James Gandolfini and the Cultural Autopsy. . . .
I never realized just how beloved James Gandolfini was until he died last week. Actors, musicians, and other pop culture celebrities are passing away all the time. But for some reason, Gandolfini’s death and the response to it caught my…
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Faith As A Factor In Teen Pregnancy. . . .
I distinctly remember a conversation I had back in the 1980’s regarding youth ministry and criticisms that youth pastors were talking about certain things way too much. At the time, this oft-criticized topical trifecta that most youth ministries like ours…
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Cannonball Wounds, Serena Williams, and the Steubenville Rape Case. . . .
Brian Regan is a really funny guy. His comedic observations about everyday life make me laugh. His little bit on going to the doctor is a good one (see video below). In the middle of the bit, Regan ponders what…
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Are We Systematically Killing Our Selves? . . .
Don’t you just love those “get smacked up side the head” moments? I had one this morning as a result of the convergence of Bible, book, and newspaper. It was a nexus that has given me such personal pause about…
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This Is Where We Cried. . . And Prayed. . .
I’m a sucker for nostalgia. . . I’ll admit it. When my travels take me to places where I used to live, I will oftentimes go out of my way to visit a spot that holds a piece of my…
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Hurts So Good. . . Thoughts On Welcoming Suffering. . .
Yesterday I caught a peek at the cover of the latest edition of People magazine as I stood in line at the grocery store. There in the picture stood three women – Mery Daniel, Adrianne Haslet, and Heather Abbot – who…
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The Need For “Smartphone Control” . . . It’s All About Wisdom. . . .
It’s said that “wisdom comes with age.” That’s true. . . I think and hope. . . especially as I get older! I’m convinced that the more accurate statement is that “wisdom comes with endeavor.” I’m thinking here of the…
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Teens and Abortion. . . There’s An App For That. . . .
During yesterday’s drive from Pennsylvania to New England my companions were the scenery (stunning!) and the radio. Thanks to my eyes and ears, I was reminded about life and death. . . and what matters related to each. Somewhere along…
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Youth Workers, Culture Watching, and Holiness. . . Part 2 . . .
Yesterday I blogged on culture-watching and the youth worker. Should we or shouldn’t we? And if we should, how should we? Yes, it can be a dangerous balancing act if we aren’t thinking carefully as we take each step. Each…
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Youth Workers and Culture-Watching. . . How Far Is Too Far?
“Should a Christian read and see “The Hunger Games?” Hmmmm. I hate questions like that. I was asked that question about this time last year by a youth worker who knew that I had already read the book and seen…
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I Shop. . . Therefore I Am. . . .
We’re living in the midst of an earthquake. . . and unless we step back and look really really hard, we probably don’t even know that the ground and everything on top of it is shifting in major ways. That’s…
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How Music Has Changed. . . And What That Says About Us. . . .
For me, it was college dining hall background music with great harmonies, loads of energy, and some great guitar riffs. I was reminded of Heart’s 1976 hit “Crazy On You” (video from a 1977 performance below) this past Saturday night…
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