Over the two weeks or so, we have all watched with horror as the events in Ukraine have unfolded. One nation has invaded another, and they are both visiting death and destruction upon one another. This is a tragedy of the highest order. We have seen the world respond with some of the harshest economic sanctions in modern history, which is beginning to cause economic devastation for the citizens of...  Read More

So, I’ve had the privilege to live in a “3rd World” context.  Can I just say it’s been pretty weird to transition back to the “1st World”?!I keep recognizing that I’m losing perspective.  Lord, I want to remember…Let’s never forget to thank the Lord for the material blessings that he’s placed in our hands and the context in which we live.  Let’s definitely...enjoy these blessingsrecognize that the...  Read More

Have you ever had sleepless nights? Join the club of millions who have suffered in the same way… worry and anxiety have a way of creeping into bed with us and dominating our minds when we ought to be sound asleep. We generally don’t struggle with the demons of discouragement and fear when we’re sitting on the back porch having coffee, or out for a brisk walk. Those things tend to ease the mind and...  Read More

Careful, you might miss it.  There is beauty in the ordinary. Sometimes, I feel pretty ordinary.  How about you?I’m not that interesting.  I’m not that good looking.  Believe it or not, I’m not that strong.  I’m not special.  I’m not that gifted.  I'm weak.  In fact, if I fall into the comparison trap, which I often do, I ALWAYS fall short.  Everyone else seems special, even beautiful in their own...  Read More

Pastor Rob was rightA few weeks ago on a Sunday, I scoffed at a winter advisory stating that in spite of the forecast, i believed the snow would accumulate to an inch or less. Shoveling my walk the next day reminded me just how wrong I was! I was counting on the pattern of the past few winters which brought many threats, but no action. So much for a second career as a meteorologist :) More painful...  Read More

With the Christmas season passed and a season like Lent quickly approaching, it seemed appropriate this week to turn to the next story in the Gospel accounts. For many of the authors, one of the first events in the life of Jesus recounted is the baptism and subsequent venture into the wilderness.When I last preached during advent, I mentioned that each person walking this earth finds themselves in...  Read More