perspective
The dark skyline is foreboding. It casts a pall over the chain link fence. Razor wire mocks would be escapees. Passersby scurry on, eager to leave the dismal scene, all […]
Tag Archives: Spirituality
minor character in the community subplot
Another night of basketball with the neighbor youth. Six kids. Two coaches in addition to me. Good attitudes and effort. A marked contrast to last week’s experience. This week was […]
keeping it real
In recent months the phrase keeping it real has infiltrated my vocabulary and thinking. I use it to refer to those moments when heart-level candor has entered the conversation. It’s […]
beautiful brokenness
Last Wednesday I shared parts of my story with realtYouth, the student ministry of Portland Open Bible Church. I touched on three seasons: childhood, junior high, and high school. My […]
when friends become family
When does a friend become family? Pressure can offer such an opportunity. For example, a friend may become family when his devotion survives false accusation and rejection, and when he […]
rooted dreams
A young family was on a mission trip to give clothing to impoverished tribal Indians in Arizona and just across the border in Mexico. Circa 1969. Hot. Endless desert. Parched […]
in the deep watches of the night
My eyes popped open. I woke from a deep dream-filled sleep. 1:30 am. My mind racing. Prayer. Deep awareness of God’s presence. The deep watches of the night do not […]
remembering Jesus at the communion table
Glances around the table. Reclining in the custom of their day, the disciples were satisfied with their preparations. So much had happened since they first began following Jesus. Although most […]
glimpsing the days ahead in 2013
A quiet walk through the neighborhood this afternoon. Most people were sequestered in their homes out of the cold. I had hoped for some conversations with a few of the […]
doing life in the narrative margins
A simple life is not easy to lead in a church culture which demands we find our purpose and declare it to the world, establishing a marketing beachhead upon which […]
