Month: April 2009
-
Shift Youth Ministry Conference
Last week I went to Chicago to attend a 3-day youth ministry conference called “Shift the Future” at Willow Creek Community Church. It was sponsored by the Willow Creek Association, a leadership organization affiliated with the host church. I went because I’m doing some writing this year on youth ministry and wanted to listen to…
-
World’s Worst Title for a Parenting Book
I found this newly-released book at a bookstore the other day and couldn’t resist buying it. Written by a couple of comedians and a therapist, the back cover reads: “Is it any wonder … Most people go through mid-life crises when their kids are teenagers? … Fewer parents are grounding their teenagers–to avoid being stuck…
-
Easter 2009
We had a great time on Easter Sunday celebrating the Resurrection with a back yard full of family and friends. The weather was perfect, the food was delicious and joyful bluegrass music was heard all over our neighborhood. I hope we can continue hosting this event every year. I love Easter and I know everyone…
-
Writing to Serve
While I was teaching youth ministry at San Diego Christian College (seems like ages ago) I met a very talented woman named Maria Keckler, who taught English and computer literacy among other things. She currently is developing a new website for Christian writers called Writing to Serve. She recently interviewed me for an article which…
-
Got bad news? Just add banjo.
A funny commercial from Alaska airlines, probably based on the old Steve Martin routine. Not a bad idea, actually. Alaska Airlines – Banjo
-
Can You Hear the Music?
Years ago I heard my old friend Ben Patterson quote a theologian (can’t remember his name) who said, “Hope is hearing the music of the future; faith is dancing to it.” I’m not much of a dancer, so I can’t really relate to the dancing part of that equation. But I’m amazed by how many…
-
Jack Black Bluegrass
Last Saturday night on the Grand Ole Opry: Actor Jack Black with Sam Bush (mandolin), Jim Mills (banjo), Bryan Sutton (guitar), Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Charlie Haden (bass) and other all-star pickers … must have been a fun night at the Opry house. Ricky Skaggs, Del McCoury and Michael Martin Murphey were also on the show.
-
Happy Easter!
I love Easter and and the season leading up to it. From Ash Wednesday, the entire 43-day season of lent, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day, it’s a special time of the year to reflect on the price that was paid for our salvation on the Cross of Christ and to celebrate…