Coffeehouse Contemplative

Ecotones are unique third spaces in between two starkly different environments. Our lives also have these transitional spaces, and they can be unique places of growth and possibility.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We are part of a web of relationships, connections, resources, and wisdom. We're not meant to handle many things by ourselves. This episode discusses the web metaphor used in my new book.The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

There are no shortcuts to the creative process. This episode reflects on the importance of starting, the value of first drafts, and overcoming writer's block.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

In honor of May the Fourth, I re-present a prior episode of the podcast that reflects on some theological implications of the Star Wars franchise.Episode 11: A Theology of Star WarsEpisode 12: A Theology of Star Wars, Part 2Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

An introduction to and reading from my new book, The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of Transition.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Giving a second life to what I thought at the time was not my best Easter sermon. When I re-preached it for this episode, I don't know why I thought that.Mark 16:1-8Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The physical items that we collect can help tell the story of our lives and identity.High Fidelity by Nick HornbyHigh Fidelity (movie)Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Brief introductions and readings from my three most recent books, including a preview of my newest, which releases this month.Episode 61: All My Books, Part 1Episode 62: All My Books, Part 2Four Weeks: Reflections for AdventMirrobius: A NovelThe Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Whenever we go through a time of needing to heal from something, we may do so with the mindset that we need to get back to some former version of life as soon as we can. But this time of healing can bring clarity about who we are, and who our new healed self can and should be as well.NEW BOOK AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER: The Unintentional InterimMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

A recap of my experience at Cleveland Fan Expo 2025.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

A martial arts principle about the development of skill and knowledge, which can easily be translated to other activities.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The Christian season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, March 5th. This week's episode gives some basics on what this time means, and a few traditional practices to observe.Go Ahead and Give Up Chocolate for LentPrayer in Motion: Connecting with God in Fidgety TimesMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

What's it take to achieve something big, glamorous, and life-changing? The answer is a lot of little things that may be boring, but necessary.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The stereotypes of a midlife crisis are well-known and often played for laughs. But what does such a life season really entail, and what opportunities for growth and self-reflection can it bring?Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We are constantly besieged by demands on our attention and energy. What are truly worth the effort, and how can we renew ourselves along the way?The Wandering Mind by Jamie KreinerMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

If you could go back and make a different choice, what would your life look like now? What will your life look like when you are faced with such choices in the future? Let's do a little thought experiment to take stock of the past, and anticipate what is to come.The Midnight Library by Matt HaigMusic: "Reflections" byWild Wonder

In our current collective season, we may be feeling a lot of anger and anxiety. We need ways that name and vent those feelings that may help calm us down, but also ways that allow us to channel it in a helpful direction. Playlist: Everybody Shut Up Episode 29: The Rage Room Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at Congregational UCC in Canton, Ohio on January 26, 2025. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The sermon preached at Congregational UCC in Canton, Ohio on January 19, 2025. John 2:1-11 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The anniversary of my ordination into ministry was 20 years ago this month. Here are a few themes and learnings that I think translate well for general use. Coffeehouse Contemplative: Spiritual Direction for the Everyday Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

After the season of Christmas comes the celebration of Epiphany. This episode explores what it is and why it's important. Also, a little recap of my month off. Matthew 2:1-12 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Late November can be a time when we're caught between two holiday seasons. In this final episode of the year, I honor both of them individually. Four Weeks: Reflections for Advent Highly Superior Christmas Playlist Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

I've spent 2024 focusing on joy. With about 6 weeks left in the year, here's a little of what it taught me. Episode 139: Love Comes Back Around Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

After Election Day, many are asking, "What now? What do we do?" I don't have any deep wisdom, but I can provide at least a little encouragement as we seek answers together. Luke 21:5-19 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

All Saints Day is traditionally observed on November 1st. In this week's episode, I give thanks for some who have been saints to me. Episode 116: Moonlight Is Lonely Paw Prints on the Baptism Cake No Perfect Time: Brief Essays on Life and Faith Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Paul shares a brilliant metaphor in 1 Corinthians to show how essential every member of the church actually is. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

A single moment can send us into days of self-doubt, questioning, anxiety, and despair. Realizing that such moments are probably not that big a deal can take effort, but can also help us avoid such an internal struggle. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Bringing a long-standing blog and newsletter feature to the podcast for the first time. My monthly author newsletter Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

A phenomenon exists where enough people misremember something that it becomes part of the popular consciousness, when in fact it was never true. This can happen with faith and spirituality as well, sometimes to harmful results. Chuck Mangione, "Feels So Good" Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

I've been involved in Wing Chun for about three months now. Here are some life lessons I've taken away from it already. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

A reading from my new novel, Mirrobius, and some reflections on my experience writing the characters. Mirrobius: A Novel Episode 143: Mirrobius Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My Friday the 13th could have gone much better. Instead, I had major car trouble that consumed most of my day. But somehow, there were bright spots in the midst of an anxious, vulnerable time. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My first novel, Mirrobius, released on September 3rd, 2024. I've taken to describing it as a sci-fi/fantasy mystery tech thriller. In this week's episode, I talk about my inspiration for it, the creative process, and the story elements. Mirrobius: A Novel Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We may be used to thinking of divine signs in a particular way: God manipulating the world around us just so we can interpret it. That may not be how signs actually work, but we still might experience them. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at Community Christian Church in North Canton, Ohio on August 25, 2024. John 6:56-69 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at West Park UCC in Cleveland on Sunday, August 18, 2024. 1 Kings 2:10-2, 3:3-14 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at Chapel Hill Community in Canal Fulton, Ohio on August 11, 2024. 1 Kings 19:4-8 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Jennifer Knapp's music has been an enduring presence in my life and faith journey. My recent experience seeing her live confirmed that for me. Jennifer Knapp's website Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at Community Christian Church in North Canton, Ohio on July 28, 2024. John 6:1-21 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at Bethany UCC in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio on July 21, 2024. Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

What's causing enough stress in your life that something might be close to breaking? Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Just catching up after my month off: vacation, upcoming books, and big life questions. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The story of the Spirit descending on the disciples in Acts 2 is one of chaos, disorder, and defying expectations. And yet not many of us may appreciate when the Spirit shows up in our lives in a similar way. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Answering the question, "What's saving your life right now?" for myself. How would you answer? Leaving Church by Barbara Brown Taylor Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at Community Christian Church in North Canton on Sunday, May 12th, 2024. Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Sometimes in the midst of grief or loss, creating through it can help. Paw Prints on the Baptism Cake Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

People occasionally ask me how I've managed to write my books. Here's my basic approach to the creative process, which will seem anticlimactic, and generally boils down to "I just did it." My books Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

A brief recap of my family's recent experience at Cleveland Fan Expo, and reflections on how and why we connect to stories in books, shows, movies, and comics. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

When the initial novelty and excitement of a new experience fades, what do we do? We have several options, one of which is adaptation. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The sermon I preached on Sunday, April 7th at Church of the Redeemer UCC in Westlake, Ohio. John 20:19-31 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Easter is meant to be a time of joyful proclamation and celebration. But what if we don't feel much like celebrating? Mark 16:1-8 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder