What It Means to Be Adopted by God, Part 1 of 2

Long before ABBA was associated with a Swedish pop group, songs like Dancing Queen, and movies like Mama Mia, it was a Greek term akin to “Papa” or “Dad,” connoting “affectionate respect.”[1] Many of us know something of these intimate terms in that when we’ve called our father to share our heart, we begin by saying, “Dad…” Or when our … Read More

Dads and Daughters

We noted last week and here that, although the later part of Psalm 127 focuses more on sons, the first part of the psalm includes all children, male and female alike: “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” In thinking about daughters specifically, I’ve found Job 42:10-17—another section in the wisdom literature … Read More

Reading, Snuggles, and the Future of Christianity

Note: This post is a re-purposed and expanded version of “For the Love of Books,” and commemorates my son, Timothy, and daughter, Emily’s, graduations this week: Tim from Villanova where he got two Masters, one in English Literature and one in Theology, and Emily who became a registered nurse, receiving her RN from Rowan College. Very proud of them! In … Read More

A Tribute to My “PDL” Friends and Other Sources of Hope

Every 2-3 months I get together for an “in-service” training with three of my heroes. They are part of Care Net’s Pregnancy Decision Line (PDL).  Anyone in the country can call 877-791-5475 and these coaches offer live compassion, hope, and help to women and men considering abortion. They do so by presenting realistic alternatives to abortion and referrals to life-affirming … Read More

All “I’s” on Hero-Dads

It was a cool morning in August 2005, and Johan Otter, 44, and his daughter Jenna, 18, were only 90 minutes into their morning hike in Montana’s Glacier Mountain National Park when it happened. Apparently in an effort to protect her cubs, a huge female grizzly suddenly appeared on the trail running straight toward them! Jenna was knocked aside, suffering … Read More

Good Fathers Help Us Get God’s Love

I had a good father. Among other things, he taught me to fish, split wood, and work hard. He believed in doing things well and would often say, “It is easier to do something right the first time than to explain why you didn’t.” He was part of a generation of men where women were the primary nurturers and men … Read More