It was Thomas Merton who wrote: "A tree brings glory to God by being a tree." I have lived by this idea for years. One of the most powerful ways we can bring honor and happiness to God is by loving who God made us to be, and becoming the very unique person God so lovingly […]

One thing I despise is simple answers to questions about prayer. There is something that rings so false to me when people act like they have prayer and God all figured out. As if God could ever be "figured out." As if prayer is like some kind of cosmic slot machine. This is why I […]

Moments There are moments that cry out to be fulfilled. Like, telling someone you love them. Or giving your money away, all of it. Your heart is beating, isn't it? You're not in chains, are you? There is nothing more pathetic than caution when headlong might save a life, even, possibly, your own. (Mary Oliver) […]

My dad turned 88 on February 17. Yesterday!!! We celebrated with some of his favorite food, cherry pie, laughter, some new running shirts and a beautiful, royal blue golf shirt. He still runs and plays golf like a beast at 88 years of age. When he turned 80, he wrote a personal note to all […]

I have been thinking lately about how humans use the Bible - the ancient, timeless text meant to teach us about God's redemptive plan for the universe, culminating in the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. I have been thinking about how we use the Bible as a weapon. I am getting […]

When I was pondering whether or not to officiate a same-sex wedding that I knew would cost me my position at my church, I read every book I could on the topic. I focused on authors and pastors and scholars who did the biblical, sociological, psychological, cultural, anthropologic work. I was not interested in mere […]