This has been one of the more difficult blog posts for me to write … in part, because it feels very vulnerable, and in another part because it’s really still “in process.” As Christians, we often understand or at least believe that our faith requires us to “feel” a certain way. And I’m going to… Continue reading A Batty Journey Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death
I understand as I start this post that lately in our culture, the word “evangelical” carries largely negative connotations. It is connected (unfairly, in most cases) with a specific conservative perspective embraced by many conservative Christians. And because of this linkage it is viewed as a dirty word. But, it really shouldn’t be. The dictionary… Continue reading My “Evangelical” Journey
I confess I’ve learned NOT to make what are typically called “New Year’s Resolutions.” But I do create goals for every new year, based on a review of last year’s goals and a reflection on where my life is at. I typically take at least a day early in the year to review a written… Continue reading New Year’s Resolutions and Reconnecting With God
I realize it’s been a long time (several months) since I’ve blogged here. I know I need to do better. This is now the main place where I record (at least publicly) what the Lord is doing in my life. And, despite being 65 years old, retired, and a Jesus-follower for the past 57 years,… Continue reading Celebrating Our Uniqueness (aka, My Mushroom Obsession!)
Well, not BLIND, exactly … but my eyesight has always been an issue, thanks to extreme myopia (nearsightedness) inherited from my parents. When I was a teen I wore thick, “coke-bottle-bottom” glasses which made me look like quite a nerd (before it was cool to be a nerd!). When I met this beautiful girl I… Continue reading I Once Was Blind
I know you’re thinking this is probably going to be a rehash of C. S. Lewis’ brilliant book on the apologetic “problem of pain” — i.e., if God is love, and God is all-powerful, why does sin and pain exist? But no. I long ago realized that as much as I love my favorite author,… Continue reading The Problem of Pain
At our church we are currently undergoing a “pastoral transition.” That’s a rather pleasant-sounding way to describe a lot of work and emotional trauma. My close friend, our senior pastor of 25 years, resigned in early 2019 and took up a new career (for which he is well-suited) as a chaplain. Subsequent to that, our… Continue reading Turning from the past and toward the present and future
I sometimes think about the story of the Good Samaritan and wonder about the back story that isn’t told about this individual. How did he become the way he was? (In that he was inclined to take a risk and stop and help the man beaten by muggers and left for dead on the side… Continue reading Brokenhearted
Okay, okay, I know. I have only blogged here twice in the past six months! There’s a reason for that. In my first “Ch-ch-ch-changes” post, last October, I shared my journey with World Vision, and how I had re-joined for a third round, this time with our international office (Global Communications team). I was given… Continue reading Ch-ch-ch-changes! Part 2
I usually devote this blog space to aspects of my life story which demonstrate the power of transformation. But I’m going to do something slightly different today. Dr. Tom Mercer came to be a youth pastor at my home church (as a teen — Foothill Baptist Church in Upland, California) about the time I left… Continue reading Precision-Guided Munitions
ShortChanged 