As we wrap up our independent study of the Celebration of Discipline and our sermon series God Calling, we know that this is the commencement of a re-focused journey.  We are now in the season of Easter.   In the church, we continue to celebrate for several more weeks.  I mean, should a celebration of the [...]

Some people have asked why we chose a book by Henri Nouwen for one of our independent Lenten studies.  His roots are in Catholicisim.  Some even consider him to be one of the founders of the Emerging Church. There are other more provocative claims.  So why Nouwen?  I can answer that in one short statement: [...]

Sometimes when that alarm clock goes off on Sunday morning that question (the title) is easy to answer.   It takes some self discipline to get things rolling and get everyone out the door.  But that’s really not what we’re talking about in chapter 11 of Foster’s book.  It’s not the focus for Sunday’s sermon either [...]

Lent can be a time of searching, seeking, and hopefully discovery.  It’s not just an exercise in self-discipline or a 40-day diet before spring break.  Our search should focus on God.  The whole idea is to put aside our own selfish desires in exchange for the struggle of experiencing the fullness of love. Not yearning [...]

What does it mean to conform our lives to Christ?  Sometimes I wonder if we really understand the difficult words we read in the Bible… discipline, sacrifice, conviction, transformation.  Lent can be a wonderful time to refocus and remember that in those moments of self-denial, repentance, and change that God’s love and acceptance is still [...]

My head aches right now because I won’t be drinking any coffee today.  My normal routine includes four or five cups before lunch.  That’s more than I should drink, I know.  So what does enduring a headache or some hunger have to do with your faith?  It’s not about guilt, getting sympathy or outdoing someone [...]

Welcome to  our 2010 independent study for lent, Feb. 17 – April 4, Lent and Easter Wisdom by Henri Nouwen.  You are invited to read and then respond online with your comments or thoughts.  This is a unique channel of discussion for people who can’t take part in a group study or who do  not [...]

Thanks for joining us for Celebration of Discipline our 2010 independent study for lent, Feb. 17 – April 4.  You are invited to read and then respond online with your comments or thoughts.  This is a unique channel of discussion for people who can’t take part in a group study or who are not in [...]

On my trip I met a wonderful french student that was travelling around the U.S. We stayed together for a day or two as a helped him get to his next destination. This gave us plenty of time to talk about all kinds of matters. It’s interesting to hear from someone “across the pond” as [...]

So yesterday I heard two awful commercials both attacking each other. I haven’t heard them first hand; I very rarely ever hear political commercials first hand it may have something to do with living in Arkansas. They were played on NPR’s “all things considered.” It seems that any political commercial I ever hear, I am [...]