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 […]
When the Day Lightens, Music
When the day lightens, music. I’m glad to hear the acclaims. If not for this particular songful sunup, the stones would clear their throats in anticipation. The day beckons, but must wait; I keep pausing to hear the morning. Not just one bird is singing. Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash For reflection Read through Psalm 104 and […]
If Then
IF THEN If grains of sand, then shrunk I be. If boulders, then a giant me. If pebbles worn by rapids wild, then mountain pass, a place of trial. If gravel beach, round stones, by waves, then exotic shores and lazy days. But everything is as it seems, no fairy tale or far off scenes. […]
Every Moment is Holy Ground
I was preparing one morning, to go do something one could call “ministry.” I was in my usual slightly excited, slightly nervous state as I hoped I hadn’t forgotten anything. And of course, I didn’t want to mess it up. In this final moment before heading out the door, I wanted to slow myself down […]
Locked Away
Have you been there, your world suddenly turns upside down? Shock has you in frozen disbelief. Your mind on rewind, over and over again, spinning, this can’t be happening. I would guess most of us have. So after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus’ followers were huddled together, behind locked doors, hiding in fear, gripped with […]
The Branch
As Spring gets into full swing, the days are getting longer. Are you taking advantage of this season to sit outside and listen more? One such morning, a year or so ago, I was enjoying my front porch swing, listening to the mourning doves coo. I observed those delicate birds all sitting on the powerlines […]
In Process
Why don’t you try again? This is the question my pottery teacher asked as my shoulders slumped in a posture of defeat. I looked down at the lump of clay I had been working on for close to 30 minutes. Its shape now indiscernible due to some mistake I had made, but could not identify. […]
