Every evening neighbors gather to watch the couple come home and feed the young. A community of bird watchers, united by the majesty and inspiration of majestic birds.

Summer in our house means plenty of time for reading. We head to the local library to sign up for the summer reading program. We discover great books and the kids boast about the minutes they spent reading.

from Table Talk newsletter

Sometimes she imagines being a temple herself, so holy that no one dares to come close. Those are the days when she can hold her head up high. Because people are afraid of her power.

It was a beautiful day at sea in May 1865. In so many ways.

Jesus tells us a joke cloaked in a parable. There is a twinkle in his eye. A gleam of mischief.

Were they pretty enough? Perfect enough? Good enough? Who could tell them? Who would know?

from Table Talk newsletter

She is the most powerful force on earth, totally untamed, yet often unnamed, unrecognized.

God of all people, parent of every being, breath of life! We come with prayers before you today.

When I first went to college to study theology, it was the time of aphorisms everywhere. I had cards everywhere. On my desk, at my walls, glued to my door.

Everybody kept talking about the Holy Spirit leading the election. Don’t worry, I love the Holy Spirit. But I am also aware that church is a place of church politics.

Dawit takes a deep breath. The city smells holy to them, special, exciting, accepting. Like God.

from Table Talk newsletter

What you don’t have a picture of, didn’t happen. Basically.

Nobody asked them whether they were ready to be witnesses. The authorities forced them.

The idea is simple: Give what you have. Ask for what you need. No ask is too big, no gift is too small.

Within hours everything had changed for them. Not just the present, but most importantly the future.

from Table Talk newsletter

You just do what feels right in that moment. And then you go with the flow. And people remember it years later.