Personal tragedy can make the Thanksgiving season very difficult. We need only remember Job to acknowledge that. After a series of events that included the deaths of all his children, his beloved servants, his contracting a painful illness, the inadequacy…
Killer Christians in Texas: The Next Victim Is Scott Panetti
Has your church ever executed someone? Don’t be appalled by such a question. Think deeper. Perhaps you never hung someone on the cross at the front of your sanctuary, but have you considered the consequences of your inaction? Think about…
In Memory of the Hutterite Martyrs of 1918
David Hofer, the oldest brother, was released from prison the next day, but Jacob Wipf was held until April 13, 1919. From his hospital bed in Dec. 1918, Jacob shared the story of the shameful treatment the four Hutterites received;…
A God with Skin on Her Face: Exploring the Mystery of Advent
Advent is derived from a Latin word meaning “arrival” or “coming.” The season of Advent on the church calendar marks something momentous. Henry Nouwen, who taught at both Harvard and Yale and authored over forty books, spent the last seven…
Millennials and Why I Am Reading More in the Gospel of Mark
A Travel Free Learning Article By George Bullard When you are looking for a story or saying in the four gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus, which gospel do you go to first? I go to the gospel…
Thanksgiving is not just a day
As millions of Americans travel and look forward to sitting down on this Thanksgiving Day, many will eat until their gut is full. Turkey, ham, and mashed potatoes will be consumed and football will be played or watched. As Americans…
A Spiritual Path to Gratitude
Brother David Steindl-Rast has contended in his writings that gratitude is foundational to a healthy spiritual life. If that is true, and I believe it is, then how might we expand our capacity for gratitude? Perhaps some reflections drawn from…
Thankful for This Passionate Advocate for Children
During this Thanksgiving week, I am thankful for many things and for many people-such Marian Wright Edelman, a passionate advocate for children over the last 40 years. Marian Wright was born in South Carolina in 1939. Her father, a Baptist…
In honor of adoption month: How we got here
When Kyle & I’s life got turned upside some 7 1/2 years ago in a way we never imagined and we we welcomed 17 year old Dawn into our family, Aric & Glenna were there every crazy step of the…