Journalists and Professors Who Saved My Life

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, KJV) Continuing my Storyworth project, here’s how I answered, “If you had to go back in time and start a brand new career, what would it be?” I believe in the sovereignty of God and that “in Him we live and move and have our being.” He definitely … Read More

First Job Lessons and Surprises

Continuing my Storyworth project, here’s how I answered, “What did you find surprising when you started your first job?” Prior to my first full-time job, I had many part-time jobs that probably began working for my dad, who was a self-employed land surveyor and, during lean seasons, a part-time carpenter/ handyman. One of my earliest memories of “helping” him in this latter … Read More

Ministry that Defies a Culture of Contempt

“Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” -Mark 6:34, NLT We just picked up the bundle of cuteness above this week! Domino, as we’ve named her, has been a welcome distraction as I’ve continued to … Read More

The Voice of Loving Favor

“In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” Ephesians 1:4-5, NIV Hey Friends, This is an update of sorts, and I’d like to ask for your prayers. After deciding to discontinue the Mantua Creek church plant in December, Pam and I have been seeking God about what my next … Read More

What I Learned About Hope and Vocation from Parker Palmer

“Vocation is the place where your deep gladness meets the world’s deepest need.” Frederick Buechner This post is a repost from 2021 and one of the reasons I’m sharing it again is because I just listened to an excellent 36-minute podcast interviewing Mr. Palmer that seems to have been done right after or near last week’s election. He is now … Read More