Most of the guests I host on the podcast share some kind of faith in common. For many of them, that faith carries the label of “Christianity.” for others, that label doesn’t fit quite as well or as comfortably. My last guest, Jon Steingard, is one such guest for whom religious labels are somewhat unhelpful, … Read More
Reflections
May 6 And A Few Words About Why I Made New Music
My father over-identified with his work. It cost him his life. I’ve talked about that a lot since losing him, which happened 22yrs ago, today. Talking about my Dad’s overworking and depression was a warning to folks kind enough to listen. I also know I live with many of the same capacities for overwork and … Read More
The First Time I Walked My Son Through Loss
Last night, my son lost his first pet; a guinea pig named “Morris.” At first, Asa seemed to take the news of Morris’ passing in stride, dutifully and almost happily helping pick an appropriately-sized box for the guinea pig’s small body. “Dad, we should have a funeral.” “Absolutely. Do you want to have a small … Read More
Notes From Jubilee 2017
I took a truckload of notes at The Jubilee Conference. Instead of dump them all out, here are a few highlights and the thoughts these highlights stir in me: – “In chaos, tyranny thrives.” -Jon Tyson I realized that I am often drawn to gatherings like Jubilee (and Jubilee specially) not so much by a … Read More
News, Truth And Interpretation
Sure, CNN, MSNBC and FOX have their agendas. But to simply say “I don’t believe a word of it” is just lazy. Every bit of information I’ll ever receive is coming at me from an angle. This is why Nietzsche wrote “there is no truth, only interpretation.” I think that’s largely true (see what I did … Read More
Living Wisely and Well With Weapons
I remember, at one point during one of Aaron Sorkin’s genius bits of West Wing dialogue, a representative from a sister Nation informing the President of the United States that it is difficult to hear moral instruction about the possession and use of nuclear weapons from the only nation to ever use one. I’ve always thought there … Read More
Lessons From The Leaf (part 3): Moving Mountains, Moving Lakes
I am spending the month of June mentoring college students and playing music at Young Life’s Woodleaf. This property has played a key role in my life’s process. I was baptized here in December of 1993, been here just about once a year since 1987 and worked every job a volunteer can do here. This is the last in … Read More
Lessons From The Leaf (part 3) – The Gift Of Our Disabled Friends
I am spending the month of June mentoring college students and playing music at Young Life’s Woodleaf. This property has played a key role in my life’s process. I was baptized here in December of 1993, been here just about once a year since 1987 and worked every job a volunteer can do here. This is the second in … Read More