I have a small exercise area in my basement. It has a dozen dumbbells, two kettlebells, and a bench. I am by no means a bodybuilder, but my wife and I are trying to be healthy in a habitual sense. Everyday we aim to get in at least 7 minutes of either walking or some … Continue reading LEGO Bricks on the Gym Mat
The day after Thanksgiving – the one-year anniversary of Robyn’s death – Melissa shared something with me. It was a reflection she had penned on life as we presently know it. She thought about what she would say to Robyn if she had the opportunity to chat with her for a few minutes. As I … Continue reading To Bless the Lord: A Guest Post by Melissa Stearns
Recently I have been teaching through Baptist beliefs in Sunday School. Last week we discussed the idea of individual freedom in regards to belief and church membership. One of the key aspects of a Baptist church is the idea of voluntary association. In some church models, for example the Catholic church, membership is often involuntary. … Continue reading Can a Speeding Ticket Change Your Heart?
All your friends sit in your living room, having just dined sumptuously at your table, and now take up residence on your furniture. Tea and coffee have been served all around and a lively conversation keeps on going. In a bit, you will break out a game of Settlers of Catan or maybe something more relaxed, like Carcassonne. Much … Continue reading Better Than a Party
Wormwood, My worst demon, how are you doing? I’ve heard you’ve moved into aesthetics with your human. Yes, yes, nakedness is a great play with most humans. But have you considered the shame factor? Of course the human is aware that nudity is sin. Alluring? Yes. Damning? Almost certainly. But remember that a sin like porneia gets … Continue reading Screwtape’s Favorite Song
Iowa Regular Baptist Camp at night 42 high-school aged guys huddled in the men's staff cabin at a camp. They were from every corner of the state with a few sprinkled in from out of the state. Many serving for a second or third time in the summer. Lifeguards, kitchen staff, archery, maintenance . . … Continue reading Whose life is it anyway?
It really shouldn't be, should it? We know His character is both loving and gracious. A simple survey of the Bible makes this plain. Even in the Old Testament, when we read of the many wicked kings in Israel, we still see that God is merciful and gracious to His people. His people that really … Continue reading When God’s Grace is Unexpected
Students praying for my family in September, 2023. 2023 was a terrible year for me and my family. One of the worst things that could happen, did. Yes, I recognize that every bad situation could be worse. I recognize that others have gone through even more terrible and grievous situations. And at the same time, … Continue reading Anchors for the Soul: The Cloud of Witnesses and the Crowd of Witnesses
If you had to pick a list of virtues that mark a consistent Christian, what virtues would make the list? I think there are many virtues we would naturally list (love, joy peace, etc.) and rightly so. But I remember noticing one that flew under my radar. And I only noticed when I began to … Continue reading A Decidedly Christian Virtue
Thoughts Worth Thinking 