I have spent so much time in the last few months reflecting on the teachings and miracles of Jesus that I felt like I was ill prepared for Easter week. I wanted to feel connected to the reality of Jesus' last days, his crucifixion, and resurrection. I immediately thought of a book I read several... Continue Reading →
When I Grow Up I Am Going To Be A Good Parent
I am the father of three girls, ages 17, 13, and 8. Parenting is hard enough but having kids at such distinct phases of growing up forces me to wear different hats each time I try to be a father figure. For my 17 year old, I am thinking about all the things I need... Continue Reading →
Be Honest With Yourself
One area where I have struggled in my writing on this blog is properly explaining what a mature Christian looks like. I don't think I provide a very clear picture of the goal of wisdom and maturity. In one of our sessions in Wichita, Keith Matthews went through what he called The Super Seven. This... Continue Reading →
Reality Bites: What We Can Count On
In Wichita, James Bryan Smith talked about reality. He said that reality is "what you can count on." He also referenced Dallas Willard's definition of reality as "what you find out when you find out that you are wrong." Are there things that we can count on that are constantly hiding behind our wrong assumptions?... Continue Reading →
The Suffering I Was Freed From
Gathering 2 of the Apprentice Experience was focused on our own spiritual growth, maturity, and character development. As it should, this emphasis required soul searching and a willingness to clearly see our own deficiencies so that we could begin working on it, with Christ's help. I was surprised at what stuck out to me as... Continue Reading →
Rumblings From Gathering 2 of AE
I am back from Wichita after a week of learning, praying, practicing, and growing at Gathering 2 of the Apprentice Experience. I am sure I will be sharing many insights with you over the next few weeks but here are some random items that are fresh on my mind as I return to life in... Continue Reading →
Some Random Thoughts As I Head To Wichita
Gathering 2 of the Apprentice Experience starts today. When we met back in November, the themes of the week and all of our readings leading up to the week were on Narratives and The Gospel. This Gathering is on Spiritual Growth and Development. We have read books about Shame, about Self Deception, and have discovered... Continue Reading →
God Provides For What He Has Called You To
It is funny how this time last year, I had a calling but couldn't see the path to make that calling a reality. Last March, I had a phone call with John Carroll, Director of the Apprentice Experience. This call was designed to determine my fit for the Apprentice Experience. Though I was extremely excited... Continue Reading →
What My Obsessive Nature Says About My Spiritual Life
I am a guy who has obsessive tendencies. I once prided myself in reading weekly Sports Illustrated issues cover to cover before the next week's issue arrived. I had a small transistor radio called the Street Beat that I carried around the house so I wouldn't miss a pitch of a Texas Rangers' baseball broadcast.... Continue Reading →
Not Just A Slogan, Part 2: What Is Christ-Centered?
Today is a continuation of our look at what it means to be Christ-centered. Monday covered being like-minded and not seeking selfish ambition. Work out your salvation "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" For believers, we have confidence of our future... Continue Reading →