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From the Scoring Table

Dec 18, 2015

From the Scoring Table

This may not come as a surprise, from someone who graduated UT with an accounting degree: When given the opportunity, I keep score at Jack’s basketball games. Most of the parents from Jack’s teams (basketball or baseball) know why: Keeping the book keeps me from yelling from the seats too often and too loudly. Keeping the book helps keep me calm, and rational, and really makes me focus on all aspects of the game. I enjoy keeping score, which I only do in the rec league.

Do You Hear the People Sing? Seeing Michael Brown in the staging of “Les Miserables”

Aug 18, 2014

Do You Hear the People Sing? Seeing Michael Brown in the staging of “Les Miserables”

The Dallas Arts district is comprised of several venues, each with a dedicated purpose: The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, home of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra; and the Winspear Opera House, home to the Dallas Opera, the Lexus Broadway Series, and national touring recitals, concerts, speakers, and dance troupes. Other buildings house specific resident troupes, including The Dallas Black Dance Theatre, or the Booker T. Washington School for the Visual and Performing

I Wasn’t Supposed to be There….Right?

Jul 18, 2014

I Wasn’t Supposed to be There….Right?

A few months ago, a friend in St. Louis asked me to contribute books to a new children’s library in the St. Louis area. The Sweeney’s managed to pull together two full boxes to contribute. I loaded the boxes in my car, where they stayed for two months. This last week, we drove to St. Louis for a wedding. My friend Tom wasn’t supposed to be in town. He was supposed to be at a conference in Squaw Valley, but scheduling conflicts caused a last minute cancellation. I arranged

Letting Go of Fear

Jun 26, 2014

Letting Go of Fear

In April, 2014, Disney’s latest blockbuster “Frozen” opened in its final market (Japan), and global sales pushed close to the $1.1 BILLION mark. First day DVD and Blue Ray sales, including presales, hit 3.2 Million, escalating in May to over 10 million sold. The animated feature was nominated for several industry awards, taking home Oscars for both “Best Animated Feature Film” and “Best Original Song” for Let It Go. What is it about this song that resonates with so many o

Second Star to the Right

Apr 29, 2014

Second Star to the Right

When our son, Jack, was young, he was fascinated with the story of Peter Pan. In our house, we watched the Disney version of Peter Pan endlessly; Jack wore his Peter Pan outfits on a regular basis (not just at Halloween). We watched the movie, Finding Neverland, with great interest. I took Jack to the Dallas Summer Musical production of Peter Pan, and he danced in the aisles to the Indian songs. I remember the patron sitting next to me stated, “If the show wasn’t great en

The Biblical Basis for “Paying it Forward”

Aug 22, 2013

The Biblical Basis for “Paying it Forward”

My Aunt Frances died of cancer a few days before my college graduation. Anyone who’s experienced terminal illness – family or friends – can share how difficult life is without that person. Every birthday, every holiday, all those special jokes….eventually they bring on a smile of remembrance; but for awhile, all they bring are pain to the survivors. I saw my cousin (Frances’ daughter) at a recent family gathering. She looked great, had a radiant smile, and the always infec

Was that a Sign from God?

Aug 19, 2013

Was that a Sign from God?

“If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name at a Swiss bank.” – Woody Allen A friend of mine recently had a very emotional meeting. He was confused. He was angry. He was disappointed. And the meeting did not end as he expected: a loving embrace, a rousing round of Kum Ba Yah. Instead, he tossed and turned all night, knowing that his problem had not been resolved to his satisfaction. I talked with him about it the next day, after

Jan 11, 2013

Everything is Spiritual – even footnotes (a reprise)

Many of you know that I began my formal study of theology in 2009, enrolling in Perkins School of Theology for my first class, “Interpretation of the Old Testament.” With a few years and more than a few research papers behind me, I can say it has been quite a ride! What is life in seminary like? Here’s a little reflection (from the perspective of a first term part time student, still working full time): · Backpack – check. Pencils, sharpened – check. Books purchased – c

Dec 26, 2012

God with Us.

I found this op-ed from Maureen Dowd and Father Kevin O’Neil in today’s NY Times to sum up much of my thoughts on finding God in tragedy. Most especially, “how we are with one another in that suffering and dying makes all the difference as to whether God’s presence is felt or not and whether we are comforted or not.” Emmanuel. God with Us. May those of you who mourn for loved ones lost this year know your community is here to comfort. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/26