Posted in Good Stuff, music on Sep 29th, 2009
There is a balance that many cannot strike when it comes to fully realizing and declaring our depraved nature, yet viewing this plight with optimism. Jason Gray, in his new album “Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue” strikes this balance. The consistent theme running through this album is that Jason is a sinner being healed. The [...]
Posted in Life on Sep 26th, 2009
Happy birthday, my dear Michelle. You mean so much to me. I love you.
Well, on Tuesday, my nose started running like a fountain. I figured it was just my allergies acting up. But by the end of the day, I was wondering if I was getting a cold. Wednesday morning, I woke up with a definite head cold and called in sick. I took a lot of vitamin [...]
Last night, during our weekly gathering, our pastor reminded us why we exist as a church. We do not exist for ourselves, but for this hurting world. And he also reminded us that we are living stones. I immediately thought of this Wendall Berry poem: Cathedral Stone of the earth made of its own weight [...]
Posted in Books, Good Stuff on Sep 17th, 2009
Back when we were dating, my wife introduced me to a singer-songwriter by the name of Andrew Peterson. I was instantly a fan of this gifted musician who was able to tell a story in song with melody and lyrics that actually made the story line better than if it were just told by a talented storyteller. [...]
In view of all you do for me, In view of Christ’s surrender, Why do I still choose to be A devious rule-bender?
“Limits, like fears, are often an illusion.” Michael Jordan
Posted in Faith, Things I Don't Know on Sep 9th, 2009
I don’t want to live anymore with the nagging sense of how much I do not deserve the grace and mercy of God. Sure it’s true that I don’t deserve it. But it’s mine. Rather than meditating on how much I do not deserve it, I want to receive it with gratitude and walk in [...]
When my faith is weak When my heart does not believe When doubts and fears deceive Still my tongue must speak I must voice the prayer That belies my lack of faith That fights my lack of grace And lays my soul bare When my voice is weak When it cannot form a sound [...]