I love being a dad. Which is strange, because I usually do not enjoy things that I am not very good at.

For example, I loathe working on automobiles. I get frustrated playing around under the hood when I know deep inside that I don't know what I'm doing. I don't even change my own oil for this reason. While that is one of the few things I do know how to do, I would rather not risk making an idiot of myself.

And yet, somehow, Read more »

A good relationship should be one where each person challenges the other person to be a better person. That was not intended to be a tongue twister, but it is something that I believe. It’s also true in my marriage – partly - at least in one direction. What I am trying to say is that Kristy always challenges me to be a better person.

The past few weeks have been Read more »

Every once in a while you will find a book that inspires you. At other times will find a book that challenges you. Even more rarely, you will find a book that spurs you to action. The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns is all three of those books. The book does a good job of telling the story of CEO Richard Stearns' call to service while at the same time painting a clear picture of the social issues facing our world today.

I have been inspired by books before. Through Gates of Splendor was one such book, as was Three Cups of Tea. These books leave you amazed with what the life of one person can accomplish. Inspiration is important when our lives get stuck in a routine and we are lulled to sleep by the daily grind. In the case of The Hole in Our Gospel, inspiration is important when we have been lulled to complacency by our blessings. Read more »

On occasion you will find a book that inspires or challenges. Even more rarely, you will find a book that spurs you to action. The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns does all of this. The book tells the story of CEO Richard Stearns’ call to service while at the same time painting a clear picture of the social issues facing our world today.

The Hole in Our Gospel will inspire all of us who have been lulled to complacency by our blessings. In addition it challenges the readers to evaluate their worldview in light of the words of Christ. One need not be a Christian to be challenged by the book, but those who are will find the challenge all the more compelling.

The book is not content to merely Read more »

Some people are said to dance to their own tune. Not me. I prefer a soundtrack.

Every trip needs a good soundtrack. Usually at some point during the beginning of the trip a particular album or artist will surface that seems to fit trip. I can think of numerous examples from my experiences. One year it was Mad Season that we listened to all the way to Mt. Rushmore and back. Jack Johnson’s Sing-A-Longs set the tone for one of my summer trips to Manila. Last summer Tenth Avenue North supplied the soundtrack as I roamed India for the first time.

It’s also interesting how each one has its own connection with the trip. There is something fun about listening to Matchbox 20 sing “Just three miles from the rest stop…” when you have been passing rest stops for the past Read more »