How will we live out the story we are given?
A few years ago, I helped my mom sort through all the final burial expenses following my dad’s death. They included the cost of having his body flown from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Denver, […]
Putting the fun in dysfunction
You’ve heard people say, “Our family puts the fun in dysfunction.” Well, all families do, and mine is no exception. But speaking of dysfunctionality … Whew, let me tell you… I’ve just finished Mary Trump’s […]
During COVID-19, the faithful need to practice humility like never before
[Here’s my religion column for this Sunday’s July 12 Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette. As I’ve thought about what might happen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the increasing challenges between Whites & African-Americans, and the coming elections this November, […]
What will guide our civil discourse in an age of outrage?
When I was a boy my mother would say, “If you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything at all.” She didn’t always follow her own advice. Nor have I. Of this I […]
Oh the questions carried in the bosom of Judas Iscariot’s mother
In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew chapter 10, Jesus chooses the 12 apostles. Simon (Peter) Andrew James John [Peter and Andrew and James and John were brothers.] Philip Bartholomew Thomas Matthew James, son of Alphaeus […]
Mimic the birds!
These days the choir of birds outside my window start warming up about 4:20am. By 4:40am, all birds are present and the concert begins in earnest. Every bird sings loudly and in perfect pitch. Not […]
Water baptism followed by a baptism of fire
In late February during my 8th-grade year, a city-wide church meeting came through Colby, Kansas. The evening meetings featured a 6’5” preacher, a former NFL defensive tackle named Bill Glass. Speaking to all 5 kids […]
The False Self & the True Self
** About 10 years ago I discovered the writing of pastor John Piippo from Redeemer Fellowship Church in Monroe, Michigan. A friend told me about his blog, and I started reading it. I was taken […]
