Shouldn’t We Have Open Doors?

Who are you? I’m thinking this week about Identity and the values that define me. Last time (Big ‘Ol House) I talked about inclusion, the notion God’s house provides a really big place with lots of room for differences. To carry that metaphor forward, I believe that big ‘ol house has doors that swing freely in both […]

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Elk River

This morning over at Rich’s Ride I posted the first part of a story about out time in Elk River, Minnesota. We weren’t actually IN Elk River, but I believe the facts shouldn’t get in the way of a good story. Anyway, I hope you’ll jump over there and check it out. I’d love to […]

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A Big Ol’ House

Yesterday I wrote about Identity. I’m thinking about who I am, or more accurately who I try to be. I know who I  am—I’m a mess. True, but not very helpful. So the question is: who do I try to be? In other words, what do I (try to) value? Here’s one conclusion: I (try to) value inclusion. […]

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Identity

Happy Monday! I’m asking a question about today’s word-of-the-week… IDENTITY Who are you? You are what you eat. Or what you drive, or where you live, or how you earn a living. Of course, none of these are true. But…who are you? What’s the source of identity? I spent thirty-five years working with adolescents. Perhaps […]

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Can We Confront Injustice?

Happy Saturday! I hope you’ll grab a cup of coffee and listen to Bryan Stevenson’s sobering, inspiring message. I”m reluctant to ask you to invest twenty minutes to watch a talk. I think this one’s that important. My takeaway: The opposite of poverty isn’t wealth. The opposite of poverty is justice. Can’t see the video? Click […]

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Why Forgive?

Note: If you’re following along this week you might guess that the posts ( Should, Can’t Forgive Lessons About Forgiving) reflect a situation I’ve encountered regarding forgiving. You’d be correct. # # # I’m glad I’m not a preacher. I hate to imagine the mess I’d create by trying to tell others how to follow Jesus. […]

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Lessons About Forgiving

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 Last time (Can’t Forgive) I offered two stories about forgiving. Here are a few of the things I’ve tried to learn from those stories. Forgiving only happens when I somehow reach the difficult understanding that life isn’t about me. […]

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Peanuts And Shells

I’m sharing some excerpts from my in-progress manuscript about Rich’s Ride. You can check out previous posts here. # # # # # Some days are peanuts. Some days are shells. RICH’S RIDE reminded me that attitude alters my perceptions of “peanuts” and “shells.” I can choose those attitudes intentionally or allow circumstances to dictate. […]

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Can’t Forgive

“Some actions just can’t be forgiven.” It was a long time ago, in the midst of horrible circumstances, when a pastor said those six words to me. I thought he mis-spoke. I asked him to repeat. He said it again, clearly and slowly and deliberately. “Some actions just can’t be forgiven.” At the time I didn’t […]

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Should

Happy Monday! For some reason I’ve recently encountered—a lot—today’s difficult word-of-the-week… SHOULD We’ve all been in this position. You’re struggling, hurting with the kind of pain that stops you right in your tracks. And as you wonder where you’ll find the strength to take the next breath some well-meaning friend says, “You should …” And you want to […]

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