In the spring of 1995, major and minor league baseball players were on strike over the salary cap and collective bargaining. But team owners were determined…they were going to have a baseball season, strike or no strike! So, they threw open the gates, and invited pretty much anybody who knew how to scoop up a grounder … More The Love We Don’t Deserve
I think that one of the most profound phrases in all the scriptures can be found in our Gospel reading today. It is six, simple words: “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” It is a humble, respectful request, made to the disciples by a group of travelers, people of Greek origin, who have apparently come a … More We Want to See Jesus
Lori and I love going to the movies. There is something fun about heading to the theater, and getting a bag of popcorn, and settling in to a really, really good story. And I’ve got to tell you, once the theaters put those recliners in, you know, the ones with the heated seats…I’m pretty sure I could … More Don’t Skip the Previews
The very first person who knew that Lori and I were engaged was the sound guy at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. It is true. It was Memorial Day weekend, 1994, and Lori and I had first hiked down from Minnehaha Falls to the spot where the creek enters the Mississippi River. We were sitting there, by the … More Questions Jesus Asks
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, … More Peace
There are some noises that drive me kind of crazy. I’m sure the same is true for you as well. Fingernails on a chalkboard. I hate that. Our dog, barking at 2 in the morning. The sound of people talking during a movie…in a theater…ugh. The sound of a car with a bad battery, trying to start. … More The Habit of the Word
Have you ever experienced really, really, really amazing hospitality? The kind of hospitality where you knowdeep in your soul, that you are welcome? The kind of hospitality where you don’t have to worry about a thing. The kind of hospitality where you know that the person who is hosting you, cares about who you are, and is glad that you are … More A Place at the Table
Today is the Festival of Pentecost. It is the day that we remember and celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit, which comes to all of God’s people in the waters of our baptism. In the church it is also our practice to mark important life milestones. And so today we also recognize and bless our high … More A Letter to my Son at his Graduation
Human beings, by our very nature, don’t like things that are “unfinished.” We like things that are complete…whole… done. When we experience things that are left unfinished, it makes us feel like something is off-kilter…or missing…or incomplete…and it can make us feel uncomfortable. I don’t like it when walls that have been painted don’t have the trim … More Write the Next Chapter
This is, of course, a most important season. A season that catches our attention… a season we approach with anticipation…a season that makes us look with awe and with wonder. I am speaking of course, about awards show season. Now, at the Buegler home, we don’t plan our lives around the Academy Awards, or the Emmy’s, or … More The Jesus You Didn’t Expect
Test Driving Theology 