Writngs
This archive gathers both Side Notes and published work shaped through years of counseling, teaching, and pastoral reflection. Some pieces are written here in the quiet margins of ministry; others were contributed to broader conversations. Together, they reflect an ongoing commitment to clarity, steady care, and thoughtful faith.
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, *open to reason*, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3.17)
- Truth in Love
I am in the midst of helping to plan my high school class’s thirty-year reunion. First, let me get out of the way the obvious:
- Journey Reflections
As you can see, I’ve been away. There is a strong temptation in me to (in polite terms) over-share about my life. In not so
- Truth in Love
Every year it seems we all complain that the retailers are rushing the seasons, particularly when Christmas decorations come out before Halloween. I know I
- Truth in Love
So when I landed in Des Moines, I put off seeing my Aunt June (my dad’s sister) and her husband, Kim, because I was going
- Hearts We Carry
As I approach 45, I find myself looking back at what is–if I am very fortunate–the first half of my life (Who knows? Maybe it
- Journey Reflections
“There are those who believe it is simple selfishness that leads people to divorce; for those of us who have lived it, it’s hard to
- When It’s Hard to Hope
Dear Thaddeus Evan: I think I didn’t write this on your birthday because I am trying to deny that you are really growing up. Every
- Hearts We Carry
Pete and I have an ongoing conversation with TEWC about the difference between want and need, which is a conversation we also have with ourselves.
- Journey Reflections