A family of five lost everything in a house fire in our hometown of Prineville last Friday night.
Several of the children are small, and the oldest girl is 13. The family is now staying in a hotel until they can find another place to live. 
I know many of you who frequent this blog live in [...]

I was watching a program on OPB tonight about Christianity, Judaism, and the early church. Of all the things that stood out to me was this one word: community.
One of the historians was talking about Paul’s journey through the eastern world as he shared the good news. He kept referring to Paul’s work as “setting [...]

I was in a coffee shop today and felt God speaking to me. It wasn’t profound or anything, but His voice was obvious. 
I bought my white mocha and went to sit down. These two teenagers walked in and looked very cold and tattered. They were both shivering, and asked me if I had any cash [...]

Hi guys,
Not sure if any of you have any interest whatsoever in gardening, but I have started a gardening blog. I’m in the midst of the Master Gardening Program through Oregon State University, which teaches the basics of sustainable gardening in Oregon.
Gardening in all forms - landscaping, vegetable and flower gardening - have become a [...]

Engaging with government is always good, always useful. Once a former media guy, I’ve talked with a lot of elected politicians, and most voters would be surprised to learn the views and agendas of their elected leaders are often shaped by a minority of vocal folks who have the will and determination to speak up. [...]

We all have times in our lives when we feel inadequate; places where we struggle, and areas that are less than appealing. 
In Ephesians 6:12, Paul says the following:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces [...]

I tend to look at life through a completely different lens than everyone else. I guess I’m the conservative one here, as I tend to believe scripture literally - that if God says something is wrong or a sin, I believe it; if Jesus says that salvation is only for those who call on his [...]

The world isn’t the most happy-go-lucky place right now.
All this stuff makes me wonder at times why the world has to be so dang messed up.

I received an amazing gift for Christmas this year. It was from my 92-year-old grandmother who lives in Ashland, Ohio. It was nothing I expected. In fact, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It’s had a profound affect on me ever since.

It was a framed poem about being a little child. Enveloping the words [...]