“Pruning for Lent” (from Busted Halo)

I set out not long ago in a search of the way of traveling what Jesus calls “real life” or “life to the fullest.” This nomadic expedition toward a life of joy (which I describe in my book Holy Nomad) led me to my own backyard, where I stumbled onto the divine teaching of an […]

How ‘bout them apples? A Parable about Lent, apple trees, and why giving up is a good thing

Things are blooming here in Southern Ohio. The world is slowly pulling itself out of hibernation: the browns of our winter landscape are conceding to lush green carpets of grass. Overhead, barren trees are sprouting their first buds of growth; people seem to be wearing brighter smiles and a moving at a quicker pace. The […]

An Ash Wednesday “Disaster” and the Meaning of Lent

I have to confess that my Lenten season began with a quick failure. I have been so busy recently, Ash Wednesday just sort of snuck up on me. As someone who often writes about spirituality, it made me feel like a loser that I hadn’t spent any time contemplating what to give up for the […]