Tourist Preaching - by Frederick Buechner ENGLISH-SPEAKING TOURISTS abroad are inclined to believe that if only they speak English loudly and distinctly and slowly enough, the natives will know what's being said even though they don't understand a single word of the language. Preachers often make the same mistake. They believe that if only they […]

Remember the post I wrote about how wisdom is the art of knowing what to overlook? I should be very careful about what I write. The same day I posted that little tidbit of wisdom I was tested. This is a common occurrence for me. When I preach on generosity, I often face a test […]

A few words from King David, the Psalmist ... the author of Psalm 140 (Any minor alterations, mine.) "Deliver us, O Lord, from evildoers; protect us from those who are violent, who plan evil things in their minds and stir up wars continually. They make their tongue sharp as a snake's, and under their lips […]

I am disgusted, deeply saddened and troubled by what transpired in Charlottesville this past weekend. I am not even sure I have words to describe what rumbled up in my soul as I watched people marching with torches and banners of hatred. The darkness of spirit, the ugly, arrogant, stupidity of racism, the cancer-like spread […]

When my kids were young I would often find myself overwhelmed with all of the chaos. The homework, the play dates, the sports schedules, the chores, the parties and doctor's appointments and laundry and toys and clothes and decisions and everything. One thought helped me mentally dig out from under the pile of constant, daily, […]

This summer I have been swimming laps at noon at our local public outdoor pool. It is so beautiful there. Just a few folks swim; it is a well-kept secret. Picture a large, clear, Olympic-sized pool, our roof, a blue, blue summer sky with just a few puffy white clouds, a touch of a warm […]