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LAST UPDATE: 05.04.09 02:42am BROWSE BY CATEGORY Christianity Meets Culture (48)Church (62) Culture (16) Environment (2) Food (1) Guest Bloggers (3) Mission Trips (16) Money (2) Music, Poetry, & Scripture (77) My Life (75) News (52) Observations (25) Postmodernism (32) Recommendation (47) Site Related (12) Social Justice (12) Spirituality (24) ARCHIVES BY DATE May 2009February 2009 January 2009 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 ADDITIONAL PERSPECTIVES Internet MonkI was thinking... Martin Roth Online Thinking Out Loud Aaron B Smith Next Wave Beautiful Feet e~mergent kiwi Matt Gough ORGANIZATIONS I LIKE MosaicMosaic Life Mars Hill That the World May Know Compass Arts Gospelcom.net Crossroads Ministry National Alliance to End Homelessness PEOPLE I LIKE Charlie PeacockBrian McLaren David Roche McNair Wilson Leonard Sweet Brennan Manning Garison Keeler
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My Life entries May 22, 2008
Looking for a Rabbi
Saw Ed Dobson at The Sparrows today. Asked him about his new position at Cornerstone University. Told him I was going through a bit of a mid-life crisis, and was spiritually dry and that I... September 04, 2007
Fun, Food and Neighbors
This year's block party was "the best one" according to neighbors. The local press covered the event with a tasty article about the delectably diverse food options at the party. There are also photos and... September 05, 2006
The Day After
Why does the week before a long weekend always make me happy and excited and the day after the holiday always make me depressed? On another note, I've seen a few ads for this TV... May 25, 2006
Absent, but Not Gone
These days it's all I can do to fit the pieces of life in where they should go without losing one through the cracks. I guess adding a third child really does make your life... April 18, 2006
What's Important?
Getting closer to having a baby brings on stress for me. Here I sit at 11:10 p.m. tying up some loose ends. I've made lists every day for the last week to make sure I... February 28, 2006
Absent
As you may have noticed, I've been missing as of late on thischristianlife.org. It's the end of February and I've only posted twice this whole month. But it also means I've been working hard to... January 05, 2006
One Year Has Gone By
I was looking at a reflection of myself this morning while getting ready for work. "It's 2006 and I'm doing the same thing I was a year ago." Standing in the bathroom--shaving. As I looked... November 21, 2005
Looking Back from 70 Years Old
My wife and I are taking part in a book study of Living on Purpose: Finding God's Best for Your Life. I am so interested in taking part in this study because I hope it... October 25, 2005
10 Years
Today marks the day I was officially hired 10 years ago at the Image Group. A lot has happened in 10 years, but it's been a good journey of faith. I think the coolest thing... October 19, 2005
The Waiting Place
There's this sweet little book about life by Dr. Seuss called "Oh the Places You'll Go!" Every time I read it to my kids I really appreciate its ability to encourage, yet paint a picture... July 13, 2005
What People Remember
The other day we held a garage sale on our block. Several neighbors on our side of the street decided to do it together--attract more customers. We live on a busy street and we rarely... June 26, 2005
6 Years Today
Happy anniversary to us, happy anniversary to us... :) Today is our sixth wedding anniversary. Six years! It's always good to look back over time and realize where I've been, take a breather, stop and... April 16, 2005
Feeling Good
Feeling good today. It was a sunny 70-ish day today. Absolutely beautiful. On top of that, I got a lot of things done around the house. I call it putzin' around. Oh--nothing too substantial in... February 17, 2005
Back in the Saddle, Sort of
I've been out sick as a dog the last couple days. I'm feeling better today, but still not 100%. It's crazy how when I'm lying in bed feeling my head pound and spin, and my... February 08, 2005
What to Keep
When I was young, I remember coming to an age where I wanted to explore the world a little. I was growing up and needed to challenge what I knew and maybe even push the... January 25, 2005
Recharge Me
I need to recharge my cell phone. I need to recharge my iPod. I need to recharge my camcorder battery. I need to recharge the digi camera. I need to hook up my wireless so... January 21, 2005
Thank God for Heat
Five days ago we began smelling something unusual in our basement and back room. We couldn't put a finger on it and the smell wasn't terribly intense so we decided to watch it for a... January 11, 2005
House in Order
I don't pray much. I don't read the Bible much. About the only times I pray are before meals, with my kids before bed, and every now and then when something comes to mind. It... December 13, 2004
Simple Prayer
God, help me be even the smallest part of what a Christian should be. Today I need your help to live this Christian life. I need your help to know how to choose the right... October 28, 2004
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
One thing my Dad taught me was this. It's good advice and seems to work most of the time. I don't want to be "that guy" who always picks apart the super small, inconsequetial stuff.... September 29, 2004
What is God Like?
