Blog
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the blog
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On the Road: The Psalms of Ascent
Studies in Psalms 120-134, a set of pilgrimage songs.
Wayside Stops
Reflections prompted by life circumstances.
Holding the Flashlight
Assorted tips and helps for Bible study.
The Book of Daniel
Studies in Daniel 1-7 . . . where my blog began!
Recent Posts
Marking Time
Most Minnesota mornings find one of us walking the dog. Zuzu takes the lead, ears bobbing and curlicue tail flipped over her back as she trots down the sidewalk of her choice—and yes, she does have an opinion. One of my favorite routes takes us along a cornfield...
When It’s Good to Be Stuck in the Middle
On our trek through Psalm 120, we’ve looked backward and forward. We’ve thought about the value of remembering God’s past faithfulness and anticipating his future vindication. These are both good practices, but the psalm doesn’t end with them. It returns to the...
Of Broom Trees & Burning Coals
We recently planted a tree near our deck in hopes of having shade in twenty years. That’s called taking the long view. There aren’t many good alternatives to this long view—so the best we can do is enjoy watching our little tree grow and hope we live to enjoy its...
Truth and Lies
“I was a high school cheerleader.” This is my go-to statement that usually guarantees a win in the ice-breaker game, “Two Truths and a Lie.” After each person says three things about themselves—two that are true and one that’s not—everyone takes a turn guessing the...
Stones & Scars
The Israelites had some mountaintop experiences in the colorful years after the exodus from Egyptian slavery. The midnight hustle out of Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the first morning of manna were all occasions for celebration. Surely one of the most...
Road-Trip Essentials, Part 2
If anyone ever told you that following Jesus would make you healthy or wealthy, they were lying. Just because we read our Bibles, go to church, and love our neighbor doesn’t mean we get a free pass on trouble in life. In fact, as followers of Jesus, we sometimes get...
Road-Trip Essentials, Part 1
When I moved across the country in 2012, I took several road-trip essentials with me, beginning with my sister Suzy, easily the world’s best moving buddy. I also took an array of maps, a bag of groceries, a stocked cooler, and my emergency cell phone—the one pictured...
Psalm 120–Roadside Reflection
The second post for each song of ascent features a video devotional from the Music Ministry of First United Methodist Church in Stephenville, Texas. These videos were a weekly devotional series during the 13 months that the church’s music ministry was apart during the...
Strawberry Summer
June has started on the cool side this year, delaying the official start to summer for me: the first day of strawberry season. As soon as I hear that the strawberry field is open, I'll be there. By midday, two flats of bright red berries will have taken over our...
