So much of life is spent trying to gain acceptance from others - our parents, friends, colleagues, children, even strangers. We all want to be seen, known, and accepted, flaws and all. Too often, acceptance feels elusive. And so we try to achieve it. We fit ourselves into molds that will gain acceptance from one […]

Another repost from 2023 ... ****************************** During my trip to Costa Rica last month, I felt compelled to find a quiet space to read a book I have started many times but couldn't find the energy - the mind space - for. This time, by a quiet pool in a national park in the Costa […]

Reposting this from 2023 -- sadly, it is needed now more than ever. *********************************************************************** Since leaving my former church, I have found myself listening more carefully to my neighbors. After saying a resounding YES to officiating the wedding of two beloved friends of mine, it is as if wax has been removed from my ears […]

As Christianity in America has been hijacked by people for political gain, the great message has been lost. Throughout history, from the time of Constantine on, this has always been the tragic fallout of the unhealthy merging of political power and faith. When this happens, the simple good news gets lost, it gets marred and […]

As most of my readers know, I left a church I loved almost 2 years ago after preaching and teaching there for 23 years. I left because I followed Jesus right into officiating the marriage of two of my dearest young friends. Two of the best people I know: Kind, genuine, faithful, humble, loving women […]

I love how author Brian Doyle writes about prayer: "I have never thought that prayers of request can be answered; I do not think that is the way of the Mercy; yet we do whisper prayers of supplication; I think we always have, since long before our species arrived in this form. Sometimes I think […]