Coffeehouse Contemplative

My sabbatical was a lot of things, and I'm still trying to figure out what they were. Episode 212: The Pre-Sabbatical Episode The Life That She Deserved Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

I'll be taking a sabbatical from my denominational work in May and June. Here's why I'm taking it now, and what I'm planning to do, (and not do). Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

A reading from my new novel, Dunamis . SPOILER WARNING for major plot points of the preceding novel, Mirrobius . Mirrobius: A Novel Dunamis: A Novel Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

There are those inevitable items on our to-do lists that we'd rather avoid due to their difficulty, or the discomfort that they may cause for us. This episode explores a different way to approach them. Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at St. Michael's UCC on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. John 20:1-18 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Sometimes we get so bogged down in the imperfections of what we're doing that we can miss how good it turned out to be. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

If you were asked to write a six-word story that conveyed who you are, how would you approach it? No Perfect Time: Brief Essays on Life and Faith The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of Transition Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My experience at this year's Cleveland Fan Expo was very different, and gave me a newfound appreciation and respect for some much-maligned elements of Star Wars. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

I have a new novel out in the world, and I want to tell you more about it. Mirrobius: A Novel Dunamis: A Novel Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We often have such good intentions about self-care that can quickly become sabotaged or rationalized away. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Several episodes ago, I talked about how well-rested I've been. So of course that didn't last. Here are some ways to work through bouts of insomnia. Episode 201: Nowhere to Be, Nothing to Do Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio for Sunday, February 15, 2026. Matthew 17:1-9 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Sometimes the simplest realization can help us get the rest that we need. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

This is my 200th episode, and I'm trying to figure out how to celebrate. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Abscission is the process by which trees shed their leaves as part of their preparation for winter. We can learn something from this process as we move into new seasons of our lives. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio on January 18, 2026. John 1:29-42 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Sauna has become an important practice for me the past few years. Here are some things that I have learned from the experience. Wintering by Katherine May Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We have ways to display achievements for ourselves and others, but the deeper work of ongoing dedication and practice can't be measured so easily. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We still have just over a month until 2026 begins, but I've already been thinking about what I hope that it brings. Mirrobius: A Novel Tri-Vocational Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The increased dark and cold that this time of year brings can affect us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This episode explores what to watch for, and what to do in response. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh wrote extensively about the practice of reciting Gathas, short verses that reframe mundane activities. This week's episode explores the practice and considers its application. The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh Gathas for Daily Living Prayer in Motion: Connecting with God in Fidgety Times Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon for All Saints Sunday, November 2, 2025, at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio. Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The Johari Window is a self-awareness tool perhaps not as widely known as some of its counterparts. In this week's episode, I provide a brief introduction and explain its possibilities. Coffeehouse Contemplative: Spiritual Direction for the Everyday Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Martial artists and other athletes learn "contact courage" in order to become more comfortable applying their techniques on other people. Scenarios elsewhere in our lives necessitate this same kind of comfort and courage as well. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The story of an unexpected side quest that my work team encountered when we attended an event in Lexington, Kentucky. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder