Today was Cindi’s 26th birthday. She celebrated by going down to San Fernando for the second straight day and waiting to see if she would be picked for a jury. She wasn’t. But at least she knew by the end of the day, which means that she doesn’t have to go back in tomorrow. She … More Happy Birthday to Cindi
Here’s one small reason why international justice is important. By “small,” I mean the girl, not the reason. (HT: Adam Powell)
Since my youngest brother Greg is majoring in architecture in one of the top architecture programs in the nation (Oklahoma State University), this kind of thing interests me: Design Like You Give a Damn: Architectural Responses to Humanitarian Crises The description reads: The greatest humanitarian challenge we face today is that of providing shelter. Currently … More Architecture for the Poor
For at least nine months of the year, my life is basically limited to relational ministry at The Master’s College, studying theology and ministry at The Master’s Seminary, and being part of the church family at Placerita Baptist Church. After being at The Master’s College for eight years, most of my close friends are people … More Why I Play Basketball at the Park
A few days ago, my friend Juan arrived back from Ecuador with the TMC summer missions team he was leading. We were only able to talk for a couple minutes yesterday, but I was blown away by this: The caption said: "A Huaorani man that killed Jim Elliot and the missionaries… now prays for our safe … More Your Palm Beach
The summer missions garage sale was today, run by Eric and Leslie Davis. Between 6:30am and 4:30pm, the Lord brought in about $2,000. I didn't hear the final count, but that was the estimate. It was about the same amount as last year. I'm sure that some of you donated stuff to the garage sale, so … More TMC Missions Garage Sale
This is what I tried to share at the end of Oak Manor's dorm chapel on Friday morning. It's difficult to communicate the nearness of eternity, the intensity of living the Christian life as it ought to be lived, and the reality of standing before the King. But you have to try. So this was … More Be Ready
I’ve always needed and loved Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” The implication of this exhortation is that the Corinthians (along with us) would’ve been tempted instead to be … More Not in Vain
A friend and I were talking a few weeks ago about our shared desire to read more unassigned books. As students, we read what we have to read. But it can be difficult while in school to read what we want to read and what we need to read. So while I do think there's … More Let the Nations Be Glad!
I've mentioned this here before, but I feel compelled to mention it again because To Every Tribe Ministries has revamped their website. Don't click on the link if you don't want to be challenged and stretched and inspired. To Every Tribe Ministries was started by David Sitton, a hardcore pioneer missionary (I think that's redundant). I … More To Every Tribe
I posted the following at FoolishBlog tonight and thought I would post it here, too. The first paragraph is a bit redundant after what I shared here a few days ago, but the rest of it isn't. We title our posts over at FoolishBlog. I entitled this one "No Glamour Here." I recently returned from … More No Glamour Here
I'm very hesitant to try to share about my trip to Uganda. Not because I don't want to, but because it will be hard. I feel like I sometimes feel when being faced with a big school project. I know it'll take a lot of mental sweat, that it probably won't come out as good … More God-Centeredness
Fifty years ago today, missionaries Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Ed McCully, and Pete Fleming were killed in Ecuador while attempting to contact the Auca indians with the Gospel. They were driven by the highest ambition, and paid the highest price. These men are considered heroes in Christian circles, especially Jim Elliot because his … More Heroes
Cindi and I spent the first half of Christmas Break in Oklahoma with our families, and have been back in California since last Thursday. We haven't been able to access the internet since we got back, which is why tonight's post is following one from Christmas Day. I'm not entirely sure what to write about … More Normal Christianity
Dr. Will Varner, my teacher, mentor, and friend, spoke in TMC chapel today. For the first time, he spoke publicly about the death of his beloved daughter Lynda. It was an agonizing experience for all who cared. It is dangerous to assume that you understand someone else's grief. Shallow is the man who believes he … More Paint My Sorrows
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. — The Apostle Paul, 1st century A.D. Who says this kind of thing? I mean, what would possess a human being to write such an off-the-wall statement (and to write it honestly)? And how in the world did it ever become normal, even cliche? Sometimes … More “To Die Is Gain”
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