(Message given at Newberg Friends Church on January 18, 2015) The two things Jesus teaches in today’s section of the sermon on the mount are pretty much at the core of the things I most often speak or write about. One is to reclaim an accurate …
Read MoreShared in Our Humanity
(Message given at NFC on December 28, 2014) I’m always in awe of two things about Christmas in our society. One, I’m always amazed to see Christmas decorations in stores before Halloween. It seems like it gets earlier and earlier by the year. And then …
Read MoreChristmas Goodness
(Message given at Newberg Friends Church on December 21, 2014) Who’s ready for some joy? I almost want to ask for a show of hands…things have been so difficult in the world and in our local community lately. Last week, somebody in the balcony said …
Read MoreFinding Our Place
(Message given at Newberg Friends Church on December 14, 2014) Can there be comfort in something as difficult as repentance? Oh yes! It seems counter-intuitive in a world where we do about anything to hide our flaws, carefully curating one profile picture out of thousands …
Read MoreSilent Night Champion…
…is Simon & Garfunkel. Whew! A 15 seed! What will Bethany do? There’s no anger to be unleashed! The hopes and dreams of all the years are met. Has the caps lock key spontaneously popped off her keyboard? INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW! Thanks for …
Read MoreSilent Night-Final Round
How we got here, I have no idea. Actually, yes I do. Bylsma. We got here because of Bylsma. It’s Bing vs. Simon & Garfunkel. Cast your vote before Wednesday night at 9 pm PST. [polldaddy poll=8528449]
Read MoreSilent Night Round 3 Voting
Since college, I’ve always been an egalitarian, democratic, “We the people” sort of guy. But I gotta say that this Advent Caroling Madness is turning me all elitist. Frankly, I don’t think the masses are smart enough to be trusted with the vote. We’ve gotten …
Read MoreDown goes the superstar & voting for round two
Oh, Baby, Baby…love couldn’t find a way. In the most stunning development since Santa Claus told Rudolph he was going to have to cancel Christmas, #2 seed Amy Grant has been upset in the first round. Part of me wants to find someone to promise to …
Read MoreSilent Night Bracket Released
As any bracketologist will tell you, a good bracket looks at more than just the particular merits of any one entry. Also up for consideration is the entire body of work of the artist, the artist’s place in the pantheon of music history…and outsiders always …
Read MorePlay-in round: Silent Night, Advent Caroling Madness
Once again, the response to Advent Caroling Madness is truly inspiring. You people care, you really care about my little Advent Adventure. I’m deeply touched. When I had this idea last year, I had no idea the life it would take on, the hope it …
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