In Star Wars we have “the force.” In fictional novels we read about how the simplest of acts – stepping on a butterfly – affects the world’s direction. Every imperfect and false note that has been struck in an attempt to master the harmonies of life has left its vibrations in our atmosphere. Science teaches…

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Ash Wednesday’s service can be a downer. The reminder of ashes to ashes, dust to dust, doesn’t exactly make you want to shout or dance. There are many ways to draw Lenten analogies. One I hold on to dearly is the thought that over the last year the distance between God and myself has gotten…

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Suzy just sent me a recipe she wants to use tonight for cornmeal pancakes with honey-pecan butter. If that doesn’t get me in the mood for Lent, I don’t know what will. As I contemplate my Lenten discipline I can’t help but think about the wonderful gift I’ve been given, and to ask myself what…

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Rebecca, Allen, and Mary just left after a long weekend. Our house has been full of activity and joy. Now there is silence, and it will take some adjustment. Suzy is in a major funk. It’s a reminder as I contemplate my Lenten discipline. Lent is not just a time to practice letting go of…

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Once, I seriously considered opening a bookstore. Probably from a financial point of view it is a good thing I didn’t, although I still wish I had. Since I was a child, I have always loved libraries and bookstores. I can enter a bookstore to this day without any book in mind and invisible rays…

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