So today, instead of shopping, I’m pohsing. And I hope you’ll join me. Here’s the basic idea: Instead of–or in addition to–buying more stuff, we will pause and be grateful for the blessings we already have. And we will support (with links and/or money) charitable organizations that seek to provide these same blessings to those…
I’m posting the Wednesday Worship Piece on Tuesday this week, because I know all of you pastors out there are getting your worship planning done early . . . Well, maybe not. But I do hope you are able to enjoy time with family and friends this Thanksgiving! Our theme this coming Sunday is gratitude…
The “Abnormal Anabaptist” recently quoted his wise wife’s comments on the upcoming shopping frenzy: Our culture has gotten to the point where we cannot take even one day to stop accumulating more and more things, and simply take the time to be grateful for what we already have. And it’s true. I frequently lament the…
This new book–with prayer art by some of you!–will be ready to ship by December 10. Yes, that means you can give it as a Christmas gift! And in the spirit of Christian giving, I will donate $2 to Mennonite Central Committee for each book ordered before December 25. Check out all the details…
I’m working on a new devotional book–a sort of creative prayer journal: Colored Pencil Prayers. I will have the blog page of detailed information up over the weekend (in plenty of time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday which I have ambiguous feelings about, but anyway . . .). In the meantime, I can tell…
Holy Loving Lovely One. You are near as breath. Enveloping as the crisp darkness– comforting and mysterious– that holds us in its depths this night. Each night. Praise be. Amen.
Our nation made many political gains toward equality and justice for sexual minorities last week. Among them was the election of the first openly gay Senator–Tammy Baldwin, from Wisconsin. In a National Public Radio report, I heard these words from Baldwin: “If you are not in the room, the conversation is about you. If you’re…
I wrote this post in 2010, and it seemed appropriate to re-post this weekend. * * * I hate war. But I do not hate soldiers. I believe engaging in armed combat goes against the teachings of Jesus. But I respect the fact that war veterans have made incredible sacrifices for causes they believed to…
Lately, I’ve kinda felt like Jesus. Not Jesus when he was kind-hearted and compassionate–blessing the children and touching the lepers. Not Jesus when he was in the miracle groove–oozing healing power onto everyone who touched him or turning a few iffy fish into the best potluck meal ever. Not Jesus when he was impressing (and…
This Sunday will be our final Sunday in a series on Jesus’ disciples. I will preach on Luke 24:36-53–Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples. Plus we will share communion together this week. Call to Worship Leader: We come this morning to spend time on the path with other disciples. Side 1: Others who are wondering.…
Spacious Faith 