2021 Recap

***LONG POST ALERT BUT WORTH THE READ***Laughing as I look at this memory (picture above) because it was borderline prophetic. Eight years ago, I found myself on Donald Miller‘s website as an advertisement. He was running Storyline Conferences (before StoryBrand was a thing for businesses), and I was a wandering, aimless, millennial. I had aContinue reading “2021 Recap”

Pros and Cons of The Message Bible

If you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you’ve heard of The Message Bible and you’re in one of three camps: You’ve heard it can be a good paraphrase and you’re curious what makes it different, fresh, etc. as well as what potential pitfalls it may have. You’ve heard it is NOT a good version ofContinue reading “Pros and Cons of The Message Bible”

How to Be a Better Husband

Today, I want us to focus on an idea that comes up multiple times in the Bible: The idea of God being the husband/bridegroom and us being the bride.  I’ll admit it’s quite tough for me to try to imagine being a woman / wife. But it’s not difficult for me to imagine God beingContinue reading “How to Be a Better Husband”

What Will You Do When All of Your Mentors Fall?

I’ve been contemplating this question for quite awhile. It was probably about 10-15 years ago when my first mentor fell. Let me quickly set the stage and then we’ll dive in: First, we’ll look at where I’m coming from Second, we’ll look at why that matters Third, we’ll look at my past heroes that haveContinue reading “What Will You Do When All of Your Mentors Fall?”

Portlanders

I met a plethora of people when I lived in Portland. A few of them were very passionate. For example: Dr. Paul Louis Metzger. When I told people I had signed up for his classes at Multnomah Seminary, they looked at me like I was crazy and simply said, “Good luck.” I thought this aContinue reading “Portlanders”

Living Epistles (2b)

(A continuation from yesterday) You see, the marijuana is also a crucial part of the story because this is where the serious trouble began. He began smoking pot in early high school. Then, he moved to drinking Robitussin, 2-3 bottles a night. From there, he tried cocaine, but didn’t like it, so instead he startedContinue reading “Living Epistles (2b)”

Living Epistles (2a)

I know a guy, in his early 20s, who just started following Jesus. A few months ago, this guy was living at his parents’, on house arrest, smoking pot, and unemployed. Before that, he had been a thief, a drug dealer, and a womanizer. Here’s how all of that went down: As a young boy, in third grade, he beganContinue reading “Living Epistles (2a)”

Living Epistles (1)

I know a lady, a single mom actually. She is in her forties, with three kids, two of which are out of the house. The youngest is still at home, quickly approaching her teenage years. The other two are out of the house, both boys. The oldest boy is married, working as an apprentice inContinue reading “Living Epistles (1)”

Living Epistles (Introduction)

Last week I came up with an idea. I’m going to write blogs about people I know. I know, it doesn’t sound like an impressive idea, but impressing you is not the point. Power is the point. The people I’m going to write about are living powerful lives. They are demonstrating that there is a better way to live.Continue reading “Living Epistles (Introduction)”