Notes

Essays from earlier seasons.

Twenty-nine pieces from 2009–2020 — devotional reflections, personal stories, the writing that came out of pastoral work. They sat on the old site for years; they belong here too.

October 19, 2020Blog

Hardship, Creativity and Hope for Today

Calling musicians and creatives. Throughout history, some of the hardest times have produced some of the most thoughtful and creative music. Wars have accompanied art; revolutions, beauty; hardship, delight. I’ve seen…

April 23, 2019Essay

The Rest of the Story

Oh the rest they must have got Since Jesus‘ body wouldn’t rot, Would never die, but only live This meant the Father does forgive! That all He taught and all He said Was proved when Christ rose from the dead His Word and…

April 07, 2018Blog

With His Pinions

(Originally posted 2/6/2014) "1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the LORD, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' 3 For he will…

April 07, 2018Blog

NC-17

(Originally posted 4/23/2009) Apparently, the decision has been made to allow 17 year-olds the ability to buy morning-after pills over the counter. By themselves. Alone. Say what?! According to some, this represents…

April 07, 2018Blog

Just Another Day

(Originally posted 1/21/2014) Martin Luther King Jr. Day was yesterday. I spent my day with my family. We had conflict about my sons and their gadgets, planned ministry events and stressed out over time and money and…

April 07, 2018Blog

Fully His Man

(Originally posted 1/4/2013) I wrote this after reading about some horrific events that have taken place in our country and around the world. It's for my sons and yours... Fully His Man When you claim that substances,…

April 07, 2018Blog

48 Hrs. In

(Originally posted 7/8/2014) 48 Hours In (Part II of my musings) I do not think that I have the corner market on injury or disability. Nor am I presuming to speak for everyone who is injured or ill or disabled. However,…

April 07, 2018Blog

Musings on Life and Medicine

(Originally posted 7/10/2014) Last Saturday, I injured myself. This is the 3rd installment of my thoughts as I ponder this unique season and all it involves for my body, my heart, my mind, my family and friends and my…

April 07, 2018Blog

The God Who Provides

(Originally posted 2/6/2014) We had some friends (old and new) over for the Super Bowl the other day, and it pushed me over the edge. This used to happen at our old home - whenever people would visit, I felt this need…

April 07, 2018Blog

Tonight

(Originally posted 4/18/2014) Did his knees hurt when he prayed, and thoughts of rescue hit the ground? When the blood and sweat dripped from his brow, did he cry or make a sound? Did angels try to catch the drops of…

April 07, 2018Blog

Good Friday 2014

(Originally posted 4/18/2014) I woke up on a mattress, firm, did You even sleep at all? I have plans to complete today, you knew you'd overturn the Fall Of Man. And by men's hands you'd bleed - how injustice seemed to…

April 07, 2018Blog

I Wonder

(Originally posted 4/24/2014) The wonder of God is one of the things that keeps me worshipping, and therefore following, Jesus Christ. His character is loving, gracious and faithful and his power is vast. Such a Person…

April 07, 2018Blog

And a Pinch of Salt

(Originally posted 7/2/2014) I made granola the other day. While reading the recipe, the directions called for salt. On first glance, it seems kind of horrible. Who wants salty granola after all? But - having learned…

April 07, 2018Blog

You're Fasting from What?!

(Originally posted 9/8/2014) A dear friend from our church asked about what other types of fasting there are beyond food fasts. This was my response. I thought it might benefit others of us as well. - Pastor Darryl…

April 07, 2018Blog

A Glorious Descent

(Originally posted 3/16/2015) We were taught that the earth’s gravity would cause two objects of different weight to fall at the same speed in the presence of a vacuum. For non-science students, it seems like nonsense…

April 07, 2018Blog

Would a New (and Revised) Bonhoeffer Please Stand Up?

(Originally posted 3/1/2016) This was Germany: discouraged, economically struggling, beaten down and rudderless. It is into this leadership vacuum that a polarizing man named Adolf was ushered. How different is our…

April 07, 2018Blog

Go Big and Go Home; Just Go

(Originally posted 3/12/2016) This morning, I read about a shooting that just happened. Five people lost their lives unexpectedly. They woke up one day and didn't go to sleep that night. The shooter woke up that morning…

April 07, 2018Blog

Sephertoid

Likes to put himself first Likes to put himself first? What kind of God-fearing man likes to put himself first? how... - when you look at the fierce love of Christ How - when you consider the great sacrifice HOW - when…

April 06, 2018Blog

Resurrection Sunday 2018

What more shall I say, Christ arose before day, His new life has conquered my old! What more shall I say, death’s been beaten away! Christ is RISEN! just as he foretold! By his life I see life, By his death I will live,…

April 06, 2018Blog

Palm Sunday 2018

Not because the donkey was strongest or best It wasn’t yet a white steed, to tower over the rest Not because you’d do what everyone asked No, you’re king and you’ll take your own counsel at last. Jesus, you entered…

July 15, 2015Blog

Helping Moths

As I was driving home the other night, I saw something that looked like a bat flopping around on the road in front of me on a quiet street. As I pulled over, I got out to find a very large moth that was -for some…

August 29, 2014Blog

The Bar is Set High; Set the Bar High

Growing up, our family was very involved in sports. We played a few and watched lots of games, sets, matches, olympic events; you name it, we watched ‘em. One thing that I remember very clearly was the young “me” being…

August 08, 2014Blog

Thoughts On Freedom

I've had a couple moments in the past week where I've gone from reading /posting about atrocities in Iraq to laughing about a silly video - all within moments. At first, I had to resist the urge to think this was…

July 20, 2013Blog

Sawdust and a Savior

Today, I was a mess. And, by mess I mean that I was covered with some stuff that wasn't mine and didn't come off easily. It got everywhere, covered everything and even made it dangerous for people to walk near it.…

April 30, 2012Blog

Step Into the Epic

It’s one of my favorite points in a movie, book or just any gripping story. The tension is high, there's smoke in the air, wounded friends and tragedy are all around; there's a terrible choice to be made. In movies, the…

December 25, 2011Blog

For the Watchmen

Here's to the soldiers, whose Christmas ain't white. To the man and the woman who watch through the night. Your family won't see you or feel your embrace; Your dog won't wake you with licks in the face. While we wrap…

April 17, 2010Blog

Shimai's Hope

"Sure Shimai, you 'heard it from the Lord,' whatever you say, old friend. Let's just finish cleaning off this altar. I wish you'd just focus on doing what we know we need to do; our duties! Why should we ever think…

December 06, 2009Blog

Devoted

You had your "Quiet Time" today? Have you spent time "In the Word?" Done any "Bible Study" today before bed? "I hope you read your "Chapter of the Day!" Ugg. This idea has been turning in my gut for the past few days.…