK holiday with about 50 folks from our congregation who gathered at Cross-Lines Community Outreach to stock the shelves for the Community Food Bank.
Living with Holy Wonder
My husband is from North Dakota so “snow day” is non-existent in his vocabulary. It needs to be near zero before he thinks you would bother donning a sweater (yes, he has pulled them out now).
The Status of Our Soul
"Christian tradition teaches that there are times when we, like Jesus, are led into arid soulscapes that bruise and disorient us." - John S. Mogabgab, Weavings, 1993
Seeing Past the Faces
She wears a flouncy red polka dot blouse. He wears thick glasses. Another guy went to divinity school to dodge the draft. Over yonder is the hardware store owner and the fireman.
Where Is Your Joy?
Mister Rogers once said that we use the word disabilities to indicate that some folks can’t hear or see or walk. “But what of people who can’t feel?”
The Beauty and Fragility of the Season
In ancient cave art from the year 250, depictions of Jesus are found. He is dressed in a white robe, like an ordinary shepherd. And his robe is tinged with purple accents, the color of royalty. (Imagining the Word).
A Messy Family Story
At our house the day after Thanksgiving we begin the Christmas tree decorating and the Christmas cards. Soon snippiness, frustration, and marital discord erupts and bah humbug moves into our house.
Expressing Gratitude
“The research is clear: Those who consciously express gratitude for at least three to five components of their lives every week are simply happier than those who don’t.” - Joan Chittister quoting Martin E.P. Seligman By the time you read this someone has already begun menu planning, grocery shopping and maybe even Read More...
Creating Spiritual Vitality in Our Youth
On a plastic rocking horse in the church nursery, I discovered the pure joy and carefree delight of a faith community.
Help, Thanks, Wow!
Sometimes our prayers seem anemic in the face of the world’s pain. What words are adequate in the face of evil atrocities?
