For a year and a half I have known that the moment was approaching when I would step away from pastoring the church I have served for 21 years. On September 1, I will no longer be the pastor of… Continue reading

My phone rang in the evening last week and a cheerful voice said, “Hi. I hope I’m not disturbing you. This is Jack Winters.”   Jack’s voice trembled with emotion when he said, “I’m so glad your Dad wouldn’t give up… Continue reading

Doomsday preaching is not my style. I hate it when preachers and politicians scare the life out of people and then say, “Trust me to keep you safe.”   I see that as manipulative, and yet … there is a sharp… Continue reading

I try to listen. Do I agree with every conclusion in every conversation? Not at all. Does listening imply that I believe that the person who is speaking is properly informed? Not always.  Listening without criticizing, correcting, or even confirming… Continue reading

When we pause to extend a sincere word of thanks to another, it is like a tonic. It lifts the heart, brightens the day, and improves the life of the one giving thanks. Try it!  Gratitude is powerful. The inspired… Continue reading

When a high wire performer at the circus walks daringly out on a line suspended 30 feet above the ground, generally something called a ‘safety net’ is strung between the wire and the floor! It is there to catch her… Continue reading

As I close the season of my life given to pastoral ministry, I am given to reflection about that part of my life.  What does it mean, will it matter? There are markers of worldly success that are easy to… Continue reading

  This Monday morning I want to urge you to find soul strength in beauty. Take some time to appreciate beauty – in music, in the natural world, in the soul of another, in a sunset, in a photograph, a work… Continue reading

A long time ago the teacher’s advice during a gym class baseball game made an impression on me. Never an athlete, I wanted desperately to make a hit. I gripped the bat in grim determination, stared at the pitcher, and… Continue reading

Sean, my son, is planning a trip through Montana and Wyoming this Summer with his family.  He sent me this note -“We are talking about grizzly and moose encounters  … Landon (just finished 1st grade) slaps his face and says,… Continue reading