Today, everyday, we stand in a "thin place". Let me explain.Evelyn Underhill was a modern contemplative. She was the first woman given lecture-wide status at Oxford. She wrote 39 books on Christian spirituality and philosophy.Once, when a friend of Evelyn Underhill had been to the Isle of Iona, a place deep with roots in Scots … Continue reading A Thin Place

I found this to be very interesting. Perhaps you will too.http://static.videoegg.com/ted2/flash/loader.swf

There are these two brothers. They grew up in a loving home, with wonderful parents. And, as fate would have it, their Dad was a pastor. And in spite of this, both boys have grown up to be functional members of society, avoiding both prison time, and some nutty period of rebellion living in animal … Continue reading Well Meaning New Ideas

In the last 10 days Myanmar and China have seen more suffering than all the world should have to endure in a year, or maybe a lifetime. Events like this make me feel like we really are living in the suffering of the "end times", even if the end does not come for a long … Continue reading Pray

Last week I had lunch with my good friend John, at one of South Pasadena's cultural icons (newly renovated - now featuring cloth table napkins!).John has had a remarkable life, and I count him as one of my favorite human beings. At one point in life, he was even a member of The New Christy … Continue reading Coachella Reprive – Excellence & Humility

Last Saturday night, in the desert, under the stars, with 40,000 young people, and a handful of us old dudes. Lots of funny cigarette smoke too. Ok, so its like 10:45 PM, and its way past my middle-aged bedtime. But there is more to come, and I have to rally.What a day. And then, at … Continue reading Coachell Musings – Tres – Too Much Competition

Last Friday, I spent an amazing day in the desert, at the Coachella music festival, with my daughter and friends. I am so glad I went, I start smiling whenever I think about it.The day we went, there were about 40,000 people in attendance, and as I commented, a whole lot of people far younger … Continue reading Coachella Musings – Section B

Coachella 2008. What an amazing experience!Polo grounds in the middle of the desert. 97 degrees, hot hot sunshine. 40,000+ people. Music (loud!), art, food, water (lots), more music, and a festive, clean, absolutely fun environment.Only problem; I felt 25 years too old. And I was. By my estimation, and that of the friends and kids … Continue reading Coachella Musings – Installment 1

When our girls were little, almost every time family and friends gathered at our house (usually with extra kids joining the bunch) their would be, eventually, a "show" by the kids. All the adults had to sit in one room, while the Norris girls would co-direct and act in some form of short impromptu comedy … Continue reading Thoroughly Modern Millie

A year ago, my then 16 year old daughter was dying to go to the Coachella Music Festival. Remembering what concerts were like when I was a kid, I thought it might be better to wait a year, and have a parent go along. And so, it is a year later, and we are fired … Continue reading Coachella Music Festival