Via Dolorosa
The Stations of the Cross – The Passion Week took on a whole new meaning since going to Israel! I walked the streets where Jesus carried my sin to Golgotha. We started at the top of the Mt. of Olives near Bethany. We walked to the Garden of Gethsemane and then up the Ascent to…
Pedro Conejo
A friend reminded me of Jim’s sleight-of-hand trick with the yellow foam bunnies today. He always had jokes and tricks ready to go, and kept them in his pocket! In fact, I cannot remember a time since I met him in 1977 that he was not always at the ready. He wore out several sets…
Palm Sunday Parade
I had the privilege of teaching in the BYKOTA adult fellowship on Sunday. Here is a brief synopsis of what I shared about the Triumphal Entry of Christ: I love a parade. The Rose Parade is spectacular and so is the Main Street Electrical parade. Parades are always fun events. Even though they are different…
Clayton at 21~
Dear Clayton, You are officially an adult in the eyes of the law. I think about what I hope for you as you finish college and become a independent and godly man. You are more amazing than you know. That is partly due to your own choices, partly due to your heritage and all a…
Moving – Friends – Grateful
Today as I write this I am in the middle of a move, which I feel like I have been in the middle of for 3 or more months. Every 10 years or so in our married life we have moved. This is 10.5 but it still fits in the rhythm. For me, I think…
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Philemon 1:20 Can you imagine this holiday during Bible times? It definitely would have a different impression to see a wad of intestines on a card. Scripture refers to the bowels when it talks about tenderness and compassion.…
Ground Hog Day! Candlemas Day!
The prestigious prognosticator, Punxatawny Phil, saw his shadow today, which means we have 6 more weeks of Winter! Even though I am certain that the weather and the seasons (especially in the calendarically challenged state of California) have nothing to do with a rodent and his shadow, I am so glad that this winter has…
Lessons from the Holy Land
Tel Arad When Moses led the children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan, the King of Arad picked a fight with the Hebrews and lost (Numbers 21:1-3). This triumph also represented God’s grace to the Hebrews in light of an earlier defeat they suffered there as a result of their lack of faith (Numbers 14:45).…
Remembrance Stones from Israel
Ebenezer stones of Remembrance: Galilee: Areamos Topos – listen Arbel- busy but never hurried or savor solitude Capernaum – Follow Me Qatzrin – Household of Faith Tabgha – feed my sheep Caesarea Philippi – who do you say I am Tell Dan – faith is not convenient Shephelah: Azekah – play to your strengths Beth…
Lessons from Israel
In April 2016, the Student Ministry team were invited to join GTI tours through Hume Lake to go to Israel on a Pastor’s trip. Several of our team, Tim Hummel, Kelsey Crowe, Christina Marandola, Lacey Anderson and myself decided to go. We signed up, saved our pennies and prepared through study and prayer. What an…