this is NOT about politics…

i decided from the outset not to comment on the whole. sordid mark sanford mess.  i was surprised, though, 1.) by the candor of jenny (the senator’s wife) sanford’s comments, and 2.) by the vitriolic response they provoked.
DISCLAIMER:  i may be naive, but i am giving ms. sanford the benefit of the doubt.  i am assuming that she [...]

my thoughts on reverse racism

since i started blogging sixteen months ago, my worldview has shifted gradually yet drastically.   the main reason for this shift, i think, is the people i have allowed to influence me:  people like francis chan, jeff lucas, doug hollis (missionary to indonesia), and jim and jody smith (missionaries to china).  these people have introduced me to new way [...]

revisiting the desperation of fame

i have never done this and am reluctant to do it now, but i am going to resubmit an article for your consideration.  i posted it almost a year ago and, remarkably, the topic has resurfaced (besides the fact that i worked really hard on it and almost no one read it).  check back tomorrow for [...]

distinctions that destroy

just in case someone is checking this space daily with the hope of finding something inspirational and beneficial (pardon me while i fantasize), i apologize for my recent inconsistency.  it’s kind of a combination of things: my days have been unusually busy lately, my family has needed me, and i am not overcome with something [...]

before twitter

garrison keillor on heresy

let me begin by apologizing to my regular readers (both of you) for my recent connectile dysfunction (“when a man is unable to maintain a connection”).  my parents have been visiting from california and i’ve been spending every spare moment with them.  my siblings are all in oklahoma, so my parents generally drive out every summer, [...]

my brush with greatness

youtube is a beautiful thing.  one can spend (waste) hours being nostalgic.  i’m sure youtube will come in handy for me when i’m in the nursing home.  
i’m really anxious about confessing this, but i’ve lately rekindled a latent interest in southern gospel music.  youtube is filled with videos of gospel groups i remember from [...]

is yours a jay or a conan church?

i am told a military couple nearing retirement-age recently relocated to our area (tinker air force base) and called our district denominational office to ask about churches in the area.  “we want a traditional church,” the lady said, “one that has sunday school and sunday night service–not small groups.  and a church that sings hymns [...]

the dichotomy of discipleship – part three

in “crazy love,” francis chan talks about our need to embrace suffering as a component of our spiritual growth.
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” (Philippians 3:10)
For a long time, this verse had just too much Jesus [...]

the dichotomy of discipleship – part two

when i use the term “the dichotomy of discipleship,” i’m referring to the tension of residing in the earth while being citizens of the kingdom and the inevitable struggle there.  what do you love?  what are you passionate about?
jesus said, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the [...]