Do Unto Others….

We’re nearing the elections here in the United States, and man oh man is this a very polarized election. It seems no matter where one turns, they are hearing how if they aren’t FOR a certain candidate, then they are against everything that candidate stumps for. The nation feels divided and it seems that disagreement […]

Courage

There’s a scene in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus sends his disciples out on a boat on a lake. Later that night, he appears to them, walking on the water amidst the winds that blew. The disciples are afraid, thinking they’ve seen a ghost. But then Jesus yells at them to take courage. Peter, […]

Growth

Traditions are great. They connect us to the past. But sometimes, there are traditions that we need to let go of. Cynicism, stagnation, dead weight all keep us from finding our purpose. They keep us from becoming better people. They hold us back and keep us fighting the same battles over and over again, coping […]

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

“Ch-ch-ch-ch-changesTurn and face the strangeCh-ch-changesThere’s gonna have to be a different manTime may change meBut I can’t trace time” ~ David Bowie Changes Changes. They happen, even if they are hard to face. Change is difficult. It’s hard to do. It’s messy and complicated. It’s often arduous to anticipate. It’s different than what we are […]

Consider the potter

This past weekend, the tiny church that I attend in this little swath of the Midwest had a special meeting after Sunday’s worship with a member vote. We voted on adopting the following welcoming statement and identity as a church: Norwalk Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is an Open and Affirming congregation. Inspired by our […]

Get a “real” job

No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance, and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. ~ Dr. Martin Luther King Once upon a time, I worked for years at a convenience store, starting there part time first and then eventually moving to full time since the job suited my needs. […]

Be Curious. Ask Questions.

It’s just a simple tag, but to some in the tiny church I attend in my little swath of the Midwest, it means a great deal. Every year around the start of the school year, the church I attend blesses the students and staff that are in school. They also bless backpacks, praying that everyone […]

State fairs and magic

It’s no secret that I live in Iowa. Or, perhaps it is, since I often call this area “my little swath of the Midwest” on this blog and in other place. But yes, I live in a state where there are more vowels than consonants. I happen to live in the capital city of Des […]

Put on the Full Armor of God

Too much has been done hatefully “in the name of Christ.” Wars have been fought, people have been persecuted, laws have been passed that oppress and marginalize… all in the name of Christ. And as a result, the idea of Christianity has become maligned with the idea of persecution, of judgementalism, of fundamentalism. It’s a […]