Over the years, I’ve learned how to talk like a pastor. However, it never feels like my native tongue. When I’m gathered with other pastors, I am acutely aware of the language barrier that separates us. They are a flock of unrelentingly cheerful sheep; I am an introspective goat, prone to melancholy. I feel like Woody Allen at a fundraising dinner for the All Stars of Jesus. When I am gathered with other pastors, I... [more]

In my experience, following God’s plans usually involves taking many small steps whose consequences are hard to see at the time; only looking back can I see the path God has been laying out, and my reaction is usually a smile or tears, not laughter.  For laughter, there must be an element of surprise.   I have been blessed by a few of these occasions, but none more memorable than last summer, the day before... [more]

I was appalled.  I was at Yearly Meeting for the first time, and a speaker had invited people to come forward in a way that sounded just like an altar call.   The speaker had been talking about the power of words spoken in anger to wound people we love.  He said that being hurt by words can be as painful as being hit with a rock and can leave lasting scars.  At the end... [more]

Knock knock. Who’s there? God. Really?  Is it really You, at last? That’s not the right response.  You’re supposed to say, “God who?” Oh.  Sorry.  God who? Let’s take it from the top; works better that way.   Knock knock. Who’s there? Jesus. Wait; last time you said “God.” Can’t you follow simple instructions? Sure, but you said… Never mind; let’s begin again.   Knock knock. Who’s there? Banana. {slight pause} Banana who? Orange you... [more]

The low winter sun streams through the Douglas fir and cedar branches along the Wildwood Trail. The trail winds along a contour line out in the deep wooded heart of the park and I am alone. Well, almost alone. Around a bend in the trail comes my dog, running full out, her ears flapping and mud flying out behind her. She skids to a halt in front of me, her doggy face practically grinning as... [more]

Our visit to Palestine was ending and we were in a small town not far from the Ben Gurion airport. The town was named Neve Shalom ~ Wahat al-Salam, Hebrew and Arabic meaning “Oasis of Peace.” Neve Shalom ~ Wahat al-Salam is no ordinary village, rather it is an intentional community where Jewish and Arab Israelis live together, working to create a place of peace in the midst of the rancor, fears and strife of... [more]

I’ve always been attuned to the natural world, particularly birds, so, not surprisingly, God often communicates with me through birds and nature. I learned long ago that when nature behaves in unnatural ways, I’m to pay attention: God is speaking and wants me to listen.   One day I had a strong leading to take a certain action, though I no longer remember what the action was. I do remember that I wasn’t sure I... [more]

Yet once again I’m sitting in the back of the meetinghouse, feeling sorry for myself, wishing not so much to get back my lost theology as wishing there was something to fill the void of that loss.  Hearing everyone else happily singing the songs that once spoke of my faith, seeing others who are content with their knowledge and experience of God, feeling isolated, I find myself thinking, “I don’t belong here.”   Before you... [more]