(Message given at Wayside Friends Church on April 19, 2026) My family moved from California to Oregon in the fall of 1981, right before I started 8th grade. I weirdly have a really strong memory of when we came to Oregon to look for a …
Read MoreExamination and Repentance
(Message given at Wayside Friends Church on March 29, 2026) Today is Palm Sunday, and it is also the last Sunday of Lent. A couple of weeks ago I was driving to work and the Pray-As-You-Go podcast I listen to was leading us through one …
Read MoreMarch Madness 2026!
For almost 30 years, I’ve hosted a just-for-fun pool for the Men’s college tourney known as March Madness. I’m now on year five of also hosting a pool for the women’s tournament! It’s a great chance for me to have a connection with people I’ve …
Read MoreReasons We Might Not “Just Comply”
Since Renee Good was shot in Minneapolis two weeks ago, conflict and protest there have continued to escalate. I’ve heard people say some version of: “Why didn’t she/why won’t they just comply with law enforcement? You’ll be fine if you don’t put yourself in harm’s …
Read MoreInfant Holy, Infant Lowly
As sometimes happens, your commissioner gets distracted in the holiday season…this time, by a super cute grandson. But we are down to the final matchup, and you have until 9 pm on Christmas Eve to vote your wishes! It’s the Elevation Choir vs Tyler Allen. …
Read MoreInfant Holy, Infant Lowly—Round 2
Well, my seeds were exactly right in the top half of the bracket, and exactly wrong in the bottom half of the bracket. So we have upsets! And more votes to complete. Deadline: Saturday at 8 pm PST.
Read MoreInfant Holy, Infant Lowly—Round 1
Here we go again, everyone! Advent Caroling Madness kicks off yet another year. I picked a less-well-known carol this year, because, well, it’s been growing on me from my Christmas playlist over the last few years. Normally I have to whittle things down to get …
Read MoreAdvent Caroling Madness XIII
Basically, on social media I’m known for two things: Lord of the Rings and Advent Caroling Madness. (Ok maybe also how to arrange eggs in a carton and how to break children’s hearts about Santa.) For the 13th time, we are bringing fighting and competition, …
Read MoreFaith and Works
(Message given at Wayside Friends Church on Oct. 19, 2025) I’ve been thinking for awhile how to enter this second half of the second chapter of James today. I’ve ended up with an engine/car metaphor, and a gardening metaphor. My friend and neighbor Todd is …
Read MoreCultivating Hope
(Message given at Wayside Friends Church on June 1, 2025) Those who have known me for awhile know that I have a tendency to use illustrations from the Lord of the Rings when I speak. Because of my reputation, I have tried to break out …
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