Enjoyed the Praise Team at Church to the…
Sunday was a tremendous day for me, and I hope many others, at our church. Why you ask? Because people sang. ...And not well. What? You read that correctly. This will be a short and…
On Loss… I’m good, not great.
In full disclosure, the last couple of months have been a wild ride. Dad fell asleep here and woke up there in early November, and my father-in-law did the same a few weeks ago. People…
Have You Lost a Pet?
Why do we mourn lost pets? That's simple; because we love them. I haven't been able to ascertain, definitively, whether pets go to heaven. My gut tells me the answer to this is most likely,…
The Quintessential Servant
I’ve heard it said, “If everyone is a hero, no one is.” In the spirit of heroes, we hear that word used often to describe people. Soldiers, police, first responders, and firemen come to mind. …
Werewolf or Gospel. What?!?!
I ran across an explanation of the game "Werewolf" a few days ago. I'd never heard of it before. My curiosity piqued, so I chased the subject a bit. Dimitry Davidoff, a psychology student at…
Prayer for a Brother…
Have you been asked to pray for a fellow Christian? I'm sure you probably have. Some might call it having enough Grace to accept and ask for love from another. Others might view this as…
Cognitive Dissonance
cog·ni·tive dis·so·nance - /ˈkäɡnədiv ˈdisənəns/ -Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort a person feels when their behavior does not align with their values or beliefs. Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a person holds…
The Clod and the Pebble
"Love seeketh not itself to please,Nor for itself hath any care,But for another gives its ease,And builds a Heaven in Hell's despair."So sung a little Clod of ClayTrodden with the cattle's feet,But a Pebble of…
We’ve Stopped Listening to Him
I am concerned we've stopped listening to Him. I'm immersed in a situation, just as you are, where I'm witnessing folks, especially leaders lose their way. Some of this is literal, while other portions are…
Are We Focused on Jesus? …Or
Other distractions? That's a serious question. We're going to be presented with all kinds of conflict in our lives. We think we're prepared for calamity, chaos, and strife, but are we? Because if we're truly…
Ghosting is Normal Now, Right?
Apparently. Of all the things I could and did predict about the content and trajectory of Western Culture, this was an aspect I simply didn't fathom. Who would have thought that being ghosted would be…
When we ignore the sins of our children…
Some terrible things happen. Some, unfortunately, may determine the paths in their lives, what calamities may befall them, and worse. I ran across a quick video on X the other day and it grabbed me.…
Beware False Prophets…
This blog might bother you, and it should. This should serve two ends. First, it should expose the Word on the subject matter. Second, I will share, openly, my conviction on this simple issue -…
6 years gone…
Imagine for a moment that your child died. I don't mean when you're 90 and your son or daughter passed on at age 72. I'm asking you to consider the loss of your child at…
I Can’t Seem to Catch a Break!
Do you ever feel that way? I have been lately. Only in a certain sense, though. I should explain. Do I have any real worries in the grand scheme of things? No, I do not.…
What Didn’t Kill Us…
Made us stronger. Have you ever truly pondered that? I remember reading in a Great Book once a ditty that went something like this: And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,…
What Happens When You’re Not Enough?
"Do you fight the good fight on a daily basis?" Yes. "Do you ever win a battle or two?" I do. "Can you handle it when you get your tail kicked?" Usually. "So, what happens…
Did My Ego Outweigh The Problem?
I'm afraid it did... You see, I've been grappling with a problem for some time now that I couldn't quite manage. Simply put, a recent idea was somehow adopted, absorbed, or otherwise planted into the…
Theirs not to make reply.
Theirs not to reason why. Theirs but to do and die. Into the valley of Death rode the six hundred. exerpt from The Charge of the Light Brigade by Alfred Lord Tennyson That tidbit has…
Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin…
Mene, meaning numbered. Tekel, meaning weighed. Upharsin, meaning divided. Mene, mene, tekel, upharsin. Numbered, numbered, weighed, divided. What the heck does that mean? Well, Daniel interpreted, accurately, by the way, the hand that appeared and…
Please, Remember Me…
If you like solid American Folk music, this blog title may have spurred you immediately to think of "The Trapeze Swinger" by Iron & Wine. This happens to be a tremendous favorite of mine. Although…
My Thorn? Or is it Thorns?
The problem... I've been really wrestling with some things in a social group I frequent. We're told to be in the world, and not of it. If you truly seek to obey Him, that will…
It’s Only Facebook Marketplace…
That sentence has been ringing in my ears since last night. I heard it then and I hope to never forget it. I was at a social function among friends and a story was unfolding…
If I Was Jesus, I’d Heal the Sick…
I can imagine my trek across the planet from every cancer ward in Western Culture, to every medical shack in war-torn Rwanda, as far as the Eastern edges of the Orient - I'd be on…
POWER… Do You Crave It?
I'd been reading quite a bit about the Darwinian fairy tales in the general sense, some of which were pressed by the likes of Derrida and Foucault. I think they're somewhat misunderstood by the average…
You’re Such a Great Guy!
Do you ever hear that kind of thing? Seriously. Do you? I don't offer this in any way to sound braggadocious. Truly. I have people tell me things like that. Routinely. Oh, Michael, you're such…
Be Somebody’s Anyone!
I usually don't find myself getting all sappy and emotional in public. Do I? Who am I kidding? I find no problem with sharing my thoughts and feelings with just about anyone. I won't be…
The Biblical Case for Situational Awareness…
Stemming from a blog I wrote specifically on the topic of Biblical Self Defense, I'd like to cover the Biblical case for situational awareness. If you understood Exodus 22:2-3 from my previous blog that self-defense…
The Biblical Case for Self-Defense…
Yeah, I wrote that. Flame on. Seriously, though. There seems to be an inherent misunderstanding about this, so let's walk through things a bit. What would you say if I offered you, not only self-defense…
The Alchemical Dictum and Me…
There's a five-dollar phrase, huh? But what does it mean? I think I can help, provided I grasp properly what I've read and researched. Essentially, the alchemical dictum can be broken down like this: alchemical…
The #2 Yellow Pencil – A Metaphor for…
You read the title correctly. And I believe I can connect the dots for you in a way that might matter in your life. Explore this thought with me, my brothers and sisters, please. I…
My Son Drives Me Nuts, But…
I sure do love him, despite wanting to smack my head on the desk from time to time. A friend watched my boy interact with me not long ago. He remarked, "He's good for you.…
What Should a Christian Be Reading?
I'm asked occasionally the origin of my thoughts and precepts. All are heavily plagiarized… I barely have any original thoughts of my own. I have gleaned and pondered the overwhelming majority of my considerations from the works…
He told me he loved me. Finally…
I have become accustomed to expressing verbally that I love people over the last many years. Few are comfortable with this. Even so with their closest family and friends. Some folks don't grasp the nature…
AEnema as a reminder?
Wowsers... You never can tell how you're going to get a nudge, where it'll come from, or what ways He manifests it. It also can appear to be a bit vague and often unprovable, but…
Define “CHURCH” for me…
This is how the dictionary defines the word, church: church/CHərCH/noun a building used for public Christian worship."they came to church with me" This is how the world sees, church: "A full 72 percent of the people interviewed…
When is Church Ritual Too Much?
I was recently delving into the Sermon on the Mount, and digging into Matthew 5, 6, & 7 respectively. After the Beatitudes, which were absolutely Earthmoving for me to finally comprehend in context, Christ moves…
Nothing Else Matters…
James Hetfield, of Metallica, wrote "Nothing Else Matters" for the Black Album way back in 1990... I remember snagging it after a four-and-a-half-hour round-trip drive to the nearest big city when it came out. I…
The Easter Conundrum and Our Daily Lives…
As a Christian, I proclaim myself that first. Sure, I'm an American, and Iowan, a conservative in most modes of thought, and certainly and husband and father. But, the Almighty is my first focus and…
Life WILL CRUSH You. This is a promise.
I delved deeply a number of years ago into the idea behind a common cliche heard far a wide. "God never gives you more than you can handle." Bull puckey. In case you're wondering, well-intentioned…
And do not be Conformed to this World…
...But be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Have you heard that bit from Romans 12? I keep…
What is it with losing your dog?
I had to put my dog down today. Man... Was I a mess? YES! I don't think I cried this much in the several funerals I've been to in recent years, combined. Maybe this is…
God Spoke to Me Today…
When you hear those words spoken, or read them, two responses typically follow. Either, you read them and assume something juicy comes next, which actually qualifies you for idiocy, or you read them and said…
You’ve got to forgive. And maybe more.
I think it's called Grace in the Good Book, and forgiveness in the world. And I need to do more of it. Routinely... My cousin was married recently and her wedding was nearly perfect. The…
49 Years of Roe v Wade…
And we still haven't asked ourselves some of the most basic questions necessary to TRULY understand the undistributed middle of this problem. This blog will be short and sweet. Yes, this is a Christian blog.…
They Say Prayer is Good…
In fact, that was the central focus of my most recent Sunday School class. I offered a lesson surrounding Satan, how he gets a toe in the door, and sin crescendos from there. I then…
Journey of the Magi…
Through discussion with my Dad, I was able to talk him into joining me for a quick discussion on the journey the Magi (3 wise men) would have taken to come from the "East" to…
I Lost A Second Mother-in-Law
I left home to head to college as an 18yr old kid who knew everything. I ended up settling nearly 3 hours from my home, which was also the same community my to-be wife came…
Need a Marriage or Parenting Tune-Up?
If you're near Newton (just east of Des Moines, IA) this should interest you. Here's a link to the FB Event so you can sign up and/or communicate directly with CBF. I was just sent…
Santa, the Easter Bunny, and other lies…
A few Sundays back, our pastor had what I'd like to refer to as a "mic drop moment" without his intention. Yes, he's calculated in his sermon delivery as well as researched. But every now…
The 5 Components of a Great Church?
This subject may offend some of you, as the components I describe may not be a reflection of the church you inhabit. Let's start with what you don't want in a church. The fact is,…
Six Years Ago Today…
...This blog began. The first post is still a fun story I share with people all the time. We'd been looking for a great church. Not a good one, but a great one. Some friends…
Sometimes a nudge isn’t enough… TY GOD.
Some time ago I experienced a real slap in the face. I deserved it. I had it coming. It could have been avoided, but I was too stupid to get out of my own way.…
Cecily is strong…
But I believe as strong as she is, there is tremendous pain that has consumed her, and may yet be consuming her. I don't know how it can't have permeated her very being. In case…
Vax Mandates, Nietzsche, and Truth…
That's quite an article title, is it not? Well, let me see if I can bring this full circle for you. In a chat for an advocacy group I volunteer within, a few remarks were…
The Child Litmus Test
I'm homeschooling my son this year for the first time. As my son and I delve each morning into the content and value of our prayers, as that is the first order of class daily,…
Hey Daddy! Hey Daddy! Hey Daddy!
For those of you who are parents, you'll read the title and harken back to the time when your children were small and talkative. You'll remember when you were their whole world. You can probably…
Afghanistan and our Christian Response…
It looks bad and frankly is probably worse than you'll realize. Yes, I have strongly held political positions. But, I make every effort to park that and keep a biblical response to just about anything…
The Afghan Fall and What it Means for…
As the stories emerge from a media that can’t be trusted, it is hard to deny the images we’re seeing coming out of Afghanistan. We’re going to hear plenty of blame, copious amounts of finger-pointing,…
Sometimes God’s Plan for our Lives…
...Is pretty far from what we had in mind. In fact, it would be hard for me to imagine our plans and His align very often. We get what we need, not what we want.…
Who Wants Some False Doctrine? Get Ready…
I have been blogging about the advantages and disadvantages of virtual reality and the likes for a while now. I have been warning about false doctrine, along with those who offer it and how it's…
Gripe, Gripe, Gripe…
I've come to really embrace Toyota vehicles in the last few years. We don't need to get into the "Big 3" debate. I simply took a step back and looked at the long-term value and…
#livjoyfull
It's a special day for each of us. We all woke up here. Did we not? What about those who didn't? I think about that a lot. Olivia would have turned 27 today. I first…
Loneliest…
"I'm the loneliest I've ever been, tonight..." If you've ever heard anything like this, especially from someone you care for, it should give you cause for concern. Imagine for a moment that a friend sent…
First Time Teacher – Some Reflections from Year…
As a first time teacher in Church, I have met with some level of success. Why, you ask? I am motivated and seek to be prepared. As a first time teacher in Church, I have…
“The Dove Lair” – Finale
I've made it to the end of my 40-day devotional and have learned a lot. I've refreshed my mind of many things I'd overlooked, marginalized, or otherwise forgotten. I've enjoyed a sense of gladness over…
“The Dove Lair” – Part 5
I'll hit you straight up with it today. Some of this venture hasn't gone as well as I'd hoped. There are also parts that have been truly rewarding. I should have embraced the idea early…
“The Dove Lair” – Part 4
I've eclipsed the halfway point of this 40-day journey. I find myself with an odd dichotomy that seems to surround this devotional. On one hand, I've successfully managed to deploy this series of dares without…
“The Dove Lair” – Part 3
Well, here I am, with a pretty good start through this devotional and improvement series, when lo and behold, I have a conversation that I need to share with you. I was really enthused to…
“The Dove Lair” – Part 2
As you can imagine, I, as expected, have learned and relearned things in the process of applying The Dove Lair again. As I mentioned earlier, I have undergone this devotional and self-examination in years prior.…
“The Dove Lair” – Part 1
I'm going to use some rudimentary code to avoid spilling all the beans. Heck, we might even use code names. That'd be fun. It isn't considered lying when you admit upfront you're using code names,…
SHHHH. Can you keep a secret?
I can too, so I'm not telling. Besides, you'll figure it out pretty soon anyway... Relax, there's no reason blogging can't be fun. Be salt and light my friends... I beg you.
For those of you who haven’t volunteered at…
You should. My blog from the day before regarding a fantastic learning technique was a small part of a larger story. It might benefit others for me to share this with you all. I mentioned…
Back to School…
I've been remiss on my blogging for the recent few months. I believe I have an excuse you'll find acceptable, however... I've been offering the Adult Sunday School at our church. Late last summer our…
#BLM #TRUMP #PROTEST Jesus???
I was having a conversation with a longtime friend the day after the Trump protests in DC. He's an atheist, very liberal, and isn't high on pesky things like the 1st or 2nd amendment. I…
So, Ravi… Should we delete you and your…
I've made it no secret that I have thoroughly enjoyed Ravi Zacharias over many years. I was introduced to him by my Pastor, Steve. Not in a literal sense of course. There was no handshake,…
COVID vs Abortion
I spent a few minutes tonight pouring over some numbers. If you want to have some fun and read a few statistics, you need to carefully accept them in context... But go take a look at…
My son’s 7th birthday and a slap in…
My little boy turned 7 this week. He's such a fun-loving and cute kid that I can sometimes forget his ability to be a holy terror. Sometimes. HA! But, as you know, parents are among…
Live your BEST LIFE NOW!
I, for one, am getting just about sick to my stomach over what I hear leaking from the mouths of my fellow Christians. If I didn't relegate my umbrage to a singular focus, I'm not…
Antinomianism and the Fall of Western Culture…
Most people don't know what "antinomianism" means or how to define it. With no small irony, we appear to be eyeball deep within it at every directional glance. There are a few variations of the…
Virtue Signaling isn’t Virtuous…
...And blurting out, "We didn't know what we didn't know," is no longer an example of acceptable tautology. Propaganda works. We typically don’t refer to indoctrination that way any longer. Today the term “Virtue Signaling”…
Black Lives Matter
Every word you will ever utter in your time means something. Words, whether audibly spoken, chiseled on a rock, or gestured with sign language means something. All of them. So when we offer the mantra,…
Decoration Day (Memorial Day)…
Have you ever heard the term “Decoration Day” by someone in your family or among your friends? We used to refer to Memorial Day as “Decoration Day” for specific reasons. Sure, we decorate the graves…
I’d give anything for one more day with…
Fill in the blank. If you've heard this uttered once, you've heard it a million times. Yesterday was Mother's Day, and I'm sure the internet was full of sentiment such as this. I'm not heartless.…
Anyone have a golden image I could worship?
Yes, I'm on a bit of a rant. No, I don't make this is a habit. I've been silent in terms of my Christian blog throughout the COVID19 scare. I understand virology, herd immunization, and…
I despise the mirror on days like today…
I got up yesterday, the same as any other day, and did the things I always do. I wake up extra early. I do this, not for pleasure or preference mind you, but because I…
Hello Pastor!
I question how well I am able to convey the happy dance without really looking silly. But... I don't care. I am over the moon with excitement! Our church lost a rock-solid pastor a year…
My child frustrates me beyond words…
Yeah, I wrote that. I meant it too. I'm thinking through some serious considerations at the moment. I've also stumbled across a few elements other parents are facing that have me pontificating how I would…
When was the last time you considered killing…
Provocative title, right? You'd think a "Christian" blog wouldn't contain such harsh ideas or thought, right? Wrong. Sometimes you need a smack in the face. I do. We have an entire culture swirling around the…
Nothing can save me now. It’s what I…
I'd rather listen to classical music or something in the alternative/prog metal or art rock than most anything else. I have quite a bit of folk music edging into my daily listening, but I default…
Are you meek?
Somewhere I read a line about "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the Earth." You may have run across that in your travels. I can't remember for sure where I read it. #rollingeyes…
Despair and Reconciliation
I've learned much more than I bargained for with you over these many years. People often linger and lament over the changes they'd make if they'd only known. I don't think that describes me. Not…
You know what I hate?
Pity... I can't seem to make a scratch in the armor of bad things that surround us. I can't stop the pain, hurt, and sorrow we all experience. I'm unable to curb the behaviors too…
The killing of innocence and the demonstration of…
As I type this, I'm dizzy with thought. Whirling through my mind are many questions, and few answers. "Have I not been this selfish? When have I done this to others? Why can't I recall…
The Incoherence of Sunday Living…
Can you be easily identified as a Christian by your fellow congregational members in the pew on Sunday morning? Most would answer yes to that question. The idea that there are some who might respond…