thirty years later
I’m sitting in Shari’s Restaurant in Newberg, Oregon. The Salmon dinner with rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables was delicious. Thank you for asking. Looking out the window, I see sights […]
Tag Archives: Spiritual Formation
empathy
I approached the counter of the vendor as I had previously done on countless other occasions, ready to engage in friendly, but witty banter. She seemed quiet, however. Withdrawn. So […]
palatable spirituality
There is nothing more refreshing than a glass of ice cold water on a hot day, or a cup of steaming hot chocolate on a cold day. But on any […]
the filters we bypass
We all have them in some form. Filters. For our air and water, both in the natural and designed by people. Also for our fuel, homes, cameras, aquariums, pools, computers (both virtual and hardware), and so […]
Ministry Dreams: Spread Your Wings or Clip Them?
The path leading to the realization of long-held life and ministry dreams is amazing, exhilarating even. Ideas flow. Sketches, etchings, scribbles on napkins, tweets in the stillness of night, and […]
scarred hands
Each day of work exacts a price on my body. The toil of labor is like that and it should come as no surprise, given God’s judgment on Adam subsequent […]
The Elephant and the Chain: Breaking the Chains of Sin
My pastor preached the gospel last Sunday in a singularly pointed way. He called out sin for what it is. Not mistakes. Sin. You know, the choices we make to deviate […]
discipline of discipleship
We each are allotted a measure of time to enjoy the lives God has given us. It is a stewardship, a trust. For my part, I too often have fallen […]
choosing your influences
The household of Saul was a mess (1 Samuel 18-20). He was disobedient to God and therefore was stripped of his power. In essence, he became a lame-duck king over […]
life is what we make of it
Each day is an opportunity. Stuff happens, whether by our choice or beyond our control. It is the clay which gives shape to our lives. Yet, our responses to these situations mold the clay. […]
