Are you obedient? Our small group is studying Mark’s gospel. This week we read these verses: Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found […]
Continue readingShouldn’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 […]
Continue readingElk 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 […]
Continue readingElk River Day (Part 1)
I’m sharing some excerpts from my in-progress manuscript about Rich’s Ride. You can check out previous posts here. # # # # # Elk River Day Friday of week #1 was a late-start day. St Cloud seemed determined to live up to its name as dense fog obscured cars in the hotel parking lot. I […]
Continue readingA 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. […]
Continue readingIdentity
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 […]
Continue readingCan 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 […]
Continue readingWhy 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. […]
Continue readingLessons 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. […]
Continue readingPeanuts And Shells–Excerpt
Over at Rich’s Ride I posted a new manuscript excerpt titled Peanuts And Shells. I hope you’ll stop by and check it out.
Continue readingPeanuts 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. […]
Continue readingCan’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 […]
Continue reading