The Dangers of Faithfulness

Hello from Pennsylvania, and the hope that spring will still arrive, I, as former pastor, a life-long Lutheran, somewhat a Bonhoeffer scholar, and a person who believes deeply in the power of the sacraments, placing the word dangers and faithfulness as something consequential of the other might seem confusing. And yet let me begin here:Continue reading “The Dangers of Faithfulness”

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”

Understanding How and Why

Hello on a day of taxes, unexpected events and unsure of what next. The afternoon will be taxes. it’s been a morning of meeting a large truck with the back of the Beetle, no real damage to the truck, and something quite different for the bug. Dinner tonight with a former colleague and feeling likeContinue reading “Understanding How and Why”

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”

Justice or Partiality: it is a Choice

Hello at the beginning of April, The reality of Spring seems more likely this past week. While the rather usual cyclical weather, both reminding us of the lengthy winter and teasing us the possibility of spring, continues, the increasing hours of light does assist in my more hopeful attitude. As I write it is HolyContinue reading “Justice or Partiality: it is a Choice”

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”

Making this Place Home

Hello from Bloomsburg, What makes some place home? There is certainly the physical attributes. There are the things, the events, the moments that become habitual. There are the people, and the weeks that become months, seasons, and eventually years. While I have always been amazed by what I refer to as the duality of time,Continue reading “Making this Place Home”

Teaching Someone to Dream

Hello from my corner, Often I am asked if my life turned out as I expected, and my unequivocal answer is immediately “no; not at all.” There is no statement I have ever spoken or written that is more truthful than that. And of course, a reasonable response would be why not? I think forContinue reading “Teaching Someone to Dream”

Using Power for Others

Hello from my small corner, It’s turned colder again. After a beginning of a week that allowed for walking in merely a t-shirt or a long sleeve, yesterday I had my winter coat on, and this morning the little abode is chilly (or beyond) as the wind works its way through the windows typical ofContinue reading “Using Power for Others”

No Promise of Reciprocation

Hello on a sunny and hopeful day, While it is a sunny and warmer day, any thought that Spring has sprung is not really something I believe to be true. And yet, we are easily spoiled. As I have aged, I find myself wondering what it was that offered such joy or excitement when snowContinue reading “No Promise of Reciprocation”