Category Archives: On Faith

Apologetics, Theology, and Exposition

The God of Now

Both the young and the old are tempted to live in the future. As a college writing instructor, I have spent much of my life helping young people prepare for the future. Especially in recent years, college freshmen entered my … Continue reading

Posted in Life, On Faith | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Many Masks of Sloth

There are three reasons that the deadly sin of sloth is ignored in most churches and by most pastors. First, pastors tend to teach about sins and weaknesses that they have overcome, but most pastors are highly motivated Type-A people … Continue reading

Posted in Life, On Faith | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

It’s All About You

As heretical as it may sound, hearing God say, “It’s all about you” was liberating. For Christians, there are probably a dozen different ways that God’s relationship with us is not “all about us.” But in one profound way, it … Continue reading

Posted in On Faith | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Listening to God (and Teckla)

I have, at my pastor’s suggestion, been keeping an Immanuel Journal that emphasizes abiding in God’s presence and listening for his voice. Each day I pour out thanksgiving for who God is and all he has done. I write down … Continue reading

Posted in Life, On Faith | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Sidewalks

Teckla and I walk a lot. We walk on the sidewalks and on the hiking trails in the local parks. Although falling is a risk for people with dementia, Teckla has almost never fallen when hiking off the paved trails. … Continue reading

Posted in Life, On Faith | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Washed Ashore in Kansas

It is odd to feel washed ashore this far from any ocean. But Peter’s death, Teckla’s dementia, and the burning of our house in Myrtle Point have left me dazed and disoriented—like Robinson Crusoe after the wreck of his ship. … Continue reading

Posted in Life, On Faith | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Left and a Right

During prayer today a lament erupted in my heart. I cried out, “God save the children. Send a revival of hope, joy, and love into the hearts of the young. Jesus, come.” I had been praying by name for my … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, On Faith | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Unbroken Circles of Love and Grace

A blessing of age is being able to see how life, love, and grace moves in great circles. I noticed this one blustery day on the beach with my mom who was in her nineties. I had reached around her … Continue reading

Posted in Life, On Faith | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Ordinary Sacraments of Extraordinary Grace

Ordinary Sacraments of Extraordinary Grace

Posted in Life, On Faith | Tagged , | Leave a comment

White-tailed

Teckla and I take long walks every day. Although Johnson County is blighted with miles of industrial parks and suburban housing developments, it has many amazing parks and miles of bicycle and hiking trails. After a short drive, it is … Continue reading

Posted in On Faith | Tagged , | Leave a comment