Ambushed

This one goes out to anyone trying to figure out who they are. For those tired of impressing other people, for those who feel like slaves to other people's opinions of them, for those who feel incomplete or as though they will never arrive. There is something you need to know...

Steve Chaffee has been stateside for the past two weeks, so of course I snagged him for a chat on his speciality, thinking and talking about God better through what is called "theological method."

Stability, routine, growth, ruach, pneuma, the universe, dusty attic air and more.

30 min of tips I’ve learned over the years on how to listen to others well. Taken from times spent as a chaplain, being a teacher, and learning to be a decent human being. Take notes and enjoy.

I once met a tall forest gnome who gave me some life changing advice. Here's the story.

In response to the recent shooting in Las Vegas, which was absolutely horrific and beyond words, here is my attempt to try and move my little corner of the world. Dietrich Bonhoeffer gives us a thought on ethics, and Teresa of Avila closes us out with a poem.

Camp stories are great, especially when they challenge everything about the way you do life.

This second half is my explanation of the parable, why I wrote it, what authors I had in mind, and so forth. Should be fun to compare with what you thought Pt. 1 was about!

So, I have been writing my own parables in my spare time recently. And here is a good one. I've already told it in a few different places in person and, not to brag, but its a good one.

Henri has been an influential person in my life. His writings have spoken to me when theology and academia have not. A man aware of his struggles and sometimes writing from places of loneliness and depression, Henri has helped many of us. Enjoy.

In response to the recent events in Charlottesville, I dive into a groundbreaking work by a groundbreaking individual. I present to you, Howard Thurman.

One standard view, and then three other angles of looking at this mystery. To be in the "Image of God" is a privilege and a profoundly perplexing promise. Enjoy!

I think the title describes it all. Well, that and the fact I break down how people may have had "Be holy as God is holy" taught to them in an oppressive and shame-inducing manner, then, provide a better way of understanding it.

Shout out to all those graduating high school, college, or just moving from one phase of life to another! Your faith is about to be challenged!

What are we here to do? I can't answer that for you, specifically. But there may be some helpful guidelines...

If you don't like treadmills, I give you permission to burn them.

One of Julian's most famous lines comes on the heels of a rather scandalous or challenging comment. Yeah, some might say she crossed a line...

So, here is a perfect "ambushed" moment for me. In the midst of doing some reading on the burning bush event in Exodus 3, I found an ancient, but new to me, interpretation of the event... It is an interpretation that bore a lot of fruit for me personally, hopefully it will do the same for you.

Last year I was encouraged to check out St. Bonaventure. He is the one responsible for the most famous biography of St. Francis of Assisi and is also responsible for the Franciscan order becoming what it is today. St. Bonaventure, since first reading him about 2 years ago, has become one of my favorite figures in church history. He loved philosophy and theology, but also loved nature and teaching on the importance of justice. Enjoy.

And we're back. Due to the busy-ness of life, I had to put this on hold. However, we are back! This season of Lent has been a great one as I have purposefully put myself in a place to hear some new and challenging voices. But it's all good, because I have been processing what true religion is. So, give a listen if you want to hear a little bit about immature religion vs authentic faith and how Luke 18 is a fantastic commentary on these two things.