But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone,    but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 Jesus answers the tempter by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3. Whenever I read this verse, I see the contrast between creation and the Creator. The devil challenges Jesus in his creaturely discomfort of […]

Will there be Anyone Left to Speak? PART 2 Yesterday, I spoke about my concerns about the divided culture and church. I cautioned that the continued and escalating divisions could lead to a point where we will no longer have a voice that speaks for us. Today, I speak for myself and my convictions. Although […]

Will there be Anyone Left to Speak for You/Me? (Part 1) In early August, I plan to revisit the site of the prototype and longest-functioning NAZI concentration camp of World War II, Dachau, used to imprison “enemies of the state.” This time, I’m bringing my kids, Chewbacca, Baby, and the Schmooze, to see a place […]

TOYIN’ Water into Wine Healings of the Afflicted Five Thousand plus fed Walked on Water; Blind Man’s sight Lazarus came out; I AM! “I AM!” – an original HitchHiker TANKA inspired by the Signs and Wonders of the Gospel of John.

Reflecting upon this verse requires first understanding its context. Even though the people Isaiah is speaking to face the pending disaster of exile, the prior chapter promises hope: the coming “Branch from the stump of Jesse.” In the Christian faith, we know this as a promise of the coming Messiah, the Anointed One. Turning to […]

Abandonment Recently, my spiritual director handed me a prayer called “Abandonment Prayer.” This prayer of submission is so contrary to the world’s call to self-ism. It is a commitment to selflessness before the Author of LIFE, the UNIVERSE, and EVERYTHING. Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may […]

TOYIN’ The apple of LIFE It can taste bitter or sweet Or both in tandem Do not be afraid to bite For it is God who offers “In Season” – an original HitchHiker TANKA inspired by the Teacher of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, who also inspired the likes of Pete Seeger and The Byrds.