• Are We God’s Pawns?

    Are We God’s Pawns?

    A pastor once told me that God’s people are simply pawns in his ultimate plan to glorify himself. Seriously. He said “pawns.” That would be a great metaphor if chess players actually loved their pawns, but they don’t. The world’s greatest chess player never loved his pawns, much less died for them. So when I…

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  • On the Incarnation in the New Year

    On the Incarnation in the New Year

    I am notorious for listening to Christmas music at any time of year.  This produces a gamut of responses from utter disparaging of the thought to confessions of similar behavior.  My reason is never an attempt to sustain the festivities long past their due.  Rather, I am deeply and profoundly encouraged by the gift we…

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  • “Les Miserey” of the Unrequited

    “Les Miserey” of the Unrequited

    If you haven’t seen the new Les Miserables motion picture, finish reading this post first, then grab your tickets on fandango. The music, and the story, is stunningly beautiful. It is emotionally vigorous. It is theologically rich. And it is soul-transforming. Ok, maybe these promises are a little high, but for one who was wondering…

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  • Of Adoption Tax Credits and Fiscal Cliffs

    Of Adoption Tax Credits and Fiscal Cliffs

    There has been much clamoring surrounding the fiscal cliff of late. Interest groups of every shape and color want to make sure they aren’t the ones to feel the blunt force of spending cuts or tax increases. One interest group has caught my eye amidst the commotion. This is the adoptive families interest group. For…

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  • Happy New Year!

    Happy New Year!

    As I am writing this I am currently recovering from celebrating New Years Eve at Times Square in New York City with co-blogger Caleb Johnson. Nearly ten hours of waiting in the cold on Broadway… It was a lot of fun, but I’m completely exhausted. Yet before I went to bed I wanted to reflect…

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  • How I Became a Disciple

    How I Became a Disciple

    As the New Year is approaching, I cannot help but to remember my past and stand in awe of God. June 2013 will mark my ten-year anniversary of being a Christian, and August 2013 will bring my 30th birthday! Spending the entirety of my twenties figuring out life as a Christ follower has been challenging,…

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  • The Real War on Christmas

    The Real War on Christmas

    We’ve all heard it before—Bill O’Reilley’s rants over the “War on Christmas”. Bill doesn’t like when people call Christmas trees, “Holiday Trees”. He thinks gender-neutral toy commercials offend the little baby Jesus, and don’t even think about taking the “Christ” out of Christmas. But I am here today to tell you about a different war…

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  • Christ: the Answer for Conflict

    Christ: the Answer for Conflict

       For many in Newton, Connecticut, the idea of celebrating Christmas ideals of cheer,  joy, and peace seem  inhumane this December 25th. Smiling and happiness in the face of massacre, pain, and mourning… doesn’t seem right. In fact, celebrating amidst such darkness almost brings on a feeling of shame. To do anything other than to…

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  • Send Them Well

    Send Them Well

    A few weeks ago my wife and I were officially appointed as missionaries for a sending agency based out of Orlando Florida. For many, being accepted by a mission agency represents an important milestone on the path to the mission field. In our case, this moment was exciting but it was not the most significant…

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  • Doubting Wisely

    Doubting Wisely

    With the recent tragedy in Connecticut there is reason to doubt. Last friday I was driving in my car listening to talk radio. The entire show was dedicated to the day’s horrific events. At one point the host started to explain that although he is not religious, he is ‘spiritual’. He stated emphatically that he…

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