A really good guy? There are two ways to be ‘good.’ There is an external conformity to imposed expectations. This type of “goodness” is long on guilt and punishment that forces compliance.  Then, there is virtue, an inner desire to… Continue reading

So, the Cardinal was a sinner.  That’s the conclusion of one of the headline stories in the news today.  Cardinal Keith O’Brien resigned from his position as Britain’s senior Catholic after several priests accused him of ‘sexual impropriety’ in the… Continue reading

The Devil’s Work? Mysteries surround me!  There are many things for which I have no explanation, choices that others make that defy reason. People find inspiration in places and from people that I don’t ‘get’ or understand. Others do things… Continue reading

Jeremiah had the toughest calling in the world; to tell people hard things that they did not want to hear.  Sermons about God’s goodness, His love,  about the depths of His grace, get rave reviews.  Jeremiah preached one message for… Continue reading

The gaps of ambiguity Americans love slogans and simplicity.  We like to frame issues in terms of black and white; people as good or evil.  But, life is not quite that defined. The most admired person among us is flawed.… Continue reading

The teens in my household enjoy everything a kid could want – security, money, food, encouragement.  My loving provision shields them, in part, from the curse of Eden!  They think they are ready to run their own lives, totally unaware… Continue reading

Is it worth it? The teenage boys in my household are learning about managing resources. Their weekly allowance is finite, their desire for things seemingly infinite. If they spend their entire allowance on day out at the paintball field, they… Continue reading

Bill Hybels, pastor and author, in his book, Holy Discontent, talks about having a Popeye moment.  Seeing people sit through church unengaged, unmoved, he finally said to himself, “That’s all I can stands I can’t stands no more!”  He calls… Continue reading

He sees… straight into my heart When I was a teenager and my mother was challenging something I had done, I did what kids do – argue and offer up the usual excuses to avoid dealing with the truth. Mom’s… Continue reading

I can’t hear You My dog, Samantha, is an Irish Setter.  Her breed, I am told, is a stubborn one,  a trait borne out by her occasion refusal to respond to my call.  I know she hears me, but the… Continue reading