When I read the story of Jesus calming the storm, I can’t help but think about those disciples in that boat. Remember, this was not a luxury cruise ship with shuffleboard and a breakfast buffet. They were on a small boat…it would hold maybe 8 or 10 of them. Most of them were fishermen, sure, so … More When the Winds Won’t Quit
You probably know this already, but just in case you don’t, let me break some bad news top you: That Magic 8 ball you had as a kid? It didn’t really work. Sorry. Crystal balls, fortune tellers, tarot cards? They don’t work either. I’m sorry. They don’t. There are so many ways that humans try to predict…and understand the future. Because we want … More Peace, Be Still
Grace and peace to you, from God our creator, and from Jesus, our Savior, who calls us to prepare the way for love. Communication is instantaneous. Once upon a time, it wasn’t. People of a certain age: Do you remember a thing called “long distance?” Do you remember waiting until after 9pm to make a call, when the phone … More Those Who Dream…Prepare the Way
Dear friends, As we enter the sacred season of Advent, we are invited to embrace a theme that resonates deeply with the yearnings of our hearts and the promise of our faith: “Those Who Dream.” Inspired by the opening lines of Psalm 126, “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those … More Advent Dreams: Journeying with the Dreamers of Faith
Gratitude is a simple yet profound concept. But it is one that is often overlooked in our fast-paced lives. The impact of gratitude on our spiritual and emotional well-being cannot be measured. I find immense wisdom and guidance in the Scriptures, particularly in his letter to the Philippians, where Apostle Paul, from a prison cell, writes … More The Gift of Gratitude
On one of Lori’s and my hikes last year to see waterfalls on the north shore, we came across this message, scrawled on the railing of a bridge that crossed the river below Gooseberry Falls: “Everything will be Okay.” It brought a smile to my face and comfort to my heart. And it reminded me … More Everything Will Be Okay
William Willimon, who is a retired bishop in the United Methodist Church, tells a great story about a friend of his who, in mid-life, decided that he wanted to learn how to fly a small plane. So William’s friend went out to their local airport and signed up for flying lessons. He was given this great … More Whisper in Their Ear
“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
One day, this will all be over. The majority of people will have received the vaccine, and we will again be free to sit close to each other, to take our masks off, and to shelve the term “socially distance.” I’m not sure when yet, but it will happen. One day. One day, this will … More One Day…
In the fall of my senior year of high school, I had applied to colleges, and I was awaiting their answer. That is a time of anxiousness. Back then you waited for an envelope to come in the mail. I still remember the rule of thumb: a thick envelope was good news. A thin envelope … More When Jesus’ Prayers Are For You
Test Driving Theology 