Cosmically Curious: Perceptions from a Speck Called Earth (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781532044861)

Len Jepson sets the stage for peaceful, better lives with his improvisational personality. He develops and maintains relationships that are built on compassionate models that are supportive instead of competitive. In other words, improvisation is open to enjoy the treasures of diverse people and communities. Instead of looking out for ones own isolated beliefs or views, improvisation is a collaborative effort that delivers new life experiences for everyone. On an average day, social environments and relationships change hundreds of times, especially in recent times with our ever-increasing pluralistic cultures. Improvisational leadership responds to less-than-ideal considerations for peace and justice by introducing relaxed and open thinking, choosing to be optimistic by seeking creative possibilities. He is motivated with the improvisational model, the art of embracing the surprising instead of the expected results. This teaches how to take risks instead of being satisfied with the ways things are. Improvisation develops a contagious mind-set promoting curiosity with radical openness, flexibility, and the desire to build strong relationships, the building of bridges instead of barriers. His administrative disciplines for communities bring richer, clearer, and wider parameters. With his growing passion for ecumenical and then interreligious leadership, he was a Lutheran synodical representative in major local and national dialogues. He also served a blended Lutheran/Episcopal parish and taught world religions at Bellarmine University. Living on the border of Michigan and Indiana, called Michiana, Lens personality spills over and mixes with new friendships. People not only are brought to laughter with sermons filled with puns, but they become punsters as well; his office became known as the training room for kids, with a model railroad circling his desk. Lens improvisational resources were enhanced in 2008 as he studied emerging Christianity, which considers the dynamics of changing cultures. These travels included studies in Helsinki, Germany, and Hong Kong. Len and his wife, Linda, live in Mishawaka, Indiana. Their daughter and son-in-law, Abby and Mat Berry, live in Englewood, Colorado.