As kids, many of us were encouraged, probably taught that Lent with its “lengthening days” was about “giving up something,” usually candy or sweets. Adults sometimes tried giving up smoking or other habits that needed attention. Lent became sort of an “endurance project” to the point of competition. I gave up more than you gave up!… Continue reading Lent 2025: Stand Up, Speak Out, Be Alert to What is Going on in Our Country
Claiming and Bonding: The Story of Mama Bear, Grandma Bear, and Pastor Bear
Love is a Many Splendored Thing
As I reflected on what to share in the February blog, Love dominates the month. You have seen enough ads for candy, flowers, and diamonds! That’s not where I am. I have been thinking of the lyrics from the song “Maria” that is part of the Sound of Music score. One of the lines is, “How do you solve… Continue reading Love is a Many Splendored Thing
Opening a Door Called Hope
in January, 2025 Many of you may remember that the month of January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, transitions, and endings. As we are gradually moving into the Year of the Lord, 2025, I want to reflect on Hope. It’s not the first time I have written a blog entry about HOPE.… Continue reading Opening a Door Called Hope
Bargaining or Trusting: The Big Leap off the Roof
Santa is making a list and checking it twice! One of my favorite newspaper comics is Baby Blues. There are three kids, Zoe, Hammie and baby sister, Wren. Every December, Hammie, a mischievous, but endearing imp, puts all his energy into trying to be good. Because Santa knows whether you have been naughty or nice… and… Continue reading Bargaining or Trusting: The Big Leap off the Roof
Mom Always Liked You Best!
The never-ending sibling rivalry Just in time for Thanksgiving family gatherings! Recently I read a novel that reminded me how prevalent sibling rivalry is. If it is any comfort, sibling rivalry has been around for most of human existence. It certainly appears in the Hebrew Scriptures and in the New Testament. There are numerous examples… Continue reading Mom Always Liked You Best!
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Given that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month I want to share some difficult statistics with you as well as remind you that domestic violence is present throughout the world, but I want to focus on the domestic violence that has happened and continues to happen in our own country. However, out of deference and… Continue reading Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The “More” in Gathering
In the last few months, I have been fortunate to have attended Gatherings of various configurations that I have experienced as Sacred. By that I mean there was a “more” to being there. It wasn’t just a play, or a visit with friends, or participating remotely in a convention. Yes, it was that on the… Continue reading The “More” in Gathering
Summer Snippets of Joy, Hope, and Chuckles
As we move towards the end of August, we say goodbye to Summer. I love summer. I love the extended daylight. I love having our doors and windows open. I love seeing kids ride their bikes and hang out at the playgrounds. I live in the city so there are lots of kids out walking… Continue reading Summer Snippets of Joy, Hope, and Chuckles
This Land is Your Land, This Land is Our Land
As we celebrate the 248th birthdate of our country, I revisited Woody Guthrie’s song, “This Land is Your Land.” Guthrie wrote this song in 1940 in response to Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” which Guthrie perceived as not representative of the more common people who were not homeowners nor landowners (Guthrie’s perception). Guthrie also wrote a second set of… Continue reading This Land is Your Land, This Land is Our Land
A Father’s Reflection
By Greg Stephen As we celebrate Father’s Day, I have invited Greg Stephen, friend and colleague to share his reflection on being a father and grandfather. Bridget Hear, O Children, a father’s instruction, be attentive, that you may gain understanding! Proverbs 4:1 I am the father of two sons and have four adult grandchildren. When trying to… Continue reading A Father’s Reflection
The Annunciation Blog 