faith
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A Worship Leader’s Take on the Caleb Flynn Case
I don’t often write on current events. I’d rather write about the timeless truths found in Scripture, literature, and music than chase trending tragedies. But I cannot stop thinking and grieving over the Caleb Flynn case, not just because he was a former worship leader but because his mistress was a current one. As a… Continue reading
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Church Family, Don’t Take this for Granted
We frequently talk about the freedom we have in the U.S. to gather for corporate worship. When you stop to consider the atrocities facing Christians around the world, the extreme blessing of our freedom to worship together becomes apparent, as does the tragedy of taking such freedom for granted. But although our corporate worship does… Continue reading
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Ope, I’m Back!
Buckle up, friends. It’s time for a long, rambling catch-up. Did I mean to take such a long break from blogging? Nope. But, although I’ve been quieter online, I’ve been steadily scribbling away on a project I am very excited about. I can’t share too much, but I will ask for your prayers: it’s a… Continue reading
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For the Girl Who Dreads Summer Camp
Our church’s youth group is gearing up for summer camp. I can sense the students’ excitement. The leaders, too, seem to be brimming with eagerness to load up the vans and get on with the games—and Bible study and worship, of course. I have happily helped advertise summer camp in our church newsletter, and I… Continue reading
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Big Little Faith
While sitting in the dark with young Martin night after night, I started mulling afresh on Christ’s call to receive the kingdom like a child. “Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let… Continue reading
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The Pedagogy of Place
As I stretched after a run yesterday, I caught sight of two bald eagles in a tree across the river. I immediately thought of Isaiah 40:31 and the promise that those who trust in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles. Then I thought of the hymn “On Eagle’s Wings,” which is quite possibly… Continue reading
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Learning to Lean: On Walkers and Worship
An old man. Muscles previously sinewed from hard labor and long hikes have atrophied. Hands once tanned and leathered from daily chores shiver in too-thin sheets of papery skin. His broad shoulders declare that he was once a champion wrestler. Now, slightly stooped, they denote him a determined worshiper. He stands. Perhaps he wobbles a… Continue reading
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Trustworthy and Trustful
I have very rarely had a bad performance due to being unprepared. I have, however, flubbed quite a few due to over-preparation. I have been known to work myself into a frenzy, playing the same difficult passage over and over and over again until I have effectively unlearned it. Such is my personality. I can… Continue reading
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Turn Your Eyes
When my son was born, one of his eyes was squished shut while the other was wide open. Mere seconds old, he lifted his head and valiantly sought to take in his new and, I imagine, startling surroundings. He squinted at my face, his lower lip quivering with the effort. Wide-eyed behind my glasses, I… Continue reading
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The Narnian Magic of “Boring” Testimonies
While being interviewed for a podcast recently, I was asked to share my testimony. As usual, I felt an odd sense of shyness. My testimony is boring—so boring, I sometimes wonder if anyone even believes it. I was three years old in the back of my mom’s car. “Mom, what’s a Christian?” I asked. She… Continue reading
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Waiting and Watching
Upon moving to the Midwest, I had to learn the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A “watch” means the necessary conditions are in place, so meteorologists are keeping an eye out for tornadic activity. A “warning” means that a tornado has been spotted and is an active threat. This week—week 39… Continue reading
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