First published March 8, 2013 “Some things words can’t change.” The seasoned pastor stood at the edge of the eating area. The tables were full of people processing their grief with fried chicken and green beans almondine and fruit pie. Stories were laid on the tables with dinner rolls, and the salad was dressed lightly […]

It had been, Jeremy thought, that kind of day. Driving home in the dark after running errands, every stoplight had turned red just before they arrived. Every one. As Jeremy thought about his day, it seemed that the light had changed at every intersection of thought and action. Just when it seemed that there was momentum […]

Today’s a great day for some shorter notes. Sometimes context is helpful when we read the Bible. (When we read anything, for that matter.) “What Happened Between the Old and New Testaments” is a great, brief introduction to the four hundred years that pass between the end of Malachi and the beginning of Matthew. The […]

A reflection on Psalm 131 I want a quieted soul. Not a slug-like soul, unable to respond quickly. Not a blob-of-oatmeal-like soul, passionless and benign by design. Helpful, yes, for heart-health and non-irritating for the gluten-resistant, but not noted for controlled creativity. I want a soul which, though capable of sleep-destroying worry and relationship-demolishing anger, […]

Nancy and I are at our secret hideout for a couple of days. (We rent a room at a state park. They give us a free night when we buy one night. Of course, they would do that for you, too). I said, “what should I write about for 300? The floor is open for […]