Some days, I sit in the back and See a sea of lovely faces But my heart recognizes the lack Missing your after-service embraces I miss your kids’ rolling laughter The after-church chatter The loud pitter-patter Things that really matter I miss the warmth of your smile Your bad jokes and fun style Your deep … Continue reading Some Days…
My family attends a homeschool co-op on Fridays in Newburgh. 7 times out of 10, when we merge from 69 onto the Lloyd, I start singing the song from Aladdin: “Make waaaaaaaay for Prince Ali!” This has been my way of teaching them how important it is to become aware of other drivers who need … Continue reading Make Room for the Teachers
They drove me crazy with all their constant bickering But then I’d see them in the altar, simply lingering They’d cause me so much disappointment, always letting me down But then I’d catch a glimpse of their sacrifice; I’d watch them gladly cast their crowns It was when I saw them suffering when I felt … Continue reading Shepherd
Spiritual abuse and manipulation are not always easy to identify. There are times when we can’t see it because there are some neglectful patterns that settle into our community’s culture. Other times, we don’t recognize it because we don’t want to. Still, there are other times it’s because they don’t think what is being brought … Continue reading The Will of God
Psalm 22. The Psalm Jesus recites on the cross is a song that transitions us from lament to praise: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When Christ’s followers feel alone, we might know in our minds that we are never truly alone; however, our hearts sometimes suffer a disconnect. Picture Jesus lifted … Continue reading Is Praise a Weapon?
One of the most glorious aspects of the Christian church is that it’s designed to be a place where men, women, slaves, free, Jews, Gentiles, rich, and poor are all equal in Christ. Unity was (and still is) a huge deal. Sadly, many Christians have only furthered the division with legalistic teachings on what modesty … Continue reading Unity and Stumbling Blocks
We parked behind the church this morning. As we were leaving in our truck, my (very literal) son gasped and said, “That sign says ‘NO TRUCKS!” We explained what the owners meant and explained that it was there because they were concerned that some big trucks could tear up their parking lot. Just then, I … Continue reading No Trucks!
Over the years, Tim and I have been honored to serve on worship teams with many wonderful, unique people. Each person has had a “sound” of their own, which I seem to remember them with. I remember how some led, and I remember how others followed. Some led worship with hand cues, and others with … Continue reading Mike
When I’ve studied the book of Ruth in the past, my thoughts have mostly drifted toward acknowledging Ruth’s greatness. Ruth was faithful. Ruth was yielding. Ruth took care of small business. I can easily look at Ruth and admire her because she is easier for me to relate to. Ruth was an outsider. However, despite … Continue reading Ruth
How well we host people in our churches reflects how well we host the Presence overall. Influential church leaders don’t typically hyperfocus on one element in service while neglecting the other. I believe most of us have experienced an unhealthy imbalance. Hospitality matters and there are strategic moves we can make to welcome people into … Continue reading Hosting the Presence: Hospitality
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