Intent and Consequence

Hello at the end of a variable month, This week we’ve ushered in the fall, the harvest- and color-centric of the seasons. I have noted how this season is so significant for us both literally and figuratively in my recent posting, and certainly, those thoughts are central to me as the fall equinox has arrived.Continue reading “Intent and Consequence”

“Miracles Out of [Seemingly] Nowhere”

Hello as Autumn has arrived, While cooler, foggier mornings, nights without a need for air conditioning, and the turning of leaves into a painter’s pallet provide some experiential insight that something is happening, the calendar shouts out, that fall is upon us. Many people, myself included, often without prompting that this is their favorite timeContinue reading ““Miracles Out of [Seemingly] Nowhere””

My _Family Circus_ Life

Hello on a humid August afternoon, I am regularly told I’ve led an extraordinary life, from students asking where I am jet-setting off next to regular reactions of surprise or disbelief because of the various experiences I reflect upon as a matter of course; it’s just how my life has unfolded. Certainly, from the outsetContinue reading “My _Family Circus_ Life”

Consumption versus Creation

Hello from a hospital waiting room, Before you worry, it is not for me. I am visiting. It’s been a fabulous couple days weather wise, and the weekend predicts more of the same. It might be the nicest 4-5 day stretch I remember in a very long time. The nights have not required the AC,Continue reading “Consumption versus Creation”

To Lament or To Learn

Hello from the micro-acre, The summer I did my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at St. Luke’s in my hometown of Sioux City, there was a lot on my plate. I had been diagnosed with what then was determined to be Ulcerative Colitis, I was on leave from the seminary, was planning a wedding at theContinue reading “To Lament or To Learn”

Silence: Wisdom’s Best Reply

Hello at the end of an great weekend, This past week a close friend asked me about how I seem to know how to respond to what someone says or just how to reply in a given situation. Let me preface my response with an honest disclaimer. I certainly have been know to put bothContinue reading “Silence: Wisdom’s Best Reply”

Taking Cover, but Never Ducking

Hello from the still transforming space, As of late I have ponder those things in life that give me some sense of pride, not in an arrogant manner, more perhaps more in a resilient way. As I have found myself on the other side of a daily requirement of working in some “you are requiredContinue reading “Taking Cover, but Never Ducking”

Sechs Schock und zehn

Hello from my abode, Today would be the birthday of my adopted father’s eldest brother-in-law, Mr. Clare White Swaby. He was born in 1896, and he was the proverbial Sunday dinner guest when I grew up. He was, by any measure or thought, a character. He dropped out of elementary school in 5th grade, butContinue reading “Sechs Schock und zehn”

When the Applause Stops

Hello from my little 3rd floor corner of the Magee, As I look out the window, I see a typical little town. There is a statue at the center of our little town commemorating the veterans to the Civil War and beyond, I can see the back of the public library, the flag pole withContinue reading “When the Applause Stops”

Teleological Transactionalism and Christian Conservatism

Hello from my little corner of the world. While a part of me loves the political of the world, another part is continually surprised (to some extent) and dismayed at how the human lust for power and the seemingly insatiable need for resources (e.g. greed) seems to determine what we do, be it individually orContinue reading “Teleological Transactionalism and Christian Conservatism”