Don Swanger's Page

The 2016 US Presidential Election is just days away. Still, many people in our country remain undecided as to how…or if…they plan to vote. At no time in recent history have we as a people been so deeply and hotly divided. Many continue to be seriously conflicted about both major candidates. Yet this election, perhaps more than any in the last four…

What I've Done With My Life So Far Instead of Going to Seminary

Almost bastard son of a third generation whore and an at least second generation alcoholic, or so I was told.  Details are fuzzy, but that’s not surprising, and doesn’t much matter anymore. (I gave up trying to divine the true version of family stories a long time ago.   All I really…

Me again, Son.  Have I told you recently that you make me proud?  You do!  You just seem to keep looking for ways to do the right thing.  And that's good.  It's not always easy.  But it's good. 

So you want to talk about success?  Think.  Take the time to look things over, pray, and make wise choices.  If you rush into anything, or choose foolishly,  it doesn't affect just you.  It has an impact on everbody around you, especially those you love.  If you get into a pattern of…

Well Son, a couple days ago we were talking about prayer.  I want to follow up on that while it's still fresh for us.  And it's important that you get it straight in your mind and heart before anybody has a chance to confuse you with a lot of rules and opinions and nonsense.  You see, like so many other things in life, people tend to make prayer more complicated than it needs to be. 

            I know sometimes at church it seems like the folks who pray out loud are performing for…