I believe many people find comfort in doing spiritual rituals or sacraments done in a group, for example communion, or the Lord’s supper, which was historically celebrated in a gathering of believers.  After all, the “church” is a group of believers and prayer can often be a part of worship.  Prayer, however, was almost always intended primarily to … More Personal prayer: Listening to God

We just recently returned from Seattle.  Coronvirus, the homeless, drug abuse, big city poverty, sickness.  The airport and trips through the city on the light rail, or visits to the local hospital or grocery store gives you plenty to think about. People, so many people, each with a unique story and a need.  A beautiful … More What are you afraid of?

In my executive coaching practice, or in my role as a Stephen Minister, there are inevitably times when I sense a problem exists that my client or care receiver may be reluctant to talk about.  If I feel a gentle nudge might be appropriate to prime the conversation pump, I will sometimes ask if there … More Bridging the teen communications gap

When I was a wee lad of 8 or 10, I was pretty much the stereotypical 98 lb. weakling, not the bulky mass of muscles you may think of me now.  My brother and I grew up in a neighborhood of all boys, mostly bigger, older boys, and so we quickly developed well-honed survival instincts, … More A“Christmas Story”

Following the suicide of a clinically depressed friend of mine another and I were discussing the difference between depression and faulty thinking, wrong decisions, etc.  It’s an often misunderstood concept. Clinical depression is a physical/chemical/neural brain disorder (not a personality, thinking, or spiritual disorder, although that can additionally exist). It is akin to MS, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, … More Depression and faith

Baseball greats, memorable people… and great memories from my childhood in the 1950s.  Not so much watching them play, but memories of collecting the baseball cards, playing many hours of baseball in the yard next door, and seeing my mom watch baseball on tv, which was one of her favorite pastimes when she wasn’t busy … More My mom and Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Al Kaline…

You did it to me (Jesus in Matthew 25:40).  We’ve all been in that situation, stopped at the busy intersection (walking the dusty trail through Samaria) when we see the disheveled homeless Vet walking down the line of cars.  A torrent of thoughts race through our minds: Is he for real?  Is he safe? Will … More As you did it to one of the least…