Did you know that each parable Jesus spoke was brief and disarmingly simple—yet endlessly deep? In this season of reflecting on the parables, I’ve been struck again by how these short stories continue to open fresh windows into the heart of God. They are not merely illustrations. They are invitations.

In a recent episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, I had the joy of sharing a conversation with my friend and colleague, Rev. Jen Kiefer. As Jen shared her story of crafting and living a rule of life, I was once again struck by how God uses the raw material of

Is it time to create—or perhaps review—your personal rule of life? A rule of life is not an aspirational wish list; it is a grace-filled framework that helps us hold together the raw material of our lives with intentionality and hope. When life feels full to overflowing with complexities and

A Hero has Died Caleb passed away on Christmas Eve. He was a gentle and humble man of God. A great leader because he was a fabulous listener and a faithful servant. A true reflection of our Triune God. He loved his family well, with Bonny, his life partner of

The Grand Annual Examen: Through the Lens of Emotions 2025 was an emotion-packed year for me. So, when it was time for me to pay close attention to the past 12 months in my prayer journal, I decided to focus on creating my annual Examen through the lens of emotions

What’s your favorite Christmas movie? In our family, the list includes Elf, Home Alone, A Christmas Carol, Polar Express, Rudolph, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and just about any Hallmark movie (my wife loves a predictably happy ending sentimental love story!). Most intriguing to me is our granddaughter’s fascination with the

Don’t Forget to Thank God… …for so powerfully, tenderly, graciously, and majestically being God. In this season of thanksgiving, we tend to lean more heavily toward thanking God for the myriad gifts he generously provides. For our family and friends. For good health and answers to our prayers. For our

“You are a lot of work,” she said with a glint in her eye. I’ve seen that facial expression hundreds of times over the years. As a result I wasn’t offended when my wife uttered those words. She’s right. I fell and fractured my patella in Germany on the first

 Have you ever been on a spiritual pilgrimage? For sure, our life in Christ is our most significant pilgrimage. But, in our lifetime we also have opportunity to go on pilgrimage to sights of holy significance. LTI has hosted several over the years…to Greece (in the footsteps of Paul), Italy

Slow Down! I live on a street with a middle school at the end of our road. We’ve lived in the same house for nearly 40 years. Many times when I’m outside working in the garden or playing with my grandchildren on the front lawn, cars go whizzing by…at what