Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be. — 1 John 3:2 How is that we are God’s children now? What have we done to earn that title? Was it that good deed we did that nobody noticed? Was it that thing we didn’t do when all our…

Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be — 1 John 3:2 Already. Not yet. We’re between. But by the grace of God: We are God’s children now.  

Several asked about what in particular I find to be such “good stuff” in the image I included here yesterday. As always, glad you asked! Everything in the artwork on display seems black and white, with one exception. And it’s a butterfly. And it’s red. The butterfly is an outstanding symbol for Easter, Resurrection, and…

A marvelous expression of my goal here in my humble blog — — Yesterday, in a conversation with an-almost-life-long friend, I realized that “A closer look at the bigger picture” is also a summary of what I’ve tried to do all along in my overall ministry. Why point this out? Two reasons: I love that…

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead God is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  — 2 Peter 3:9  Glad God’s not slow. Glad God’s patient. But…everyone…really? Really. Everyone.

Vince Lammert‘s service was two weeks ago today, and there was Standing Room Only. There was much laughter. There were even more tears.  It was my honor to be a part of that service, the highlight of which was Jennifer Kaplan‘s eulogy. It’s with her gracious permission that I share it with you here today…

 Rebecca Weatherford nudged me in this direction yesterday, for which I’m grateful—- Some of the best songs are the simplest. (I know, I know — that’s not an all-inclusive statement; I can name several examples of profoundly complex music and lyrics, same as you…but that’s not where I’m going with this today. Come along for the…

The choir at Union United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL recently sang an arrangement of  this song, and it still seems a good reminder for this Easter Season — O love that will not let me go I rest my weary soul in thee I give thee back the life I owe That in thine…

With gratitude to the person who sent this to me and wants to remain anonymous, the following so good I’m just getting out of the way — Ours is one of the few large congregations in America that still puts its denominational label on the front door. In many congregations today denominational affiliation, if indeed…

“Do not abandon yourselves to despair,” Pope Francis said, and then continued, “We are the Easter people.” By the grace of God, you and I really are; but I’m afraid I’ve forgotten that more than once. Okay, way more than once. Maybe you have, too. “We are the Easter people.” Today of all days in worship,…