Rude Graffiti

Love And War. 'Nuff said.  What marriage has not known these two over the years.  Now, there are plenty of marriage books on the market to chose from, so how does one go about knowing which to read?  I for one, learned long ago that the Eldredge's words speak to my heart in a way that no other human author does.  So, when I'm looking for honest, insightful thoughts on a topic, I turn to their works.  And this book does not disappoint.  One thing I appreciate so much about the Eldredge's is their openness and honesty!  Challenging?  Yes.  Brutal?  Sometimes.  Necessary?  ABSOLUTELY!  This book opens eyes to some amazing, hidden gems… Read More

So, I was chilling outside in our backyard last night.  The weather was awesome, so when I got home from work I made a fire and cooked hot dogs for the girls and I.  I kept it going so that I could head out there after the girls were in bed.  As I settled in for over an hour of time with God, I played a little Bob Marley softly for some relaxation.  (Yes I listened to Bob Marley while trying to have time alone with God)  I leaned back in my chair, closed my eyes, and just calmed every part of my being.  On my mind was my current situation where I've stepped away from my current ministry position at God's direction.  With 2 weeks left there,… Read More

I'm currently in the middle of a book by Jim Palmer titled Divine Nobodies.  Good book so far.  One chapter really caught my attention this morning.  The author is sitting in the library glancing through a book, and notices a father reading a book to his daughter, who happens to be wheelchair bound and hardly capable of even the slightest of movements and responses.  (We later find out she has cerebral palsy).  Anyways, the author was tremendously moved by their interaction, which prompted some writings that moved me this morning.  So I decided to share a few of his thoughts and mine with you.... Pg. 50-"Would God still love me if I couldn't… Read More

"The way of trust is a movement into obscurity, into the undefined, into ambiguity, not into some pre-determined, clearly delineated plan for the future.  The next step discloses itself only out of discernment of God acting in...the present moment.  The reality of naked trust is the life of a pilgrim who leaves what is nailed down, obvious and secure, and walks into the unknown without any rational explanation to justify the decision or guarantee the future.  Why?  Because God has signaled the movement and offered his presence and his promise."    (Brennan Manning, Ruthless Trust, pg. 13) I actually came across this quote in Pete Greig's… Read More

"Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you."  (I Peter 4:12) I been rereading the book God On Mute by Pete Greig this past week, and have gotten some really good thoughts from it.  He says, "Perhaps we should accept what older people and poorer people and many of those with disabilities already know: Things are probably going to be very difficult today and just as hard tomorrow, too."  He goes on a few pages later to share, "I'm not suggesting that we should pray for hard times but rather that when such times come, we should feel a little less outrage… Read More