Imagine that you’re at a social gathering and have spent the last half-hour playing conversational ping-pong with several  people. Every interaction up to this point has been superficial, about things that don’t really matter. Boring stuff. So you begin to look for an exit to escape the misery. Sound familiar? I wonder if you feel the same way I do about small talk?   Naturally ,  some small talk is necessary to begin a conversation and establish a connection with a person. B

Understanding Self-Deception When Ted Lasso turned to a disgraced Rebecca and said, “You’re not the only one who sees what kind of man he is,” he was referring to Rupert, her obnoxious, immoral, greedy, ego-driven ex-husband. I knew exactly what Ted meant. We all possess an intrinsic ability to recognize the true nature of a person. In Rupert’s case, it was an easy call. Leadership and Self-Deception is a book that highlights our innate ability to discern the quality of our

I feel a lot of tenderness and affection when I think of the word “friend.” To be a friend is a high value. To have a friend is an exquisite gift! And so, as I spend my last hours of silence during our Fall Creek Abbey Silent Retreat 2026, it is with eagerness that I claim my word for the year: BEFRIEND!   To ”befriend” is to make friends with; to act as a friend would act toward someone or something by offering it your help and support. It implies taking steps to get to know

I breast-fed all four of my children, and  I experienced the challenge of weaning them. I am mindful of a distinct memory as I consider this final reflection on Psalm 131 and the third step for circumventing anxiety. T he memory that comes to mind isn’t an abstract one. It’s an actual recollection just days after our son was born. We were home from the hospital, adding a fourth to our young family, with a two-and-a-half-year-old sister. We were all making adjustments.   On th

I've never thought of myself as an anxious person. Sure, there are certain things that make my tummy rumble and my palms sweat. It’s usually the anticipation of whatever I’m facing—like public speaking or flying on an airplane. Yet ever since the election, after witnessing one jaw-dropping, heartless act after another, I’ve felt anxiety coursing through my body like never before. You, too?  I began this three-part series on Psalm 131, a Pilgrim’s Song , because I discovered i

In worship at our church, The Table , several weeks ago, as we entered into a time of prayer, I prayed a prayer for creation. It was a "good" prayer, but I was struck by how general it was. Don't get me wrong, global prayers are needed. But I wondered what it would be like to pray more specifically for the creatures and the challenges of our planet. As a result, I began work on Eathers Lament .  Fast forward to today. Tomorrow marks the start of COP30 (30th Conference of the