Just three months ago, my husband Ken and I were blessed to go on a short term mission trip to Madrid, Spain to work with Dan and Eva Anderson at the Friendship House. They have established this community center to assist people in their neighborhood, a mixture of native Spaniards and Muslims...
The search for new pastoral staff is an arduous process for the search team, the elders, and the applicants. Most applicants don’t survive the process either because we see that they are not a fit for our church or they see that we are not a fit for them. I’m happy to report that one...
We are just about through January. Time passes so quickly – it seems like just yesterday we were putting up the Christmas tree! But, I have to admit, time seems to be dragging when it comes to this Whole 30 food diet I started at the beginning of January. I only have 14 more days before...
“Too blessed to be stressed. Too anointed to be disappointed.” Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks quarterback. As some of you know, I enjoy watching football. Honestly, I not only enjoy it, I look forward to watching the game with great anticipation! During the holidays Doug and I...
Silent night, holy night,All is calm, all is brightRound yon virgin mother and Child.Holy Infant, so tender and mild,Sleep in heavenly peace,Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, holy night,Shepherds quake at the sight;Glories stream from heaven afar,Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!Christ the...
Waking up to snow is always exciting! Last Sunday my family experienced this joy as the kids jumped out of bed and begged to go and play in the snow. They were full of energy as they ran outside to have a snow ball fight, play with friends, and build a snowman. Portland tends...
It’s the New Year 2016! It’s a new beginning, for some, a fresh start. Old challenges are over and new ones are just beginning. It’s a time to look back once more at the full year of 2015 then head forward into 2016. So where are we headed? It’s so easy these days...
You are receiving this newsletter on Christmas Day. So, Merry Christmas! Here are two things that are more important for you to do today other than reading this blog. Do both of them if you can. Engage in a meaningful conversation with one or more of the family members or friends that you...
Back in 2011, Jonathan Dodson wrote an article about how being on mission “is not an event we tack onto our already busy lives. It is our life. Mission should be the way we live, not something we add onto life.” The obstacle for most of us is, where does one find the time in an...
Well, it’s that time of year again. Jingle bells and white peppermint mochas at Starbucks; big guys in red suits and white beards running around town; long lines at the mall with great deals on everything from socks to fruit cake to tickle me Elmo. It’s a great time of the year...