Between “back to school” and “holiday hectic”–a reprieve
My connecting flight (which I make by only 10 minutes) takes me over the Grand Canyon at sunset. I’m relieved to be on the plane, blown away by the beauty, and suddenly sad for the [...]
GodSpace for Groups!
I'm super excited to let you know that the long, careful writing and editing process for GodSpace:Embracing the Inconvenient Adventure of Intimacy with God is finished! This baby goes to the printer today. The editing [...]
When good things end: some thoughts on The Practice
The only constant in life is change. This is particularly true in dynamic organizations like Willow Creek, the church I’ve been a member of for three decades. While I have remained at my church, it [...]
Broken bread, burning hearts
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. [...]
The “crisis” in the blogosphere
According to Christianity Today, as a spiritual blogger, speaker and author, I’m part of a “crisis in the church.” I agree there's a crisis, but I disagree on what exactly that crisis entails. Me, [...]
The surprising thing about Lent
How are you doing? Really? Yosemite National Park. (Photo by Melanie Kent) How’s the journey so far, Lenten pilgrim? Is Lent, and the practices you've chosen in this season, clearing the cobwebs? Spring [...]
Embracing inconvenience and finding GodSpace
#wewelcomerefugees I’d seen the hashtag. #wewelcomerefugees I knew my friend Jane did some work with refugees. I’d written about them (in books and blog posts and also for Christianity Today), even had a refugee family [...]
Radical hospitality trumps hate
On Thursday, my friend Jane and I drove to Chicago to welcome a refugee family. Jane’s van was loaded with supplies: linens, towels, pots and pans, dishes, and more—the basics needed to set up home. [...]
Why you should ditch the “kids’ table” this Thanksgiving
In your dim memories of Thanksgivings past, you may remember it: the card table in the kitchen or the family room, possibly set with plastic cups, and a paper tablecloth, where you sat with your [...]
Is hospitality a spiritual gift?
Hey friends! It's been a while, right? Wanted to let you know I'm working on a new book, titled GodSpace: Embracing the Inconvenient Adventure of Intimacy with God. The good people at FaithWords publishers are [...]