I found seminary to be a pretty difficult transition, at least at first. I had previously studied English, journalism, and business in college, and I did pretty well academically in my undergraduate and MBA programs. I expected seminary to
Failing Upward
Inspirational speakers frequently share anecdotes of failures by otherwise successful people. Certainly, most of us have heard the stories about Abraham Lincoln’s numerous failed attempts at winning elected office, the times he was fired, and the health struggles he
Telling Bullies to Make Like a Tree and Get Outta’ Here
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. I’m guessing you likely have been bullied a time or two in your life. I am not immune to the effects of bullying. Bullying is the use of force, hurtful teasing, or threat
Sabbath Time in the House of Mouse
“And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it
The Evil We Have Done and the Evil Done on Our Behalf
We recently explored the concept of sin together. We learned a little more about what it means to commit sin and to repent. But the topic of sin isn’t one that fits neatly in a box that can be
That’s Just the Way It Is (Some Things Will Never Change)
Several years ago, when I was serving as the chaplain at Ogden Regional Medical Center in Utah, I noticed an elderly gentleman walk past my office carrying a pink toiletry bag one day. He wasn’t moving very quickly. His
Living and Dying in 3/4 Time
Do you remember the first time you learned about death? For me, it was when my mom rescued a baby bird that fell out of a tree and brought it home in a shoebox. My three-year-old self had visions
What’s Sin Got to Do With It?
From time to time, Christians have interactions with each other that amount to theological disagreements. Many of these encounters focus on something that Jesus doesn’t want us to do: sin. Well, if we all know Jesus doesn’t want us
Rules of Estrangement
In the course of history there have been a whole lot of intense exchanges that have shaken the foundation of human relationships in our nations, our states, our cities, and even individual friend and family circles. The political climate
We Are Kenough!
I have not been shy about admitting to some of my guilty pleasures. I openly discuss my love for Broadway musicals, the Muppets (including Sesame Street), and Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. I enjoy video games and toys. I even have