In many ways the family in which I grew up would be considered by modern psychologists as “dysfunctional.” Most of the difficulties that we had stemmed from my father and the demons that he fought his whole life. Like every other father who has ever lived, Dad was a…
Our family just finished hosting our first neighborhood block party. We grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and provided lemonade and water for drinks. All-in-all it was a great success. We have lived in our house for 11 years and though we have met and known some of our neighbors over…
One of the main objectives of my recent sabbatical leave was to start working on a project with my friend and fellow pastor, Shawn Bergen. Shawn and I crossed paths five years ago when he served on staff of a church in our area. Within a year, through some…
If you know my family at all you know that I am “Exhibit A” of God’s lavish grace. The fact that I out-married myself was evident long before the vows were exchanged. I still am amazed at God’s goodness to me in giving me Donna as my wife. My…
Five years ago yesterday I was struck by lightning. It is a crazy story that from the vantage point of increasing time and distance seems almost like make-believe (you can read a little about the immediate aftermath here and here). If it was surreal then, it is more so…
The last week has been filled with flashbacks as Donna and I have squeezed out time between demanding schedules thinking back on the last 27 years of our life. I accepted the call to become the pastor of Grace Baptist Church in April 1986. Seven weeks later my wife,…
Exactly 101 years ago President William Taft signed a bill making Arizona the 48th state to be accepted into the union of these United States of America, thus completing the borders of the contiguous portion of the nation. It was also the birthday of the first woman I ever…
Last Sunday I had the privilege of baptizing my baby girl. As I joked on twitter, that is the closest I’ve ever come to paedobaptism! Every time I witness the baptism of a believer in Jesus I am reminded of the overwhelming grace of God in sending His Son…
Jimmy Stewart’s performance in the movie, Shenandoah, has long been a favorite of mine. His straightforward, common-sense honesty warmly commends his character, Charlie Anderson. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is Anderson’s prayer around the dinner table with his family. Despite his best efforts to give thanks,…
Matt Hammit’s song, “Lead Me,” captures the challenge involved in one the primary callings that God places on husbands and fathers. A man will not be able to rise to that challenge to spiritually lead his family if he is not wholeheartedly and increasingly devoted to following Jesus in…