I have not had as much time to post during Lent, which is not a big surprise. However, I have had a chance to get out on two wheels. All the bicycles have been out, and I just picked up my Yamaha 650 Seca.

This bike is now thirty years old. Like my bicycles, it is a well-worn and trusted companion. Last Fall, I added a windshield. I've been pleased and surprised at how versatile it has become.

We are having a wonderfully early spring in NW Minnesota. It's time to relegate the cages (cars) to the garage as much as possible.

While my posts have been infrequent, they will probably pick up after Easter. I hope you are ready for a wonderful spring wherever you are, and wherever you are lead.

The ethical dimensions of Raspbery Pi: Why it should matter.

I'm on the bandwagon of folks who ordered a Raspberry Pi. Initially, I was attracted to the idea of a versatile low-cost computer that would be obtainable to most anyone who had a desire to work with computers. In the late seventies, I had friends who were bread-boarding there own Z-80 based computers, and the 'Pi' comes closest to the spirit of that endeavor. None of us had much money-- but we could obtain the components necessary to build such a modest system. It wasn't useful for anyone else in particular, but it was fun.

The world has changed a lot since then. Instantaneous communication has become the norm-- hand held computers in the form of cell phone are commonplace. We take for granted the ability to text or call someone from wherever we are. But it requires resources, and usually a long term contract with a cellular provider to be able to do so. The ability to communicate, and with it the ability to develop relational capitol, has become a necessity for empowerment. De-centralized  communication, as we witnessed in the Arab spring, is essential for change which serves the common good.

The 'RPi' is an easily affordable communication tool which makes accessible the language of machines, and with it the ability for children and adults of modest means to participate in the liberation, quality, and hopefulness which come whenever we move closer to all people having a place of the table-- the realm of open community.

I've watched from a distance the amazing development of open source software. Through an communal evolutionary process it has been transformed from a tool for geeks to a system for everyday users. It is remarkable. As affordable hardware moving in the direction of being open source, I believe the 'RPi" creates new possibility for pushing the boundaries of open source community. If we understand God to be 'open source' in that God is in relationship to all creation. Perhaps the creation of egalitarian communication capabilities moves us closer to this open source.

This seems like a tall order for such a small device. It can not be the ultimate manifestation of an emerging community ethos. But it can point to and participate in an ultimacy which is beyond itself: a community of belonging and participation where everyone is invited.

maiden voyage

It was a lovely, spring-like day in Thief River Falls. This afternoon, I took the newly-revised Nashbar Hounder out for its maiden voyage. I love the new mustache bars. They transform it to a more athletic position, allowing me to somehow feel more "on top" of the fixed gear. Very pleasing indeed.

I also did a little design work on the rear rack with hounds-tooth pattern duct tape. This looks pretty cool-- photo later.

This has me feeling a little conflicted. I like a more leaned forward posture for riding on an upright bike, but my wrists and thumbs seem to take more of a beating as I am getting older. This is one of the nice things about riding a recumbent--no weight on your hands.

Why another Blog from a pastor?

Why this blog?


While I am a United Methodist pastor, this blog is not really about ministry or the church. This does involve spiritual reflection-- but it is of a less directed nature than what I share in the church I serve.


Bicycles (and later motorcycles) have been a source of freedom for me since I could first ride one. Because bicycles require movement to maintain balance, they are  a useful metaphor for movement in the Spirit-- and thus a way to talk about life in the Spirit.


Years ago, a friend compared the wheels of his bicycle to Buddhist prayer wheels. For me, riding a bicycle is something like prayer--it forms a stronger connection to "terra-firma," but in a way which incorporates wonder and joy. I still experience balancing on two wheels to be magical. Explanations from physics do not diminish my sense of wonder when poised on a bike.

Bicycles are also an extension of self. Riding a bike changes one's physical self-- and our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves are all interrelated. To touch one is to touch the whole self and all aspects of the self.

A short rant about touchscreens

I love my Nook Color. It's an android tablet configured to be an e-book reader. But after spending several months with it, I can't understand all of the excitement about tablets like the Ipad. Why do you want to spend so much time looking through your smeary fingerprints?


I have a small netbook (an HP Mini 1000) that is now running Ubuntu Linux. While the computer is very compact and travels well, it has nearly a full size keyboard. It can't do everything for me, but it sure does a lot.I'm also quite happy with the Unity desktop. It fits a 10" screen quite nicely without eyestrain.


 Is the need for a keyboard a middle age thing-- or do people not even see the smeary fingerprints?

Bicycles, Winter, and Spring

Somehow, I've resisted the urge to get a new bicycle. Instead, I've decided to shop at home. My old "pink" racing bike has become unsuitably uncomfortable to ride. I've installed a raised stem, and will be toning down the pink a little. (if this is at all possible)

I'm also making my Nashbar Hounder fixie a little more pleasant. It will have a better saddle, a rear rack, and mustache bars. This will be my grocery getter when complete.

My old GT Karakorum, resplendent in studded tires for winter, will also get a new stem, handlebars, and grips to accommodate middle age. (mine, not the bike's)

I'll post pictures when the projects are done. There is a lot to be said for shopping at home, both economically and environmentally.

Teaser for Transfiguration Sunday

Tomorrow is Transfiguration Sunday. As Jesus and his disciples went to the mountain, the disciples had a mystical experience of Jesus' divinity. Mystical experiences are not easy to put into words-- They leave us more in a state of wonder which does not need to be explained away.


What's important about Jesus' transfiguration is where it lead his disciples. (and leads us) We are called to love and serve the world as God would have us serve. God's world is a source of abundant goodness-- yet how we treat this world is not always so good.


Have you had a mystical experience? If you have, how does this experience inspire you now?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7sBnr8q3WI&context=C314e712ADOEgsToPDskIGVwxKSh_3ZPda8zUcNiaM