For the Long View

For the Long View

The Ironman Triathlon: a timed, 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride, 26.22-mile marathon, done in that order. Who would ever voluntarily sign on for such a physically exhausting race? To be clear – not I! But there are hundreds and hundreds of brave (crazy?) people...
Artisan at Work

Artisan at Work

Parenting is a quiet, unassuming word  – at first glance! It is, more accurately, an umbrella term for way-more-than-a full-time job. It includes, but is not limited to, loving, feeding, bathing, holding, rocking (essential), nursing when children are sick...
Exceedingly more!

Exceedingly more!

Here’s a reminder of this magnificent passage from Paul’s letter to the church at Rome. The more I read it, the more I see of the brilliant, exuberant joy of God’s plan – all for us. Reading these verses all but silences all ‘woe is me!’ funks. What’s...
No thing impossible!

No thing impossible!

As it turns out, our shaming experiences and the ensuing load of debilitating shame we carry is not something we are destined to schlep around with us for the rest of our days. Au contraire! Even in our most painful failures and humiliations God works ‘all’ things for...
All for Joy

All for Joy

I love art in all its forms! I love looking at it, listening to it, reading it, smelling it, tasting it – especially tasting it! Those who create beauty are heroes. They add so much richness to our lives. We search for words and ways to express our gratitude for what...
Adding Discoveries

Adding Discoveries

Addition. It’s the simplest math possible: 1 Cheerio + 1 Cheerio = 2 Cheerios. See? Easy peasy. Better yet, trade up to brightly colored, mega sugary, Froot Loops (those beautiful little sugar-encrusted wheels – beautiful yes, but math-precarious, too, as the addends...
Our Proper Response

Our Proper Response

It was exciting! I’d been accepted in a Master’s Program of Counseling, something I’d long dreamt of doing. So, after graduating with my Bachelor’s Degree, and visiting with friends along the way, I was only slightly jarred by the experience at the border crossing...
Lost for Words

Lost for Words

If ever our souls were fully awakened to the vastness of our Jesus inheritance, they would most certainly beg for a respite, a halt to the sheer volume of pure excellence streaming in, washing over them. Like a child at his birthday party, in the excitement of the...
A Thrilling Time to be Vineyard

A Thrilling Time to be Vineyard

What would you be expecting from a conference whose theme is: Making All Things New? Well, if you’re anything like me, you would have grossly underestimated what had been prepared for the attendees. Sure, the worship times are blow-the-roof-off fantastic. Sure, the...
Conference Update

Conference Update

This week is National Vineyard Conference week, this year in the beautiful mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. Black Mountain, to be specific. At Ridgecrest Conference Center to be even more specific. Sunday evening began for pastors with an evening...