Category Archives: Transformation

After some not-quite finished plumbing work, the washing machine was full of rusty water and the lines were clogged with debris.  Thankfully, there was a drain at the bottom; we just had to pull the plug (and mop up a … Continue reading →

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.  Proverbs 16:2 My heart is full of mixed motives that can get so twisted together, the sinful, selfish desires entangling even the best intentions and … Continue reading →

One of my favorite arcade games has always been Whack-A-Mole, the one where you stand in front of a plastic field full of holes.  Colorful plastic rodent heads randomly pop up out of those holes for a moment; the goal … Continue reading →

When my junior-high band director wanted us to practice a difficult passage to proficiency, he would tell us to “woodshed it.”  We students, from a slightly less-ancient era, had no idea what that meant, so he explained how, in his … Continue reading →

I like to hedge my bets.  I’m willing to make commitments, but I like to keep my options open as well.  However, lately I’ve been sensing God calling me to a commitment without a backout-plan.  Let me explain.  All the … Continue reading →

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh… Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  Galatians 5:17, 24 I have offered … Continue reading →

This has been another season of learning by experience what I’ve known academically.  Of course, I “know” that God calls us to be humble and to follow Jesus’ example.  And I am, and I do.  Kind of.  But Jesus has … Continue reading →

On what we now celebrate as Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem to great acclaim.  The crowds praised and honored him, laying their cloaks and palm branches on the road before him.  He was at the height of a successful ministry:  … Continue reading →

Do you hate to make mistakes or be wrong?  So did I.  In fact, being “right” was central to my identity.  But now, God has given me a new identity. One night in the beautiful Tatras Mountains of Slovakia where … Continue reading →

I have had the opportunity to travel overseas on several mission trips.  During one of those, our group was able to tour a prestigious hospital that served the local VIPs and also catered to medical tourists, westerners who came to … Continue reading →