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Dr. Tom has been sharing refreshing, insightful essays on his Sunday Morning Cafe blog since 2009. Each Sunday, he brings his extensive experience from resilience research, counseling, and consulting to help you find more connection, meaning, and joy in life. We're so glad you're here to grow with this community!
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Bending the Universe
What happens when love seems unlikely to prevail in fractured times like these? This reflection offers perspective—and quiet hope—from the past.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Oct 124 min read
Know Their Name; Know Their Story
Across continents and cultures, the same truth remains: to know someone is to change how you see the world. Read on for a reflection on listening, courage, and the art of being known.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Sep 77 min read
Restorative Practices: Lessons in Trust from a Classroom of 10-Year-Olds
Restorative Practices tell us that healing moves at the speed of trust. This reflection explores what children can teach us about repair and community-building.
Lizzie Wiegert
Aug 248 min read
AI Relationships: Artificial or Intelligent?
AI chatbots promise connection on demand. This reflection asks whether convenience can ever replace real relationship.
Tim Bono
Aug 176 min read
Intentional Friendships: a Guest SMC Author!
The irony of friendship? We long for closeness, but sometimes resist the very vulnerability that creates it. This piece invites you to take the small, brave steps that lead to a lifetime of walking side by side.
Annalise Wagner
Aug 106 min read
Back Porch Wisdom from Our First SMC Event
Sometimes the Sacred moves through scripture. Sometimes, through a favorite song playing in the background while the bread bakes. This reflection explores how simple meals and real conversations can become holy ground.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Jul 274 min read
The Ground Floor: The Very First Sunday Morning Café Event
The Sacred doesn’t start with answers—it starts with awe. From a backyard loss to a community gathering, this reflection kicks off the Sunday Morning Café you’re invited to attend.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Jul 135 min read
Looking Into the Mirror on Juneteenth
You can read all the right books and still miss what’s in front of you. This Juneteenth reflection is about waking up—slowly, imperfectly, honestly.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Jun 226 min read
The Everyday Father
What if your greatest spiritual practice is simply showing up? This reflection reclaims the sacredness of time spent doing nothing together.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Jun 154 min read
Comedy Roundup
Comedy isn't a distraction, it's a doorway. In this installment, SMC readers share their favorite picks.
Dr. Tom Wagner
May 115 min read
Pick Up the Call…Please.
Explore meaning, resilience, and connection through inspiring stories of everyday heroes. How do you listen for—and answer—your calling?
Dr. Tom Wagner
Mar 165 min read
Latte for Lent.
Some beauty exists for no other reason than to delight you—like a perfect heart in a latte, made just to make you smile.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Mar 24 min read
The Road: Intentional Defiant Love.
In a world that can feel as bleak as Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, what does it mean to love—intentionally, defiantly, and against all odds?
Dr. Tom Wagner
Feb 224 min read
Emmanuel in the Mirror.
When joy feels distant and connection elusive, the gift of “God with us” doesn’t disappear—it deepens. This week’s reflection explores why.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Dec 22, 20244 min read
Building Bridges in Divided Times
Do you ever feel like every political conversation is a minefield? This reflection introduces a better way to engage—without losing your peace (or your people).
Dr. Tom Wagner
Dec 8, 20245 min read
Bending the Universe.
What happens when love seems unlikely to prevail in fractured times like these? This reflection offers perspective—and quiet hope—from the past.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Dec 1, 20243 min read
A Muscular Gratitude
In the chaos of life, what happens when you stop long enough to savor? This article explores how small moments of grace can soften even the hardest memories.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Nov 24, 20246 min read
Explore the full archive of Sunday Morning Cafe blogs from 2009 through 2024.
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