TRYING TO IMPRESS

With all that’s happening in our world, a lot of it painful and dark, I thought a lighter approach might help provide an emotional intermission. I was asked to write an article for a book about embarrassing moments. My list of embarrassing moments was too long...
ONE PIECE OF A MUCH LARGER PUZZLE

ONE PIECE OF A MUCH LARGER PUZZLE

When we foolishly think our single piece of a much larger puzzle offers a complete and accurate interpretation of reality and what will take place in the future, God will surprise us. We are like people sitting together with friends who don’t have the puzzle box cover...
A BEAUTIFULLY AWKWARD PRESENCE

A BEAUTIFULLY AWKWARD PRESENCE

In Medford, Oregon we have an iconic statue positioned on one of the busiest streets in the city. It is not a statue of a war hero or notable historic figure. It is a 29-foot-tall crow-like bird constructed over 50 years ago to draw the attention of passersby to what...

WE ALL THINK WE’RE RIGHT

I appreciate the work done by academics, historians, and theologians. The pool of reference material they produce is valuable, but there is a challenge. Everyone has a bias, including the academics, historians, and theologians – and you and me. As much as we try not...

RESTORING A FRAGMENTED CHURCH

The disciples of Jesus were just like us. They had a propensity to get into arguments about who was the greatest and most informed among them. The disciples were all over the place when it came to interpreting reality. The only thing that eventually drew them together...