Things My Kids Say: No. 004
Virgil: Daddy, you're not feeling so well. Want some gum? It's good for you!
Selling Jesus
There is an epidemic in the church today. It's rampant in not only the church-proper, but also para-ministries and various evangelical organizations. It is the epidemic of "selling Jesus." We, as a church, have become borderline obsessed with how we market the message, so much so that some are even overlooking the Messenger. We get caught up in gimmicks, selling points, and marketing strategies. Don't believe me? Take a look at the tools of the modern church. Everything from True
Gratefulness that Changes Us
I had the privilege of reading the birth story of a friend of mine today. I knew bits and pieces of her story, but I had never heard it told from beginning to end, all the details included. As I read her story, I was moved to tears at the courage through struggles, the faith, and the joys that came from patient endurance. I didn't know her during that time of her life. All I see now is an amazing
Things My Kids Say: No. 003
Virgil: (After picking up a foam letter B) Mommy, what's this letter? Me: You tell me. What letter is it? Virgil: It's a B! Me: That's right! What sound does a B make? Virgil: 'buh' 'buh' B! Me: And what words start with the 'buh' sound? Virgil: What word? Me: 'buh' buh' Ball? Virgil: 'buh' Ball! Me: And 'buh' 'buh' Banana? Virgil: And 'buh' buh' Monster Truck!
The Credit and the Glory
It was only when I realized I had failed that I realized I had finally passed the test. I had been a worship musician traveling between various towns and churches for over ten years. I had played every kind of venue there was - the famed, the dive, the tiny, the nostalgic, the coveted. I could credit to myself many accomplishments during those years. I could name off the cool people I had met, the opportunities I had had, the
Things My Kids Say: No. 002
Random Kid at Chick-fil-A Playground to Virgil: Stop following me around. Virgil: I can't stop following you around.
Things My Kids Say: No. 001
My son is a zany little fellow, always coming up with something crazy to say. I've been told over and over again that I need to be writing these things down. But some of them are just too funny not to share. So I decided to start a new feature on my blog: Things My Kids Say. I say "my kids" because I know that in the not too distant future, one precocious little eight month old will be joining
Monster Trucks, Iambic Pentameter, and the Dog Days of Motherhood
I love being a mom. It's a lot of fun, most of the time. But if I were painting a picture of Cleaver-esque perfection in my home, I would be lying to you. For all the love, for all the fun, for all the smiles, for all the laughter, there are just those days. You know what I'm talking about. Days where all you want to do is find the nearest UPS Store and ship those suckers off to the
C.S. Lewis Talks Prayer
"In Gethsemane the holiest of all petitioners prayed three times that a certain cup might pass from Him. It did not. After that the idea that prayer is recommended to us as a sort of infallible gimmick may be dismissed." C.S. Lewis
Seeds
A seed is a small thing. It seems insignificant on its own. But when planted, in due time, it becomes something entirely different. It might become a giant tree, or a field of wheat. It might become a weed or a rose. But whatever it becomes, it always starts out small. This is not a lesson in botany. This is a reminder to our hearts about the power of our word-seeds. Yes, words are seeds. And they may not seem
Whether Lady Gaga Likes It or Not…
I read an article today begging the question of why young people are leaving the church. It was an interesting article citing the problems with young people and today's philosophies. I thought it made some good points. You can read it here, if you fancy. But I don't think it quite answered the question: why are young people leaving the church and can we do anything about it? This is a conundrum I've pondered many times in recent years. It's
God Still Moves
Nothing brings me more excitement than seeing the work of God in the lives of those I love and care about. It means they are being obedient to His will and allowing Him to do what He does best in their lives. And when He is free to work, His righteous Right Hand moves mountains, heals sick, saves the lost, and utterly changes for the better everything it touches. I get excited just seeing it happen! I was blessed to