Now and again, the peaceable kingdom beyond our cottage deck takes a startling turn. I once on a tranquil summer afternoon saw a highly territorial

Note: I really hope you’ve read Mark Hiskes’ important essay Afraid to Teach which was posted on the website this week. (If not, stop reading

Some years ago when Rob Bell was still pastor at the West Michigan megachurch Mars Hill, a few of my students (among others) noticed that

A few weeks ago, my husband and kids and I took a road trip out to Northwestern Ontario for a bit of a reunion on

I used to call myself an institutionalist, and did so quite proudly. The belief that institutional systems and structures—norms and mores—ultimately provide protections, sustain decency,

As I was walking through Kollen Park in Holland, Michigan along the shoreline of Lake Macatawa, I overtook a young mother and her two daughters.

At 96 years old, Frederick Buechner left this vale of tears and passed, as my Native friends might say, into the spirit world.  I should

I am rebuilding a violin made in 1719 by a famous builder. I can spend hours in my garage meticulously working over every detail. Reminds

This is the First Roseland Christian Reformed Church of Chicago Illinois — a long time ago. First of all, I want you to know that