Painfully Hopeful

On the ground in WI

Here I am, in Wisconsin. I have to say that O’Hare Airport was rather impressive, and I can say that because we pretty much saw the whole thing as we went to our gate where we’d board our connecting flight! We actually had a longer stop-over in Appleton, WI than we did in Chicago waiting…

On the eve of travelling

My conference trip “unofficially” began this afternoon when my wife and kids dropped me off at my friend Frank’s house so I could stay her over-night (Frank offered because he knows that getting up at 4 AM and having your wife drive both you and your two school-age Children to either the airport or a…

Getting ready to travel

Next week I’ll be heading to Green Lake, Wisconsin for a denominational pastor’s conference called, “Fanning the Flame.” I’m looking forward to it for a couple of reasons: This will actually mark the first time I get out of my time-zone. I get to hang out with my good friend and mentor, Frank Reeder (he…

My visit to MSNBC’s “Hardball”

Last week my mom invited me invited me to a taping of “Hardball with Chris Matthews” which was being staged at Villanova University (where she works). I figured it would be an interesting experience, John McCain was scheduled to be the guest, and it was actually the first time my immediate family has been together…

Genuinely Pleased

It’s rare that I finish a sermon a feel that I actually said what I meant to say. Preachers are their own worst critics, and the vacuous pleasantry “nice sermon, Pastor” doesn’t really give all that much feedback for me to work with. The general lack of emotion on the part of a good number…

Problems problems, do you see the problems?

Over Easter season the readings in the Lectionary all focus on the nature of the Christian life with reference to the resurrection as the fulfillment of God’s promises to his people. As a rule, these passages are a blast to preach. After all, if you can’t successfully preach the resurrection as being the very heart-beat…