When prodigal children don’t return
A younger son demands his inheritance, then “sets off for a distant country”—severing himself from his father’s beliefs, values, and spiritual legacy—with no intention of...
Family retreat vs. family vacation
We often talk about the challenges faced when getting caught up in the fast pace of today’s world. It can be hard to find...
Are you obeying Jesus?
How are you doing at making disciples? It was a question I had never been asked. In 35 years of church life, I had...
Theologically sound, personally broken
Over the years, Mary and I have led several Ocho Decisiones Que Sanan Tu Vida (Life’s Healing Choices) recovery groups. At a recent meeting...
Running on spiritual fumes
I always wanted to be a mom. I was a sought-after babysitter as a teen, and as a young adult, I loved spending time...
Grab hold of Paul’s cross-shaped courage
Imagine getting an email from a friend saying something like this, “We’ve gone through some incredibly hard times lately. It has been so utterly...
Still bearing fruit
The church family I serve is guided by a vision of discipleship as a lifelong journey of “following Jesus together.” As a pastor, I...
On the Border
Fourteen people—nine men and five women, all from Mexico—stand shoulder to shoulder in front of a judge in federal court in Brownsville, Texas, on...
