Garrison Keillor forgive this poor, wayward English major who does dearly love a metaphor--even in scripture--but for Christmas to come, something pretty doggone literal has got to happen in our midst, or it really is just a Hallmark commercial, and lots of us are out of a job. Read more
For all that we have filled it with false comforts, this is a rare season when the desert can provide what we need. In this precious space of a few weeks, we can dial back the auto-mated, pre-programmed and store-bought sources of air and light. Read more
In the Christmas jungle, a little bit of wilderness can go a long way. Read more
There's nothing wrong with seeking these assurances in fantasy. That's how great--and even just ok--literature is born. But if the world seeks this fantasy because the Church can't provide the reality, then we are not long for this world. And not even the dreamiest of undead boyfriends will be able to revive us (call him Edward if you want--he'll always be Cedric to me...) Read more
With the proceeds from a wedding, a funeral, and a couple of published articles, we purchased new light fixtures for our living room and kitchen. This was not an impulse buy. Since I’m preaching abundance, simplicity, generosity, etc, in this holiday season, I’d like to qualify that I’ve wanted to replace these features since we moved into our home, nearly 3 years ago. So, we did not just go on a Home Depot spree on a whim. I took advantage... Read more
So, if Jesus was on Facebook, wouldn't it be fun to peruse all your mutal friends? Wouldn't it be fun to call your college roommate and say, "hey, how do you know Jesus?" Read more
The way that we share our space--God's space--should reflect how we share what God has given each of us...Here are two good criteria for using your time, talents and treasures in a way that honors the Holy. That which is life-giving. And that which you can live without. Read more
Can these patterns of call and response build community? A modern-day, real-life litany of connectedness? Read more
‘Tis the season…not quite for the holidays (although, don’t get me started on the radio station that played “Feliz Navidad” on October 1st). No, in Phoenix its the season when people can finally venture outside after months of hibernating in climate-controlled spaces. Parks are buzzing with activity, grills are smokin’, and all over the valley people are cleaning out closets and garages for that mainstay of community life: the yard sale. On any given weekend, you can find one on... Read more
The landscape around us is just full of God’s glory, just full of the kind of heart-stopping, transforming beauty that people come seeking from all the world over... Wouldn’t it be fun to say that about worship? Read more
Irreverin
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