My son does not mind me telling you his college is closing. When he chose to attend the (never forget the definite article) King’s College three years ago, he imagined an integrated community with strong academics intended to prepare students for service in Christ’s kingdom. And it was that way for a while. Then the college ran out of money. I remember thinking, “How is that possible? Do colleges just run out of money? Aren’t they supposed to plan for that?” But they do. Now my son is walking in the graduation ceremony in a few weeks. He will be finished with college. And then the college will ..read more

Given my role in the church and the phase of life I’m in, I have read many (too many?) parenting books over the past few years. One thing I’ve learned: most parenting books are basically the same. But last month I read a (mercifully) short book by Thomas Smyth called “The Mission of Parenting,” and it was so unlike anything that has come out in recent years. This 45-page booklet (told you mercifully short) covers the topic of training up the next generation to have a heart for supporting missions. There are a number of books out there on youth serving in short term mission trips, but I haven’t ..read more

 I dropped off some life insurance documents at our local agency a couple weeks ago. Our usual agent was somewhere with sun (that is, outside of Michigan and I am guessing in Florida) so another agent looked over the documents with me. As the conversation expanded beyond insurance, we reached a mutual connection—one I’d interviewed on my podcast “Ordinary Lives.” That conversation emphasized why I record that podcast, but I don’t think I’ve shared that reason with you.                So let me explain. Many years ago Ca ..read more

As I sit here on November 10 writing this article about Christmas we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet. It is 76 degrees today…in Michigan! This has definitely been the longest, most beautiful Fall our family has experienced here in the last 6 years. And before you ask, it definitely feels more like Florida today. I’m sure as you read this that has all changed and winter has made its appearance. There are many wonderful things about winter and one of them is the time we enjoy celebrating Christmas. But some of you may not like winter and others may not even like Christmas (though I doub ..read more

What are you thankful for? That’s a common question—perhaps even the most common question asked around Thanksgiving Day. It’s a good question. Go ahead and make a list. Be amazed at what God has given. Praise him for your home, your job, your community, your country, your stability, your safety . . . . Praise him like the Psalmist does. But would you do one thing in addition. This year I’d like you to spend some additional time thinking about “who” you are thankful for. I make that request moved by 1 Corinthians 1:4 where Paul says, “I give thanks to my God for you because of the grace of God ..read more

During our family devotion time, I have been reading the Proverb associated with the day of the month. We have been using the ancient practice of Lectio Divina meaning sacred reading. Before we read, we ask the Holy Spirit to give us a word or phrase from the text that would impact our hearts in a personal way. On August 18, I read Proverbs 18:1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. That verse stood out to each person in our family. We were convicted about the tendency to isolate ourselves.   Everyone faces the temptation to isolate thems ..read more

A common question that children (and even we adults) will sometimes ask when reflecting on God and prayer is “If God knows all things, then why pray?” We might take it a step further as Calvinists would be “If God knows all things, and has determined all things, why pray?” This is not merely an intellectual challenge, but it also has deep spiritual effects as well. If we doubt the value of prayer, we’re likely to enter into a state of prayerlessness and hopelessness. It is true that God knows all things, he doesn’t discover problems when we bring them to Him in prayer. We can’t surprise Him ..read more

Here I am staring at a wig. I can remember the last time I wore a wig—it was during the performance of a madrigal dinner in high school. It seemed strange then. Feels even stranger now. But “strange” is not really the word I want to use. It’s really embarrassing. No, even better, shameful. Shame is the sense we have when we believe others will ridicule us, will think less of us, and ultimately will not want to be near us. My shame is prompted by my sense that others will see me as a source of amusement. My shame is the reason I told my wife I would not take a picture. By the time you are readi ..read more