I’m having a great time on our Florida tour, but I’ll be happy when I can return to a regular schedule here at Bouncing Back. Until that happens, I’ll do my best to stay in touch. I recorded this video on a wonderful Florida bike trail while I talked about something I learned about my […]
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When God Is Good
Recently it seems like a disproportionate number of folks in my extended circle have encountered various kinds of adversity—illness, financial setbacks, relationship struggles, and personal challenges. I don’t want to seem uncaring or matter-of-fact about my friends’ pain. Actually, that’s not what I want to write about. What strikes me is our tendency to celebrate […]
Continue readingMore TagMilestones
Okay. I’m officially a little bit excited. Last week, we reached an important milestone in the publication process of the new book. I’m really pleased with the design of both the cover and interior layout. As a writer, it’s humbling when artists use their talents to interpret the words graphically. I think these folks did […]
Continue readingMore TagShould Preachers Talk Politics?
No. Next question? What’s that? You’re thinking perhaps I could expand my answer? Okay, but first I have a question for you: What’s the church’s mission? As we speak, people in churches all over the country want preachers to use the “power of the pulpit” to shape the way others vote. It’s all well-intentioned, prompted […]
Continue readingMore TagDoes God Punish?
Do you think God punishes? I don’t. I know people will likely disagree, and that’s okay. Let’s talk. I recently heard a preacher declare with absolute certainty that God is punishing a particular group for a particular action. He offered Old Testament scriptural examples and the opinion of “every major Christian leader” as evidence. Ever […]
Continue readingMore TagA Lesson In Humility
Sometimes I wonder what in the world I’m doing. Tuesday evening I was invited to speak to a spinal cord injury support group. I wasn’t quite sure until I arrived exactly how the invitation originated. I was absolutely not prepared for the explanation. “A counselor gave me a copy of your book after my husband […]
Continue readingMore TagNo Strings
Note: I’m posting this both here and on the Rich’s Ride blog. I think it’s a big deal, and I apologize for the duplication to those who subscribe to both blogs. One of the true highlights of the 500-mile IJM Freedom Tour was our visit to International Justice Mission (IJM) headquarters) and the opportunity to […]
Continue readingMore TagWhen You Mess Up
What do you do when you mess up…publically? No matter how hard I try, I make mistakes. And when it happens on the Internet, it’s out there for everyone to see. It happened the other day. I used a picture that belonged to someone else. I found it on a site where the copyright had […]
Continue readingMore TagGiving And Grace
Kristen wanted to give an offering that cost her something. Seventeen-year-old Kathy felt convicted to do something about human trafficking. Una believed God called her to face her fears and learn to ride a bike. Cody lived for a week on 3-4 hours of sleep because he was repairing bikes, mapping routes, and honoring his […]
Continue readingMore TagThat’s Just Crazy
Today we met our team for the IJM Freedom Tour. It was an intense experience, meeting twenty-seven people from all across the country who came together for a whole variety of reasons. But one thing became clear: this group shares a passion for battling the issues of human trafficking, slavery, and forced sexual bondage. One […]
Continue readingMore TagTen Years
If you’ve read Relentless Grace you might appreciate knowing that today’s the tenth anniversary of the rather unlikely and romantic event that ended the book. (If you, and everyone you know and love, haven’t read the story, you can click here to correct that problem immediately.) It’s clearly been the best ten years of my […]
Continue readingMore TagShouldn’t We Have Open Doors?
Who are you? I’m thinking this week about Identity and the values that define me. Last time (Big ‘Ol House) I talked about inclusion, the notion God’s house provides a really big place with lots of room for differences. To carry that metaphor forward, I believe that big ‘ol house has doors that swing freely in both […]
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