The Idaho House this week approved introducing a piece of legislation to add the words “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” to the Human Rights Codes. This means we will, after 9 years, finally get a hearing. This will allow people to share stories with legislators about the vital need to include these protections in the…
This morning on the news, I heard someone complain the editors of Charlie Hebdo were guilty of the “sin of provocation” for continuing to publish any cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed. Last week, 12 people were murdered by terrorists who were offended by the publication and its history of publishing satirical cartoons that depicted religions…
Idaho Governor Clement Leroy “Butch” Otter made this statement this week as he was sworn in for his third term in office. “Where we draw the line is having others’ views imposed on us as mandates out of misguided political correctness or a lack of respect for our history, traditions and values.” I heard that…
In addition to the STAR words passed out in worship on Epiphany, this week I’ve drawn stars for over 150 people who have requested them on the blog or on facebook. It is a good spiritual practice for me. With each word I draw, I say a prayer for the person receiving it. Some of…
My STAR word for 2015 is MIRACLE. (You can read about our congregation’s tradition in a number of posts at the “STARward” tab at the top of this blog). Since we started passing out words on Epiphany, my words have been PRACTICE ADVENTURE PLEASURE and now MIRACLE I know it is a “churchy” word, describing…
My STAR word this year was Pleasure. I’ve reflected on it here and here. What’s not to love about pleasure, right? It’s been a good word. I had a good life before I drew the word, but I recognize I was more intentional about noticing pleasure in random moments of my life this year. I…
A sermon preached at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho on Dec 27, 2014. Luke 2:20-40 Sometimes we are sent on the road because Roman authorities demand a census, as we heard about on Christmas Eve. In today’s story, the Holy Family is again on the road, this time headed to Jerusalem to present the…
A sermon preached at Southminster in Boise, Idaho on December 21, 2014 2 Samuel 7:1-11 Luke 1:26-38 (Here’s the video we showed in worship today). King David wanted to build a Temple for God. The Ark of the Covenant was being moved around the countryside, from town to town, but living in a tent, while…
Christmas is in a week. Everyone seems overbooked and overwhelmed. Many of my clergy friends are barely hanging in there. Getting ready for the extra services is just one of a pastor’s worries in these dark days of December. I’m praying with and for my friends as they provide pastoral care to those who grieve…
Today is my “Adoption Birthday”, the day my family adopted me and brought me home. I was a month and two days old. I’m sure it all became legal some months down the road, but December 14 has always been my day to celebrate. Mere mortals get only one birthday. Awesome adopted children get two.…
Glass Overflowing 