Pregnant. Expecting.

September 25, 2020

Those were the terms we used in the early summer of 1980 to inform our families that a baby was on the way. Our first. By August, 1980, my entire family was in Birmingham, England for the retirement celebration of my Dad from Youth For Christ. A once in a lifetime gathering to reflect, commend, […]

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A Plastic Recorder and a Borrowed Ukulele

September 18, 2020

There’s a pause, pregnant with anticipation. Then music. A note or two on a piano or a single voice, or a misaligned entry point for a little plastic recorder. And moments later, the vague resemblance of a familiar tune. Then words that confirm the identity of the cloaked hymn. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound… […]

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Only a pebble…

September 11, 2020

My work day had concluded, and I made the short commute from the office in our home to the front porch. Mary was sitting there, watching over the water play of two of our grandchildren. Our two youngest. Juni, our 3-year-old, and Mack at nearly two. They had filled a clear storage tub with water […]

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It started with Toilet Paper

September 4, 2020

I think it started with toilet paper. You remember, grocery store shelves empty from end to end. But like the pandemic itself, the shortages and binge buying raced through other aisles as well. Hand sanitizer. Pasta. Cleaning products. Rice. Masks. Meat. Perhaps a bit irrational, but real.  Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash Consumers clamoring for items that […]

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Buyer’s remorse

August 28, 2020

Buyer’s remorse. You know that feeling. The purchase is complete, the product firmly in your hand, and a wave of dissatisfaction or worry washes over you. My most vivid experience of this occurred when Mary and I purchased our first house in Fort Wayne, Indiana in January of 1979. A three bedroom, one bath house […]

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He Is What He Says He Is

August 21, 2020

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  (Matthew 11:28–29, ESV) Gentle. Lowly. In heart. The outstanding new book by Dane Ortlund […]

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Not Even Solomon

August 14, 2020

A brisk and energizing hike led to a beautiful and clear alpine lake. Ptarmigan Lake. And nestled in the rocks and roots along the way… the Giant red Indian paintbrush. Against the rugged and rough, a splash of color and beauty. Delicate, yet durable and tough. A flower suitable for a wedding bouquet, yet isolated […]

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Tuned

August 7, 2020

The room was dark, the blankets snug, but fear and worry moved through my young mind with sleep depriving power. I was 11 or 12. One of the smallest boys in my school, and a young man trying to find an identity. So, when lights were turned off, my brain was not. And sleep seemed […]

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All…

July 31, 2020

July is an anniversary month. For a nation. For a vision. For a dream. 244 years and counting.   During this month, and in the midst of what feels like a crumbling foundation, I have been tugged back to the beginning. Yes, the beginning of the United States, but also The Beginning. The design of […]

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Seven words

July 24, 2020

In a book with over 783,000 words, these seven pour a footing in the foundation of grace, justice, and redemption. They were words spoken by a bit player in an epic drama. But in a profound and meaningful way, they splash light on the darkness of prejudice… and they do so Biblically. Profoundly. Authentically. At […]

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