I heard music the very first moment I set foot in New Orleans. It was the breathy sound of a steam calliope atop a paddleboat on the Mississippi River. The sounds of the city (one that I would later call home) made a great first impression. New Orleans is a city with a soundtrack, and … Continue reading A City with a Soundtrack
Clapping Back at Clapping Back
You know the feeling. Someone insults you, your favorite politician, or even your football team and you feel your blood pressure rise with your anger. The temptation is to “clap back” – to respond to the criticism or insult with a brutal comeback. It seems like every day some activist, celebrity, politician, sports figure, or … Continue reading Clapping Back at Clapping Back
Lessons Learned and Remembered: The Power of a Spiritual Marker
It’s an odd thing to keep – a beat-up, old fishing lure with no hooks. It’s been with me for quite a while – more than 20 years. The lure has traveled with me through various cross-country and cross-town moves. It has no value for catching fish and I don't really go fishing anymore. I … Continue reading Lessons Learned and Remembered: The Power of a Spiritual Marker
‘Jesus is King:’ Kanye’s simple confession
I laughed. I cried. I worshipped. That’s my response to “Jesus is King” – the Gospel album that Kanye West released last week. After listening to previews of each song, we bought the album last Saturday and listened to it as a family. And we enjoyed it. The album is funny, serious, honest, heartfelt, and … Continue reading ‘Jesus is King:’ Kanye’s simple confession
Find Your Samaria
In my previous blog post, I suggested a fresh look at Acts 1:8. You can find the previous post here. Rather than looking at the geographical aspects of “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth,” I suggested Christians also should thinking relationally. Again, I am not arguing that it is 100% relational, but … Continue reading Find Your Samaria
Reading Acts 1:8 with Fresh Eyes
The Great Commission and Acts 1:8 constitute a portion of what Jesus shared with His followers just before His ascension. Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8 provide the marching orders for Christians. So much more than just calling us to evangelism, Jesus’ last words called believers to a world-wide mission of disciplemaking. I think it good … Continue reading Reading Acts 1:8 with Fresh Eyes
Don’t Treat the Bible Like It’s Obsolete
I really enjoy old things – I guess that’s a prerequisite for an archaeologist. I own a group of fun, old things that could be properly categorized as "obsolete tech." I have a Victrola record player from 1915, a Smith-Corona typewriter from the late 1940s, two Canon cameras (a 1950s model and a 1970s model), … Continue reading Don’t Treat the Bible Like It’s Obsolete
In Defense of Cities: A Christian Perspective
People rarely have neutral feelings about cities – they tend to love cities or hate them. It is easy to see why. Cities bring out the best of us and expose the worst of us. The energy and vibrancy of cities stir creativity, music, art, design, entrepreneurial spirit, and even community – things of true … Continue reading In Defense of Cities: A Christian Perspective
You’ll Be Just Fine … Just Don’t Believe the Hype
As a self-proclaimed cultural observer, I keep an eye and an ear open to art and music. You can learn much about a culture by its art, especially from popular music. Sadly, in recent years, popular music has become an arid wasteland, especially on the lyrical front. I won’t name names because that would probably … Continue reading You’ll Be Just Fine … Just Don’t Believe the Hype
Your Stuff Won’t Love You Back
"Your stuff won't love back" is something I commonly told to my son, Jonathan, when he was young. I wanted him to develop a proper perspective on things. In hindsight, I should have flipped the focus. Obviously, I didn't want him to show love to others to gain their love in return. I wanted him … Continue reading Your Stuff Won’t Love You Back
