Why Everyday Is A Cause For Celebration

Last night I had a few moments out on our patio to just sit under the stars and reflect on the things that matter most.  I had put Ruby to sleep, Janny was out at a meeting with our Nieucommunities tribe and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the life I have the honor of …

When Dreams Meet Reality: Life in Intentional Community

After years of being a youth pastor, I remember the time I came home from yet another event that required endless administration, energy and resources and asked myself, “Is this what it means to be the Church?  And if so, there have to be better ways to embody the supposed life-giving, relational aspects of Jesus …

The Real Santa Claus and a Homeless Jesus

As I read this reflection on St. Nick in the Common Prayer liturgy the other day, I was stirred at the contrast between the selfless generosity of this saint and the consumerist wish lists we now associate to the modern Santa Claus. While, there is almost no chance Jesus was born in December and Christmas …

When Dreams Meet Reality: Life in Intentional Community

After years of being a youth pastor, I remember the time I came home from yet another event that required endless administration, energy and resources and asked myself, “Is this what it means to be the Church?  And if so, there have to be better ways to embody the supposed life-giving, relational aspects of Jesus …

Teenagers, Tragedy and a New Story

I spent this past week living on a small houseboat with bunch of freshman boys on Lake Shasta.  While living in extremely intimate quarters with 70 teenagers (4 houseboats) can be quite intimidating (and odoriferous!), it was not what intimidated me most about this time.  Having committed to speak for this annual “Houseboats” trip close …