Learning
Growth
Unity
Wakes We Leave
Some years ago I led a funeral service for a good man.
Born and raised in a small midwestern town, he left college to serve during WW2 and after the war he followed a similar path taken by millions of others: He finished school, married, had two children and continued in a worthy direction.
What I Really Want to Say
Elaine stepped out of her life and into eternity. Carl, left behind by no fault of his own, was relocated to memory care just eight miles from the home he built with his own hands forty years ago. A plan was in place for Carl and Elaine.
Navigating Whitewater
Talking with folks these days often feels like I’m navigating whitewater.
I have a few friends who spend as much time as they can on rivers. Ideally they travel for days at a time, camping along the way. The adventure and isolation and occasional dangerous stretches draw them back time and again.
Shame on Jesus
Have you ever felt ashamed? Of course you have. Maybe, despite your best attempts to stifle the memory, your most embarrassing moments stalk you like a long shadow. I still cringe when I think about even my most innocent embarrassments. Get behind me, middle school!
After the Storms and Anvil
Here we are already in the third week of Lent, that 40 day journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. These are days to consider our lives, to slow our roll long enough to wonder how it all fits together and ponder if we are traveling on a worthy path or are corrections called for.
Juniper, Juniper
There had already been whispering among them. Saddened by the passing of their lady, the lovely one that hung chimes and feeders on them, and they wondered what would become of the friendly man. No indication could be detected as they do not use words like you and me. They speak through the ground on an as-needed basis – passing news of invasion or threats. In this case, they were observing the comings and goings of the house people.
Why Cultivate Gratitude?
My daughter gifted me with an Ann Voskamp book, titled One Thousand Gifts, for Mother’s Day in the year her father was dying of cancer. Ann’s poetic style was a little challenging to read at first. But I kept on. And I saw through to her heart.
Entering the Foundry
Not long ago I was challenged to quit asking people I just met, “So, what do you do?”
This good friend shared his opinion that the question is bland and lazy, along with a quick way to slot the person into a social category of my making. So, “I’m a doctor” is one level where, “I clean houses” is quite another. Assumptions, most often false, follow like ducks in flight.
Raising Children to Have a Relationship with God
My mom came to stay with us for a few days when we brought our firstborn home from the hospital. We named her Summer. The day my mom left and my husband returned to work, I found myself home alone with a newborn. I felt so overwhelmed and unprepared. And so I did what other first-time moms might do in this same situation. I cried.
Stories and Storms
Every family has a story.
I was talking recently with a friend whose family is going through dang rough times. It seems that everywhere they turn another obstacle to a clear path rises up. They are bone tired and discouraged. Words like heartbroken and almost hopeless sprinkled their conversation.
Could You Be a Refresher?
Sitting here in the comfort of a warm house, sipping hot tea, and watching the snow paint the fence posts all gorgeous white, I’m remembering a favorite trail that ascends to Broken Top in the Cascade Range.
On the return route, there was this stream. We lost no time in removing our hot, dusty boots. And I clearly recall the refreshing of the cold mountain brook as we soaked our tired feet.
Thirsty?
And then I bonked...
On a clear summer morning few years back while on a bike tour with the fellows known as “Team Immatour” we climbed from North Fork, ID, up Lost Trail Pass and over into Montana. The climb at the top of the day wasn’t all that long, less than 20 miles, but the last six were fairly steep with exposed switchbacks.
What You Don’t Understand
“It seems to me that the older I get the less I think I really understand God,” writes Christopher Wright, in The God I Don’t Understand. Ironically, Wright, a theological heavyweight, brilliantly explains some of the thorniest parts of scripture, such as the problem of evil and the end times. However, his point is that as much as we can be certain about biblical teaching, the God of the Bible is ultimately beyond our full comprehension…and that’s a good thing.
Let Me Tell You a Story...
“Let me tell you a story…”
One interesting part of being human lies in how much we understand through stories, pictures and illustrations. They function like Yaktrax on ice to get mental traction toward understanding new concepts.
What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid?
“Educational tours of Europe tailored for high schoolers,” I said with enthusiasm, turning the pages. “What if I help students fundraise during the school year and then take them to Europe through this program?!”
My Best Plan
Okay, I am ready. 2025, here I come with a proper state of mind, a fresh perspective, and a willing heart. I address my new forest green Leuchtturm1917 essay book freshly minted with the prophet Micah’s sobering words. My 2025 strategic plan looks like this so far:
Answer the Door
Most Jesus-followers have pockets full of favorite Bible verses they know by heart. Like touchstones, they remind us of larger truths, especially when we are enmeshed in the stuff of everyday living. These provide comfort and hope and direction to walk our path.
It Started with a Name
An older friend has been meeting weekly with a young man for over four years. They initially met when the younger was bussing tables at a local cafe and a quite close friendship grew over time. They both are apprenticing to Jesus and while they are separated by decades and backgrounds, the two act like brothers.
Our Plans, God’s Plans
We just spent a week in paradise—a small island in the tropics where my son and daughter-in-law live, also known as Puerto Rico.
So much tropical greenery, sandy beaches that rim the island, beautiful old structures, and delicious food. And of course the best of it was spending time with son and DIL.
In the Arena
Twice a month I’m part of a Zoom book study with some friends from college days. These are men who have done life together for decades. We trust each other and know one another well enough to tease, challenge, comfort and question as only old friends can.