I was reading Chapter 19, minding my own business, when the following verse literally made me stop and say, “Huh?” (Ezra 6:11)   This verse was so jarring that I actually stopped reading and went to m...  Read More

Last week, after dropping the girls off at school, I began my trek to the church. On a good day, it takes about 45 minutes, but that day was not a good day—it was raining. As I merged onto I-30 westbo...  Read More

From 2013-15 I was a chaplain for a mental health nonprofit. In that role I did various bible studies with some of the most lovely people I will ever have the chance to share life with. This blog is b...  Read More

Isaiah 6, commonly referred to as Isaiah’s Commission, is as inspiring as it is timeless. One of the most frequently quoted and cherished verses from this passage is Isaiah 6:8 (page 225 in The Story)...  Read More

We’re not good listeners, you and I. The dominance of speaking over listening reflects our worldview:at meetings those who speak the most are often the ones who get their way. In our families, we are ...  Read More

(Because we cancelled service on 1/12 due to winter weather, Bro. Keith will be preaching on Chapter 13. If you already read the chapter, you get a week off! If not, this is your chance to catch up!)-...  Read More

Welcome back friends! I hope your Christmas and New Year’s were joyous and restful (both true for our family!) As we get back into the swing of reading a chapter of The Story week-by-week, we restart ...  Read More

As many of you who regularly attend the 8:30 and 11:00 AM worship services have noted, one of my unofficial roles during worship is “acolyte wrangler.” With my seat positioned directly beside the acol...  Read More

I was in Indiana from Wednesday through Saturday last week, celebrating the life of my mom’s third oldest brother, Herb Summers. Herb was an interesting character, to say the least! My memories of him...  Read More

In the beginning of Chapter 10 of The Story, we find a young Samuel serving in the temple under the guidance of Eli, the high priest. One night, Samuel hears a voice calling his name. At first, Samuel...  Read More

Some of the best movie lines make us laugh, some make us think, or some give us a lump in the throat. But among the countless lines that have been captured on film, a few have actually changed the way...  Read More

“The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord.” Did you notice that phrase throughout this chapter? Throughout the Book of Judges, as covered in Chapter 8 of The Story “A Few Good Men…and Women,” w...  Read More