Roadblocks

A few years ago my wife and I took a long-awaited pilgrimage of sorts to the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona. On our first morning there, I rose early for a walk, some of that desert stillness, and an exploration of my new surroundings. The red sandstone that gives Sedona its beauty, was glowing like [...]

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Bus Stop

Most every day I walk my boys to the bus stop, and you can be certain of one thing every morning, as sure as the sun rising and even more assured than that big yellow bus rounding the corner: Those boys will ask me for money. Who knew that elementary school could be so expensive? [...]

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Worship Wars

Churches are peculiar places. I have had the opportunity to serve a few of them. Some of my pastoral experiences have been awesome and rewarding – baptisms, weddings, the transformation of individuals and families. Some other experiences have been about as much fun as a sharp stick in the eye. And the churches which I [...]

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Very Low Food Security

The US Department of Agriculture issues a hunger report every year. It is a barometer of sorts that gauges Americans’ access to food. Their latest report has determined that no one in America is going hungry. Sound like good news? Think again. Authors of the report have determined that hunger is “not a scientifically accurate [...]

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She Did What She Could

“What a waste.” When a young person dies recklessly and unnecessarily, friends gather and respond, “What a waste.” When I spend an afternoon waiting and waiting (and waiting) at the dentist’s office or at the bank I conclude, “What a waste.” When I scrape mounds of uneaten food off my children’s plate into the trash [...]

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To All the “Fixers” Out There

A familiar passage from the New Testament speaks of Jesus’ visit to the sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha, the consummate homemaker, set out to make everything perfect. Who can blame here? How many people get a personal visit from the son of God? She basted the leg of lamb. She labored over her casseroles. She [...]

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Milton the Cockroach

Pastor Robert R. Kopp tells the story of Walter, a young man who went to work for the largest corporation in the world. The personnel director told Walter he must start at the bottom and work his way up. So, he began in the mailroom, in the basement of the building. Walter liked his job, [...]

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