Stories

The last house we owned in Chicago had cedar siding.  At one point in its existence it had been pretty.  A nice blue with white trim, set off with black shutters and a cedar shake roof.  Very pretty.  Very homey. But I say that it was pretty at one point in its existence because apparently, … Continue reading I can confess this since I failed.

I had my first Sierra Nevada Pale Ale in 1994.  It was delicious and marked my entry in the world of craft beer. Since then, I've had the opportunity to try a lot of different varieties in many different places.  Interesting names.  Interesting labels.  Interesting stories behind some of the breweries.  Mostly, I'm an IPA … Continue reading Why the craft beer movement makes me want to stop drinking… OK, maybe not.

Two weeks ago on vacation I got some water in my ear. No matter what I did, I could not get it to come out.  Over a couple days, it would feel like the pressure was lightening up, but then the next morning it would feel packed again, and I would spend the rest of … Continue reading Faith, Faith, Faith

A number of years ago, my friend John recommended the book Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. It tells the story of Paul Farmer who, as a Harvard Medical School student, travels to Haiti to treat people with Tuberculosis. It's a fabulous book, and I highly recommend it. The book describes a struggle Paul Farmer … Continue reading The Constant Struggle

Like so many, I woke up to news that 9 people were murdered in a church in Charleston. I pray for the families of the victims. I cannot imagine the anger and grief they are feeling. As a pastor it sends a chill; I have always thought of a house of worship as a place of … Continue reading Faith, hope, and love abide, these three. But the greatest of these is love.

My first job out of seminary was doing youth ministry at a church outside Chicago.  I was nervous moving so far away from home and venturing into ministry. But then something interesting happened. I was awesome!  I can't begin to tell you how great it felt to know everything. After getting to know the families … Continue reading My 4 cents, because my opinion’s worth twice as much as your opinion.

When I was in the Navy, I had the honor of working with Marine Corps recruits going through basic training.  That meant that I had a great deal of interaction with Marine Corps Drill Instructors.  These drill instructors were the most professional class of people I have ever had the chance to work with.  They were … Continue reading Like Magic!

My sophomore year of high school I was talked into playing football, or to be more precise, talked into joining the team. What little talent I demonstrated during summer workouts instantly disappeared once I put on the pads and helmet.  So I prepared myself to spend the next few months in a ridiculously clean uniform … Continue reading Pride goes before the fall, or sometimes you just fall.

I live in a community that has a lot of amenities.  Good schools, nice neighborhoods, tasty restaurants.  I live in a community that has a lot of amenities. High pressure jobs, stress, and a desire for excellence even from the youngest children.  In a single email from my oldest child's school there was publicity for a … Continue reading Isaac, not just a bartender anymore.

I know that I've been sunburned through a car window. I know that I am well under 6 feet tall. I know that I haven't paid for a haircut in 20 years. I know that as much as I try to carry myself as a badass, I loathe violence and was grateful that as a Navy … Continue reading I KNOW WHAT I KNOW.