These recent views from our house breathed hope into my soul. There’s something about the short, dark days of this season that brings out and amplifies the darkness, down feelings, depression, and despair within us. Know what I mean? Still, the way the light pierced the clouds to bring an extra “sparkle” to the mountains, … Continue reading From Our Darkest Dark, Our Brightest Bright is Born
The beauty of this scenery captivated me the other day … For years, I've walked past this bit of lush green loveliness, on my way to the yoga studio, without noticing it. It's tucked away a bit off the side of the highway, so isn't in your face (so to speak) but takes little effort … Continue reading What We “See” is What We Become
Do you ever struggle with doing something you know you should, and even want to do? That was me when it came to being kind and compassionate, and caring well for others, until about 15 years ago. What changed me? Like drill sergeants of kindness, the people of Valley Bible Fellowship spoke, displayed, and invited … Continue reading Love is a Gateway Drug
You know how we regularly struggle and sweat to get physically fit? Increasingly, it seems to me the same is true for relational “fitness” … and might even be a key to healing our political, racial, and other divides. In other words: Real love is messy. It embraces uncomfortableness by courageously choosing to vulnerably share our scary stuff, … Continue reading Love is Messy: Getting Uncomfortable to Get “Fit”
For years I hurt my family, friends, and self by being solely the strong, silent type. You see, I bought into the notions that silence was strength, vulnerability was weakness, and control was power. Now, though, I believe: Sharing is strength, vulnerability is courageous, and open-heartedness is power. Why? While there are a number of reasons, Jesus … Continue reading Vulnerability is the New Strength
I can’t believe how “blind” I was. Which I think is hilarious to say metaphorically when I’m literally 50% blind! 🤣Cracking myself up aside though, picture this: After spending 90 minutes of my workday unsuccessfully trying to get our ice machine to work again, I started cooking us dinner at 5pm. I’d looked over the recipe, … Continue reading Sharing Our Shame Stories
“Vacuums” suck, by which I mean, in the absence of a story told, one will form in our minds, and it’s often not great! If anything, my wife and I typically overcommunicate, which I think is the best way to go. Yet, when it came to a couple of New Year’s weekend plans, we didn’t, with … Continue reading The Power of Stories: Vulnerability, Courage, & the Getaway that Almost Sucked
When I don't know what to say or write, I'll take a deep breath to let my mind quiet and make space for a calmer and more subtle "voice". If things get stressful or I feel my anxiety rising, I've found letting loose a sigh, growl, or silly noise makes a world of difference. During moments … Continue reading Becoming Friends with Your Breath
I find the more I blur the lines of where I end and others, nature, and God (or Spirit if you prefer) begin, the better life gets. Along those lines, in a podcast I recently listened to, one of the speakers said something about "communion", both a powerful relational intimacy and a central Christian practice, that brought … Continue reading Communion as the Point
As fear of COVID-19 and the divisiveness of a presidential election sweep across America, I'm reminded how very political Jesus was in pretty UN-American ways. At a minimum, I believe the Christ invites people of any, or no, religion to a new, incredible way of being human. One marked by togetherness, interdependence, caring for all, … Continue reading The Politics of Christianity
Grace and Peace Yoga 