“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” Last time I said Jesus holds each child at the HOME OF HOPE in His hands. I said He cares for them one-at-a-time in some mysterious, miraculous way we can’t understand. Honestly, I wish He would […]
Continue readingAbout Looking Deeper
“What’s the story…behind the story?” Our pastor asked that question this weekend. I thought about these hand prints. There’s this whole wonderful story about the HOME OF HOPE and a community of rescued kids living in hope and freedom. I love that story, but Jeff’s question reminded me that this is much more than a […]
Continue readingNasty
Imagine being born in a stinky, nasty place surrounded by chaos. And then imagine, after you survived, powerful political leaders considered you a threat and wanted to kill you. Our neat little nativity scene is a bit misleading. It wasn’t all rainbows and smiles surrounded by a heavenly glow from the star. It was an […]
Continue readingAbout Taking Time
Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday. Ever since the turkey settled, we’ve been buried under an avalanche of one-time-only, gotta-hurry-before-they’re gone “bargains.” It’s all marketing, a scheme designed to create a sense of urgency and scarcity. These *holidays* reinforce the perception that there’s not enough for everyone. Better jump in before you’re left out, […]
Continue readingThankful.Being
It’s Thanksgiving week, a uniquely American holiday of gratitude. And guilt. Lots of folks will express thanks for God’s bounty as they stuff the turkey and themselves. Maybe they’ll even say thanks as they rush through the stores (or click around the web) grabbing bargains. But some of us, maybe you, maybe me, will feel […]
Continue readingA Silly Question?
“Do you want to get well?” The guy’s stuck, sitting by the road, paralyzed for 38 years. Of course he wants to get well! Why would Jesus asked a disabled man what seems like a silly question? Not so fast…Jesus doesn’t ask silly questions. As a counselor, I was taught that most people don’t really […]
Continue readingThe Big Reveal
I hope you’re excited to see what we’ve been up to. I also hope you’ll take a few moments to check it out and consider how you might join us. Just one nudge, if you’re an out-of-towner: Northern Colorado is a beautiful place for cycling. Last year folks came from at least 4 different states […]
Continue readingAbout Boundaries
Becky asked if we’re setting boundaries or building walls. We’re doing lots of planning and dreaming right now, about the FREEDOM TOUR and about life. Like most good questions, this one stuck and rattled around in my brain. As I realized the depth of Becky’s question, I listed some important differences between walls and boundaries. […]
Continue readingAbout Ten Years
Perhaps you’ve noticed I post less frequently. Or perhaps you haven’t, which is part of the reason for this post. I’ve been wondering if this blog still serves a purpose. It’s not that I have nothing to say. I guess I wonder how necessary, or useful, it is for me to say it from this […]
Continue readingWhich Version Of Me?
Our small group talked about “integrity.” We’re working through Daniel’s story of faithfulness during a life in Babylonian exile. This week we focused on Daniel’s ability to maintain his integrity in the midst of challenging circumstances. The word “integrity” gets tossed around a lot. As a teacher, I wanted my students to understand that living […]
Continue readingFine Print
Becky came home with a new insulated travel mug. It’s a mug. Pour the coffee, pop on the lid, drink. It’s not complicated. So we laughed when the box included several paragraphs of instructions. Single spaced, double sided. In an impossible-to-read font. Those *instructions* give the impression that using a travel mug is an intricate, […]
Continue readingGet Going!
Occasionally I need a reminder. I suppose we could gather as many cyclists and supporters as possible, and ask them where we should go. Take a poll, pick the most popular option, and spend a bunch of energy building consensus. Of course, some folks won’t agree. Either they’ll decide to drop out or they’ll be […]
Continue reading