Seeking the Shalom of the City & Inviting God to Work

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Persecution…or Opportunity?

Have you ever faced persecution? Real persecution? Unless you’ve spent time living overseas as a local in a creative access country, the answer is most likely “no”. We like to throw the term “persecution” around a lot these days. The checker at Walmart doesn’t wish us Merry Christmas. Our nephew’s elementary school performs a “Winter Concert” and sings “Frosty the Snowman” instead of … [Read more...]

Overcoming the Goat Curse

I’ve always been a fan of the underdog. Radically so. Even to the point of sometimes switching allegiances because “my team” was playing against the underdog team. Whether it’s because they’re the underdogs, or simply a best-loved team, or some other reason, the Cubs seemed to become America’s sweetheart team in last fall's World Series. Before the World Series of 2016, I hadn’t … [Read more...]

From the First to the Last….He is the Alpha & Omega

It was a favorite movie when I was growing up – a classic my family faithfully watched every Thanksgiving. And without fail, I teared up at the poignant parts. One such scene of “The Sound of Music” was at the music festival when Max announces at the conclusion of the Salzburg Music Festival, “This will be the last opportunity the von Trapps will have of singing together for a long, long … [Read more...]

Punxsutawney Phil and Seasons of Life

Just one week ago the world watched in eager anticipation. Predictions were made, bets wagered, crowds gathered, and the media readied itself to catch the moment. All eyes focused on a little brown object. Little else mattered. Finally the hero emerged, seemingly unphased by the hype. And within minutes, the long-anticipated event was over. An early spring is on its way – … [Read more...]