Learning
Growth
Unity
The Grand Staircase: Theological Musings and Observations from the Edge of the Colorado Plateau
Recently, my wife Robin and I spent over a week camping in Zion National Park in southwest Utah. It’s a trip we’ve planned for years but unforeseen events prevented it from happening. But it did happen this year and we enjoyed hiking, bicycling and sightseeing in this spectacular desert landscape.
Pilgrimage
Not having been raised in a church-going home, when my faith journey began in high school through Young Life, all this Jesus stuff was new. Looking back on those days through high school and college (thankfully OSU was taking anyone in those days who could fog a mirror or I never would have gotten in), I sponged up language and beliefs and ways of doing faith as fast as I could. And I’m sure my family and friends thought I’d gone off the deep end.
When the Adventure Leads Home
We hiked every day, even on the couple of intermittent-rain days. The reward for putting up with the wetness was a dusting of snow on the mountains the next day. Dan dragged me out of bed before sunrise—twice—so we could catch the alpenglow. If you’ve never seen pink frosting on a mountaintop, you need to get out more.
Celebrating While There’s Still Life
“It’s very rare.” My friend, Howard, called on his drive home from Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland. “And fast-growing.”
Howard’s cancer diagnosis came out of the blue. “They’re saying a matter of weeks.” I was stunned. Everyone was stunned.
Lessons from a Montana Fly-Fishing Guide
Over 20 years ago, I attended a seminar by legendary Bighorn River flyfishing guide Bob Krumm. Montana’s Bighorn is itself legendary, producing large, willing brown and rainbow trout.
Krumm addressed the topic, “How to Become a Successful Fishing Guide”, but much of what he said applies to Jesus followers. I liked his talk so much I emailed Bob and asked if he would send me a transcript. What follows is my synopsis and comments on Krumm’s thoughts.
When a King Descended
We Jesus followers talk often and sing about the love of God, how it stands sentry at the gate of his essence, how it gives form to all the rest of his attributes, and how because of it we can know God and walk with him throughout our days.
A Missionary looks at 1 Corinthians 13
Though I speak with the tongue of a national, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Living in Extreme Days
The most bittersweet time of year is upon us—the end of long warm days and beginning of crisp dark mornings. What better time of year than autumn to remind us of the sad theological concept called, “the fall.” And what better way to remind us of our sin condition than the ubiquitous 8”x14” campaign postcards we receive in the mail every two Septembers.
Let’s Talk Hope
So, let’s talk hope. Not wishful thinking, but thinking with a ready and steady mind that is fixed on the grace here and now that will be fulfilled in its time. Each day we train our thoughts and actions to choose to be a bit more like Jesus and a bit less like the world we left behind.
Making the Most of Detours
While relocating from Oregon to southern California, I was escorted off the Pacific Coast Highway by two patrol cars with flashing lights. I’m blaming it on my son, Jeremy. He recommended a jog over to the coastal highway from the 101.
Road Song
When the Jews, for generations, traveled to Jerusalem for the major feasts throughout the year, it must have been quite an effort. Imagine corralling your family, closing up your house and setting off to meet with God and his people at the center for all of their worship and sacrifice, the Temple in Jerusalem.
Conversations With a 14-year-old Boy
Our grandson, William, spent a few days with us recently. When all the grands are together, there is rowdy fun. But one grandchild at a time provides the unique opportunity for deeper conversations and greater bonding.
Coexist
I sat in a coffee shop one morning and saw a “Coexist” bumper sticker on a car in the parking lot. As a radical committed Christian who has spent years in Muslim evangelism, I fully agree with the concept of "coexist", of accepting others the way they are. We should definitely do that.
It’s an All-Skate!
True confession time: I’m not comfortable saying, “God spoke to me.”
Honestly, I both admire and wonder about those who do have that confident closeness to the Holy that they can assert, with certainty, what God might want for them or others.
The Porch Fairy … or Provoking One Another to Good Deeds
“Can I deliver a Chai and leave it on the front porch so as not to disturb the patient if you pick it up while it’s hot?” The email arrived out of the blue from a retired schoolteacher friend.
“No, you may not drop and run,” I countered. “I need a hug. Besides, isn’t that a run-on sentence?”
Worship Locally, Impact Globally
It seems like you can’t turn around anywhere in central Oregon these days without bumping into a farmer’s market. And what’s not to like? Fresh fruit and vegetables grown without pesticides or herbicides, and meat that’s grass fed without growth hormones and antibiotics. And to boot, you get to know the grower personally.
Chasing Unity...One More Time
Two weeks ago in this space I wrote about unity in the church and the steep climb that often presents, both back for the early church and now. I like what I wrote but it felt incomplete, lacking any specifics needed to flesh out what it looks like to press for this in any congregation. And the need is great.
Are You Stitched Together in Wholeness?
Dan and I recently returned after a week of wandering through Olympic National Park and down Washington’s ruggedly gorgeous coastline.
Foundry’s Last Ten Years
Ten years ago, Foundry Church was without a lead teaching pastor after Syd Brestel retired from 25 years of service, the longest in the church’s 110-year history. A small committee, including this author, had been meeting weekly since January of 2014 to find someone who could fill Syd’s shoes.
Through Hikers
So, the other Monday morning I woke up and thought about the day in front of me. A blank canvas. Nada. An empty calendar sheet. I had a thought and said to God that I was open for business and that I would keep my eyes a bit sharper for chances to step into his story during the day, not sure if I really expected anything to happen out of the ordinary.