For Mother’s Day worship, our church leadership asked me to lead with songs that used feminine language for God. I resonated with that thought. But, while I was always taught God was neither male or female, it wasn’t until my 30’s that I made the …
Read MoreFor others
When she was in fifth grade, our daughter Natalie decided that she wanted to go by “Talli”. I’ll admit, I didn’t really like how it sounded. Besides, we were her parents and we had named her Natalie. We liked it. She was still a kid. …
Read MoreO Come, O Come, Emmanuel (2019)—Round 3
Sigh. The people never vote like I think is right. The Civil Wars and Punch Brothers out breaks my heart. But here you go! Get your votes in by Sunday at 4 pm PST! And submit your favorite version of “O Holy Night,” as we …
Read MoreO Come, O Come Emmanuel (2019)—Round 2
Amy Grant won her way in, after all of the higher seeds won the other matchups. Time to vote in round 2! Polls close at 9 pm PST on Thursday!
Read More“Digs deep”
My read of FINDING HILDEGARD kept bringing to mind “journey.” I saw three intertwined pilgrimages: (1) the life of Hildegard of Bingen, (2) the author’s quest for wholeness, and (3) the convergence of Koskela and Hildegard that formed a common path forward. After finishing the …
Read More“Well-written, perceptive memoir”
At first glance, it may not appear that a medieval nun and a 21st-century male pastor have much in common. Learning that they do in this well-written, perceptive memoir not only opened me anew to the relevance of history, but also to the universal truth …
Read More“I…found his candor refreshing”
Insightful, relatable, and hope-filled writing about spirituality and God. As someone who has felt disillusionment with the church, I identified with his struggles and found his candor refreshing. His deeply personal revelations and willingness to be vulnerable make me reflect upon my own experiences in …
Read More“Writes with such tender loving kindness”
Gregg Koskela writes with such tender loving kindness. This family man and former pastor, who embraces Quaker philosophies, encounters and connects with Hildegard, a Catholic saint. Events leading to Gregg and Hildegard’s connection were devastating to an entire community of people. Trauma and agony bubble …
Read MoreAdvent Caroling Madness VII
It’s time for one of my favorite Christmas traditions, Advent Caroling Madness! Part of how I love getting in the Christmas spirit is working with all of you to find the best version of a particular Christmas song. There’s lots of YELLING IN ALL CAPS …
Read MoreA portion of chapter 1
Click here for an excerpt from the first chapter, Beautiful Agony.
Read More