The tests kept coming. First a physical. “It feels like a cyst, but with your family history we’d better get an ultrasound to make sure.” Next an ultrasound given by a noncommittal technician. A biopsy followed, and one of the worst moments of my life: calling my mother with the news that it was positive. Then a diagnosis of stage…
Leading Generously is the third set in a film series called Reimagine Generosity. This third set of films concerns generosity in leadership—but it is not merely for “leaders” in the typical, worldly sense. Insofar as we are all called to lead others toward the Way, the Truth and the Life, we are all leaders, or can be and should be, in…
This past Tuesday I got up, took one child to school, went to the gym and ran 3 miles, came home and put in a load of laundry, cleaned the church for 3 hours, put in another load of laundry, cleaned our guest house for the visitors arriving that afternoon, mulched 2 flowerbeds, put in another load of laundry, made…
A few weeks ago I drove to church by way of Covered Bridge Road. Going over the bridge and past the mill, the sky was a brilliant fall blue, the gently rolling hills were soft green, and the corn was harvest brown. The whole quiet scene looked as I imagine it did 50, 60, or perhaps even 100 years ago.…
This post focuses on the current sermon series at Byerland Church, “Loving Generously” which is the second part of the “Re-imagine Generosity” theme. “In our first series, “Living Generously”, the family of Frank Donovan learned to surrender not only their tithe but all they possessed, including their time and talents, as a gift to God. In Matthew 5:24, Jesus describes a person who is…
Is it human nature to turn everything into a competition? I had that thought as I was reading through the story of Jacob the other day (Genesis 25: 19- chapter 33). Who can get the most stuff, who can live the “greenest” lifestyle; and in the case of Jacob’s wives, who could bear the most children to capture the attention…
The Apostle Paul had a lot to say about many things, and depending on my mood and circumstances, I am encouraged or annoyed by this. “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” “All things work together for good for those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.” “In everything give thanks.” “I…
Inheritance. What does that word mean to you? Perhaps you think of money, land, a house, or a special piece of furniture. Or it could bring to mind eye color, the shape of your hands, a love of woodworking, or musical ability that runs in your family. “You look just like your mom!” or, “You have your grandfather’s love of…
This blog post focuses on a sermon series currently ongoing at Byerland Church. The title is “Living Generously”. “We live in a culture that has lost the true meaning of a generous life. Jesus spoke about generosity throughout his ministry in ways that now seem foreign even to those in the church. This series is designed to open our eyes…