I was 13 when my best friend was struck and killed by lightning. He was driving a tractor and mowing hay on his family farm. We were both part of a small circle of geeks and despite our differences, he was the one who gathered us and challenged us, finding ways to draw out our gifts so that we could... READ MORE >
Do not fear, O soil; but be glad and rejoice, for God has done great things! I hear these words from the prophet Joel and pray them often, especially this time of year as I walk my daily prayers over soil that is often muddy. Foot or paw prints are easy to see and my hope to walk the earth... READ MORE >
The sound of rushing water was out of place and made no sense. The windows weren’t open and the river was miles away. Setting aside preparations for the funeral that would begin soon, I followed the sound. It gathered strength as I went down the stairs. There appeared to be a growing river at the bottom of the steps. Deep... READ MORE >
The staircase to the dungeon hall is on the east side of the throne room wall. These words spoken by Mother Goose in the play, Little Red Robin Hood were among the easiest for me to remember. Although I had one of the smallest speaking parts in the whole play, I struggled to keep my lines straight, to know when... READ MORE >
It was a glorious day for hiking in the mountains of Montana. The river, running and tripping over ancient stone formations, accompanied us and gave us rhythm. Some of us, like me, still in college and not yet 20, others on leave from their vocations, all longing to listen and learn the wilderness, we had banded together to spend four... READ MORE >
Everyone said yes, as if Jesus’ prayer, “that they all may be one” had come true among us and within us. Suddenly, we knew freedom as peace beyond understanding filled our hearts, as justice overflowed in joyful streams of living water. Tears flowed freely among us and deep silence came upon us. After a year of intentional prayer, conversations of... READ MORE >
I carried Jesus all day in downtown Minneapolis. He wasn’t heavy, but he would not fit in a bag or a backpack, so all day he was in my arms. Although some people smiled and even chuckled, many people crossed the street clearly hoping to avoid one or both of us. By the end of the day I was tired... READ MORE >
My friend asked me to go with her on a church hayride. Eavesdropping adults told us we could not share a hayride because I was Lutheran and she was Catholic. Undaunted I went to my parents who hemmed and hawed, clearly trying to discourage me, even as they promised to investigate the possibility of the hayride. We both attended the... READ MORE >
One summer day I was nestled on the edge of a lake when I noticed odd creatures climbing out of the water. One after the other they climbed up, and as they climbed they left their old selves behind. The legs, torso and head were still visible but empty, just a semi-transparent shell. Pausing on a piece of wood, their... READ MORE >
Chanting forests and singing rivers, reds, greens, golds, and oranges tumble me and teach me. All your works with joy surround you, earth and heaven reflect your rays, stars and angels sing around you, center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea, chanting bird and flowing fountain, teach us what our praise should be.... READ MORE >
