As Christmas approaches, we can prepare to accept God's good gifts by setting aside our own efforts and becoming like little children.
The mystery of the incarnation is not just a topic for philosophers and theologians--it initiated the transformation of our family tree as children of God. Iconography is one attempt to capture the mystery, but what can we discover by going straight to the Word?
A brief tour through the last few centuries reveals many theories about music that are, in and of themselves, gifts to our experience and understanding of the art form.
A gradfather?s death presents a challenge to love more deeply.
Is laughter even appropriate in a world with so much suffering?
On seeking genuine celebration during the holidays.
Struggling with agenda-driven giving at Christmas time.
Is there such a thing?
Shopping for Christmas gifts can be an opportunity to practice our deepest values.
A gift takes the form of knowledge conveyed in a letter.
A mini-review of the film Mostly Martha.
A review of Wendell Berry's Given: New Poems.
A practical guide for the dazed and confused…as well as the overly confident.
Holiday memories serve as reminders of the best gifts.
A review of Noah Baumbach’s Margot and the Wedding.
A talk and slide show from the author's recent photography exhibit.
On the rag that does the dirty work as a reminder of God’s love.
A childhood gift becomes a constant companion.
An interview with Ron Vander Pol, an artist and art and Bible instructor from Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
On the search for purpose, via the story of playwright Horton Foote.
The blessings and curses of growing beyond imaginary friends.
Mixing metaphors on a holiday of metaphors in a class on...metaphors.
A review of Nora Gallagher's book The Sacred Meal.
How what we believe shapes what we make and what we make shapes what we believe.
A personal narrative of resistance and acceptance.
The one who stays put reflects on two very different callings within the same family.
Pondering gift registry in the final stages of planning a wedding.
On what we stand to gain when we look down, instead of ahead.
Putting the search for direction in the context of death.