We are preparing for mission… well, for a mission trip. We are already on a mission. That is an every day purpose and perspective, leading our thoughts, words, and actions. Being on mission is intrinsic to following Jesus. Where Jesus goes, we go, and what Jesus does, we do. In one sense, this mission trip will only be an extension of what we already do, […]
Imagine this scenario. You arrive at the doctor’s office after taking a fall, with sharp pain in your arm. The doctor examines you, runs a few tests, and takes X-rays of your arm. After looking at the results, she informs you that your arm is broken and that is the cause of your pain. You wait but nothing happens. You ask about your broken arm, […]
As it turned out, there was more transitional work than I expected and unfortunately, my blogging suffered the most when it came to making needed cuts. However, now that the sermons are largely planned through the end of the year and the classes I am teaching are in order, my schedule is finding a rhythm that allows for more writing. Transitions are not easy, but […]
Some memories are dangerous. Some are dangerous to remember and others are dangerous to forget. Last night, I happened to meet a colleague while we were out with our daughter. In the midst of our conversation, he reminded me of a memory from my life that was dangerously close to being forgotten. He said, “I remember a few years ago, when you were sick over […]
What happened to civility? I know we are overburdened and rushed for time. I understand that we are working to make ends meet and worried about the current economic forecast. I recognize that we have opinions and passions, but when did it become acceptable to subjugate the way we respect and treat others in order to make ourselves and our agenda the only thing that matters. […]
I confess, I am one of those people who loves logic puzzles. I think it goes back to my childhood when my father would use them to get me to go to sleep, or to be quiet in the car. He would say, “Charlie, I will give you 50 cents if you can answer this,” and then there would be some mental puzzle about two […]
The Good News is meant to be “good news.” The Gospel is meant to inspire and encourage. Even when it challenges and rebukes, the purpose of the message is good. God gave us a precious gift when he entrusted the stewardship of this message to us because how we share His Word affects the way it is received and as with anything holy, it must […]
I just finished watching Christian comedian Tim Hawkins in his video “I’m No Rockstar” with my family. What a wonderful experience. The comedy was extremely funny and left all of us crying from laughter at least once during the performance. It was wonderful to laugh with the family and enjoy something positive together. I am glad to see an example of someone who can offer a […]