Coffeehouse Contemplative

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

One's mental health journey likely will feature many curves, bumps, stops, and starts. But embarking toward healing and wellness at all is what's important. Episode 43: Journaling 101 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The spring time change has not been treating me well the past few years. Maybe it's the same for you. I have some ideas of how to ease this exhausting and annoying transition. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Most of us have passions and interests that are vastly different from what people know us to do and to be. Have you ever thought about actually trying to pursue those things? What's holding you back? George Harrison, Brainwashed Old in Art School by Nell Irvin Painter Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Not every environment is meant for us if we want to thrive, do our best work, and be our best selves. This episode will explore some of the ways to name why some spaces might feel "off" for us. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

I just turned 45 and I have some thoughts and feelings about it. Nerdette with Alison Brie and Dave Franco Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

A sermon for the First Sunday in Lent, based on Mark 1:9-15. Mark 1:9-15 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Once again, Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday will fall on the same day this year. It may not seem like these observances go together very well, but they actually do. Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 My Books Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

How are your New Year's resolutions holding up? If they're not doing so well, it might be better to view them in terms of the daily process rather than the end result. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My uncle, David Lawrence, passed away this week. This episode celebrates his love of music and family. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

It's been a week of cancelled school (and work) days thanks to snow and cold. This episode explores the happiness that snow days bring, and of finding joy in simple things. Four Weeks: Reflections for Advent Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Missing a single instance of our routine can put us into a negative space of guilt, questioning our dedication, comparison to others, and a host of other things. This episode will examine that negative space, as well as how to get out of it. Episode 111: Their Story Is Not Your Story Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder