December 23, 2017
This time of year can get extremely busy with so many things calling out for our attention. Andy Williams summarizes it well with. “…There’ll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow…” Events, both planned and unplanned, consume a portion of the limited supply afforded to us. Even with all the added commotion, we still eagerly anticipate the beauty of Christmas morning. The expectation of practicing long held family traditions alongside new stories that will be retold for decades to come. There’s the hope that: each gift will fit as perfect as if it were... View Article
November 3, 2017
Have you ever heard someone say, “That never gets old”? The reasons for this declaration are many and might stem from eating a favorite food, visiting with a great friend, or reminiscing with grandma. Each of these settings offers a series of satisfying emotions and fulfillment and our soul will always want to dwell in these places. From the contentment of the moment our heart declares it’s desire to repeat the action. Last weekend, I had one of these “never gets old” moments. Our Foundation Student Ministry group is designed for Middle School and High School students. We are blessed... View Article
October 27, 2017
The start of school brings a lot of new challenges and the usual back to school sickness. It’s kind of remarkable how a student can go three or four months without any bug and ten to fourteen days after school resumes, they are running a fever and sleeping for days. We can appreciate that school leadership tries to reduce this by asking parents to keep their children home if they notice any type of symptom. And when the bug hits your house, a game of “who brought the bug to school” begins in our houses. Have you ever thought about... View Article
October 20, 2017
One doesn’t have to look very long to see the differences between 50 years ago and today. Perhaps the contrast is most starkly noted in the way the youth of today understand and process life. A lot of this is due to things wholly outside of their control. Consider these facts: they have never known a world without a mobile phone or instant internet access, 92% of young people access the internet daily, they are aware of the troubles throughout the world, and social justice and action are issues they are passionate about. (Before you read on, let those facts... View Article
October 13, 2017
Do you remember Christmas mornings from your youth? If you were like most 10 year old children, you were so excited to see what “Santa Claus” had left under the tree. You probably had a toy picked out that you just knew would make your young life complete and worthwhile. All your hope and attention was spent on trying to see if the one thing you had wanted so intensely was really at your house. How often do you have that same desire know that you are a few years removed from 10? Even though the object of our desire... View Article
October 6, 2017
“Let’s be broken” This week opened with a shock to our American system. A 64-year-old man in Las Vegas helped us set a grisly new record with over 50 people killed at the end of a concert. From what has been reported, it is the largest mass shooting casualty count in our history. The stories of the survivors are frightening. The accounts of those who risked their own life to help others who were down are many. And yet the death toll continues to rise as our country asks “Why?” There will be a time for the motive and understanding... View Article
September 30, 2017
At the fall pastor’s meeting I attended in Tulsa, we honored a missionary couple who had served for 50 years in a remote Alaskan Wilderness. I was mesmerized by their stories of moving to an area with no electricity, pastoring a church in an Indian Village, and using a small airplane to transport children to Bible Camp. The airplane was able to get them close, but a seven-mile ride up the river was needed for arrival. This faithful husband and wife were presented a globe to commemorate these events, and many more that weren’t mentioned. Imagine giving your life to... View Article
September 22, 2017
Most of us look forward to time away from work with great anticipation. Imagine if you were going to fill those days climbing Mt. Everest. (Don’t stop reading; you aren’t required to do any actual climbing.) You would spend your days in preparation for the big event. Check to make sure you are in the physical shape it takes to accomplish this feat. Check and double check to make sure your gear is rated to withstand the harsh circumstances. Check the tickets you’ll need for airfare and to make sure you have a Sherpa lined up. And the list of... View Article
September 15, 2017
This past week brought a “never forget” moment to the minds of many Americans. It was 16 years ago on 9/11 that terrorists turned airplanes into missiles and forever altered the collective conscience of this country. Many people remembered the fateful day by declaring where they were at when they heard the news of the attack. If you are older than 25, you probably have the particulars of how you found out deeply engraved on your soul. There are many areas of life that could benefit from a call to remembrance. Think about how often you forget something important. An... View Article
September 8, 2017
Many here in Eastern Iowa are wondering what happened to our summer. Last weekend’s Labor Day holiday marked the unofficial end of all things tied to warmer weather, but now the temperature has decided it’s had enough and the high today may not get out of the 60’s. In Hollywood speak we could say, “That’s a Wrap” for Summer 2017. When you look back on the best season of the year, what stands out as important? What would you do again? What will you make sure you avoid next year? A quick self-assessment will help you avoid costly and painful... View Article
