(Message given 9/22/13 at Newberg Friends Church) Today we’re beginning a series I’m calling, “Who Are We?” Not because I’m worried we’re a bunch of amnesiacs. No, I think our identity…how we see ourselves, what we choose to evaluate ourselves by…I think our identity is …
Read MoreI need your suggestions!
Friday will be my last day in the office before I begin the wondrous gift of a sabbatical. The purpose of this time away is rest, renewal, and reflection. I will have time…something I haven’t had for awhile. Yesterday I had an idea: I would …
Read MoreOld greybeard
Grew a goat on vacation, and what to my wondering eyes should appear? My chin has gone grey. Just four years ago, the last time I grew it out, things looked quite a bit different: Thought I’d post it for posterity because I just shaved …
Read MoreTimely help
“It’s easy to say ‘Jesus is my Savior.’ But sometimes people’s approval is my functional Savior.” Bob Hyatt has been speaking to us at our Yearly Meeting’s pastors’ conference, and he’s been quite helpful to me. Last night, he kept reminding us the good news …
Read MoreMission accomplished
1 hour, 44 minutes, and 54 seconds. I did it. 40 laps on my 40th birthday. And, since I ran in lane 4, I actually ran 10.5 miles, so I hit 10 minutes a mile almost exactly. Not nearly as fast as I wanted; but, …
Read MoreAddiction again
Ahh, new things always have a way of bringing out my addictions. I’ve been reading photography forums like an addict since we got our new camera. And when I found this discussion thread about a very inexpensive but amazing quality lens, I wanted one. Instead …
Read MoreLike military intelligence or jumbo shrimp…
I’m afraid that the best I have to offer the world is an oxymoron. Good to Great says that great companies refine their focus to find the one thing they can do better than anyone else in the world. Steve Fawver just read it (I …
Read MoreDay 2, post 2 at NPC
The speaker in this morning’s general session was Ruth Haley Barton. Her ministry and her focus today was the need for pastors to care for their souls, to spend time in solitude in the presence of God. Lots of good stuff…which made me grateful for …
Read MorePut aside…and become
It seems like people are always talking about adolescents need to find themselves and solidfy their identity. I’d like to submit that perhaps…just perhaps…that’s something we keep doing our whole lives long. In a few blog posts (the finding myself category might give you more …
Read MoreTwo thoughts before bed…
#1: One really good outcome of going to my high school reunion is a simple realization. I like my life. I love my wife. I’m glad for the choices I’ve made, and I really am grateful for all the wonderful people who have been a …
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