Holiday
Ten years and one day ago, I penned the edited post below. For some reason, Christmastime makes us think of what is virtuous, what is good. Some of what is good feels a little unnatural… There’s something about this time of year that makes us all think a little
Daily Life
Multiple books have been written about it. Countless editorials. Don’t even start with the plethora of YouTube videos… “What to Do Now… How to Prepare… Prepare Now for Christmas!” And so I began toying and tinkering with sharing some angle of how best to prepare… making my list and
Current Issue
Out on the airwaves there has again arisen a clatter, when the rest of us ask: what’s actually the matter? In the days before Christmas, the annual conversation begins: are these songs offensive? With a desire to always be respectful of all, let’s honestly unpack some of the
Current Event
There are times to be silent and still… to be intentional in observance… taking it all in. Last week was one of those times. Honoring the life, character, and service of former President George H.W. Bush, persons of influence — varying in politics and profession — gathered to pay their respects
Current Issue
Seriously. If we want it to, can everything be changed? Are our feelings enough? Meet Emile Ratelband. Ratelband is a 69 year old, seemingly charismatic, Dutch television personality. Self-described as an “entrepreneur in personal development,” Ratelband is an author and motivational speaker. Last month Ratelband told a Netherlandish court
Bio
“… I wonder sometimes if we have forgotten who we are. But we’re the people who sundered the nation rather than allow a sin called ‘slavery’ — and we’re the people who rose from the ghettos and deserts. And we weren’t saints — but we lived by standards. We celebrated
Current Issue
With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, we head further into the holiday season, a time in which the desire for “peace on Earth and goodwill to men” is more oft and intentionally uttered. I love that. I love the unifying craving for peace. In terms of the current socio-political
Daily Life
Here we sit, situated between two manufactured holidays, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Perhaps “holiday” is misleading and inaccurate, but the two are days in which much of the nation is engaged in a similar activity. It was hard to ignore the foolishness on the floor of one Walmart, no
Current Event
I’m one of those persons who believes gratitude can be endless; there is always something to be thankful for… on good days, bad days, all days in between. In fact, even in sadness and sorrow, we can still be thankful to the great big God of the universe. It’
Daily Life
Last week a young, African-American, single mother randomly knocked on my door… “Do you believe in second chances?” Never wanting to miss an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and encouragement, I said: “Of course. I believe in second, third, even sixty-fifth chances.” She shared the toughness of her life
Current Event
Rarely do I post a piece straight from any clearly left or right leaning publication; they aren't always helpful in encouraging respectful dialogue with those who think differently, as we learn to listen well and sharpen one another. Today is different. The following is an excellent piece… thanks
Daily Life
A young brother and sister were squabbling somewhat. Their father notices, asking what’s going on. With adrenaline fully flowing, the kids share, “We don’t agree! We don’t get it, Dad. Who should we look up to? Who should be our friend?” Their father, with a softened grin,