Category Archives: Life

Selections from Birthday Cards for Teckla 2024

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On the Edge

I never tired of hiking Oregon beaches. Along this dynamic edge of the continent, everything is alive. Purple sea urchins, sea stars, green anemones, goose-neck barnacles, and muscles cling to wave-pounded rocks. The kelp beds shelter and nourish all kinds … Continue reading

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The Porch and Mudroom of Heaven

Is this all there is? What happened to all the dreams of revival? All the hopes for our children? I am 71 and it seems like life has gone by in the blink of an eye. So many prayers prayed! … Continue reading

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Boromir and Some Good Thing

The “victory” of Boromir in The Lord of the Rings baffles modern folks.  Boromir is one of the more complex and tragic characters in Tolkien’s story. In a moment of weakness, he tries to take the ring of power from … Continue reading

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Faith Keepers: A Manifesto

My son Dylan recently said to me, “Dad, I want you to finish strong.”  His senior pastor, who was retiring, had preached a sermon on the importance of ending one’s life full of faith. Dylan was right to be worried. … Continue reading

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Slow Dancing with Teckla

A few nights ago, I had a strange dream that took me back to First Church of the Nazarene in Walla Walla, Washington. There, as a nine-year old boy, I answered an altar call and committed my life to following … Continue reading

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Stanley’s Gift

In the late 80’s Teckla and I lived in Kansas City, a little off Red Bridge Road. My older brother Stanley came to live with use for about a year and a half. He was struggling with anxiety and some … Continue reading

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The Problem of Pain and Dementia

In his book The Problem of Pain C. S. Lewis tries to reconcile human suffering with the existence of a good, loving, and omnipotent God. Lewis addresses what causes suffering and how God uses suffering. Lewis argues that pain is … Continue reading

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The Wilds of Kansas

I have moved to a suburb with looping roads and cul-de-sacs. Developments curve like waves from the main road here in Gardner. The earlier developments, like the one on Oak Street, have bigger trees that arch over the road and … Continue reading

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