Essay

A friend, who happens to be an excellent preacher, has said on numerous occasions that there's an important connection between comedians and preachers. There's timing—the right word at the right time evoking a specific response. There's the use of language, words that mean something specific,…

Five more episodes—that's all that's left for Don Draper. It's been a magical ride through the 1960's as Don's meticulously constructed life has been woven into the significant events of the decade. The first half of the last season ended with the moon landing—a hopeful end…

5th grade at our house always makes for interesting conversation. It's in the 5th grade that students first get the talk. "5th grade science" has a reputation in these parts—it's when my kids first learn about sex. When I say "learn" I mean it's the…

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or stow away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them." This week is spring break out here in Northwest Iowa. It's been beautiful with temps in the high 60's and…

This semester I'm teaching a course on Spiritual Formation. Most of the students are theology majors interested in youth ministry or worship arts, and it's safe to say that none of them consider themselves liturgical. I began the class with a modified morning prayer taken from…

I became infatuated with vinyl records as a kid. My dad would buy little 45 singles and my brother and I would listen to them upstairs on a portable record player. Back then it was The Oakridge Boys—Elvira was the anthem of my childhood. What I remember…