I was a youth pastor in the 1980s and one of the most impactful things my youth group did each year was go to a most unique summer camp. The camp was made up of seven houseboats on the California River delta and provided a very special chance to get away from the distractions of […]
The Fate of a Self-Important Leader
Recently I have been rereading the story of Samson in Judges 13-16. One thing that has always intrigued and bothered me about Samson is why in the world he would ever tell Delilah the secret of his strength. Each of the first three times when Samson misleads her about the source of his strength, she […]
Changing Rhythms
Summer brings a delightful change of rhythms. As the school year comes to a close, parents and students alike long for a new rhythm that doesn’t necessitate getting up so early and focusing on homework, deadlines and schedules. Finally, the lazy days of summer have brought vacations and late nights and play time by the […]
The Discomfort of Surrender
I spend a lot of time standing at the bottom of rock climbs with my neck craned upward and eyes squinting into the sun as I coach teens and adults in climbing techniques. The goal is always to help the climber get a little farther than he thought was possible in order to show him […]
Scarcity or Abundance?
Some friends recently invited me to go canoeing with them for the day. I tried to rearrange my work schedule to accommodate their impromptu plans, but eventually realized that I would have to decline their invitation. As I picked up the phone to express my regret, tears began to well in my eyes, and my […]
Beloved – Part 2
Sometimes I get really frustrated. I’ll find some nugget, something really good, something I know is valuable. I’ll hold it awhile, relishing it, recognizing this is good and worthy of further consideration – like the sermon from Charles Spurgeon I referenced in my “Beloved” blog post in April. Then I’ll put it down, get back […]
The Best Hug
You might not initially see what breastfeeding has to do with contemplative practices. But as a professional mom who nursed three babies, let me enlighten you. Let me first say that a nursing baby is not the tidiest package. Even the smallest of nursing babies are not very discrete. They wiggle and grunt and slurp […]
