To read part 1, click here. Theodore John’s Grand Entrance! As we continued our conversation and got to the climax of the story, Emily wanted to make it clear that she and Josh had had a great relationship with the doctor who had presented her with the abortion option: “He was the same doctor who told us our first baby … Read More
The Time Abortion Touched Our Family, 1 of 2
I’m preparing an article for ERI and thought I woudl share it here in two parts. Here is part 1 of 2 and I will welcome your feedback! “It felt like a bomb dropped,” my daughter, Emily, recalled over lunch as she shared the circumstances and moments of terror that she and her husband, Josh, felt– the time they were … Read More
Is Your View of the Finished Work of Christ Too Small?
“Stop helping God across the road like a little old lady.” -lyric from U2’s song “Stand Up Comedy” Over the last year, as I discontinued church planting efforts and stepped back into full-time work as a finish carpenter and contractor, I’ve had Bono’s words above echo in my mind almost daily. Yes, we sometimes participate with God as his hands … Read More
The Archimedean Point of Christ’s Death
One of my heroes of the faith is Fleming Rutledge, an 86-year-old priest in the Episcopal Church. Her masterful work The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ was named book of the year by Christianity Today in 2015—an amazing achievement for a 78-year-old! As a pastor who regularly leads communion, as well as a sinful guy who just wants … Read More
God Gives Rest to Anxious Hearts
“It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2, ESV I can so relate to this verse, as I’ve often struggled with insomnia. It might be because I don’t know how to solve a particular problem or heal a painful … Read More
What Jesus Wants in 2021, Part 1 of 4
I want to take you with me on a very personal journey over the next month, one I hope has the potential—given the collateral damage of 2020—to bring healing to your heart, relationships, and our communities. More on that next week, but this week I want to give you some background. Last year at this time, my mom and I … Read More
Finding Peace in a Global Pandemic
So much has happened these last few weeks and things keep changing every day! Praying for all of us to stay safe, flexible, and know how to navigate our responsibilities and callings in the coming days. The practical angst related to an incredulous lack of toilet paper aside, the more difficult quest for most of us is the search for serenity… Be … Read More