A question that keeps popping into my head for several months now is one that baffles me a little bit. I am presented with many situations that lead to the same question, but don't necessarily... August 02, 2004
Trying to Buy a Car
My car died and I had to get rid of it. I was proud of that car. It was good to me and had few problems until about a year ago when it seemed like... July 11, 2004
Closer to God
It's funny how when things are going rough for me that I have so much more desire to be close to God. There are times when things are so hard that I don't feel like... June 28, 2004
Unconscious Ability
Lately, I've become aware of an idea that is very intriguing to me. It has quickly become a tool for understanding as I walk this path of life. I guess you'd call it stages of... June 15, 2004
I Just Want to Go to a "Normal" Church
Our church is different. I've described as a church where a pastor (or other leader) would never be able to lead a Purpose Driven Life book study, for example. It doesn't matter that churches, christians--even... June 08, 2004
Love Love
The older I get, the more I understand love. I guess it all started back when I had no idea whatsoever what love was, but I wanted to pretend I knew, at least. I remember... June 03, 2004
Finishing
We've been doing a lot of purging, cleaning, going through old things, and tidying up lately. I realized (again) that I like to get things done. A friend once pointed out that I like to... May 10, 2004
Believing Without Belonging
Today I heard a report on NPR called New Religion Survey (streaming audio report). At first I was a little guarded because the promos for the spot sounded a little, I don't know, "cultish." In... April 25, 2004
Silent
I'm all out of words today. Do you have anything to say about living the Christian life? Post a comment.... April 06, 2004
Stability
I want stability most of the time. After going through a rough time, I realize that I need stability. I live it and expect it to be there. Every day when I go to work,... April 02, 2004
Thank You
It's been a hard couple of weeks, what with working crazy hours trying to get big projects done, balancing family life, and struggling with how to do all that. I'm sure you noticed a bit... March 27, 2004
On All the Time
I remember a time before email. Let's call it B.E. I remember a day--literally one day--where I had to make a decision to check my email either once or twice a day or all the... March 26, 2004
Huh?
I had a dream last night that I was being interviewed in front of a fairly large audience of people. I was sitting on a stage with a microphone and I was sitting down--so I... March 20, 2004
Why?
It's happened. I've failed. I've failed as a human who tries to do everything himself. I've failed to be spiritually tuned in to Him, my God, and therefore I've failed to do anything right. I'm... March 18, 2004
Who I Want to Be
This week has been one of the busiest for me at work in years. I've been working more hours than I have been spending time with my family. This is not what I really want.... March 06, 2004
Purim Party
Tonight I (and my family) experienced my first Purim party. By definition, Purim is "a Jewish holy day commemorating their deliverance from massacre by Haman." I learned a lot about Purim and why it is... January 15, 2004
Some Days Are Better Than Others
Today hasn't started out that great. Before I could even get out the door, 3 things went wrong. Then, when I finally did get out of the door, a few more things went wrong. I... December 24, 2003
I Am Sam
I am Samwise Gamgee when I am humble and encourage my brother to keep going even if it's hard to see anything hopeful at the moment. I am Frodo Baggins when I get excited about... December 08, 2003
Don't Want to Lose Control
I am tired lately. I was just saying to my wife yesterday that I feel like I'm about ready to lose control of something at any minute. I'm doing so much in so many arenas... September 22, 2003
Spiritual Quagmire
\Quag"mire`\, n. [Quake + mire.] Soft, wet, miry land, which shakes or yields under the feet. ``A spot surrounded by quagmires, which rendered it difficult of access.'' --Palfrey. I'm in a state of greyness. Picture... September 14, 2003
To Know or Not to Know
My wife and I are having another baby. When our first child was born, we decided not to find out what it was because we loved the romantic idea of finding out when the baby... August 19, 2003
Is it worth it?
Well, we're back from vacation. I've spent the last 2 days fighting it BIG TIME. Going on vacation is a wonderful thing, but coming back SUCKS. I was at a church meeting last night talking... August 11, 2003
At the cottage
This week, my wife, daughter, unborn baby and me are spending some R&R time at the family cottage up North in Michigan. Thanks, again, for visiting This Christian Life. God's blessings for you this week.... August 05, 2003
Time
Lately I've been very frustrated over the restrictions that time has on me. There are many things that I am constantly thinking of that I would love to pursue. Some of them are GOOD things...... August 02, 2003
Ebay
I have a newly found interest in ebay. Up until now, I haven't done much with it--bought a sold a few items, but nothing to brag about. Last saturday, my wife and I happened to... July 27, 2003
Faith Like a Child
So, we come home from church today, climb out of our car, open the back gate, unlock the door to the house, walk inside. For a few minutes, we talk about this and that--like usual.... July 22, 2003
Cottage Pictures
Two weekends ago, our family was at the cottage. My brother and I got up early one morning to take pictures around the area. I've always enjoyed that place and have taken many pictures over... July 15, 2003
Faithful to Complete It
I received this in my inbox today from the daily scripture service I subscribe to. It comes at a particularly key moment in my life where I need some patience. You need to stick it... June 30, 2003
What is my calling?
In seeking wisdom on the issues of postmodernism, someone passed this article on to me. I perked up when I saw it was from Os Guiness who has written several books including Time for Truth:... May 29, 2003
Spiritual Food
Since I've been trying to introduce raw vegetables and fruit into my diet on a regular basis (see pH balance of the Body), my health has improved. And, I feel more confident about my health... May 13, 2003
I Am in the Matrix
Tomorrow night, I'm going to see The Matrix Reloaded. I'm excited to see it because I assume it will have the same effect on me as the first one did. I loved the first one.... April 30, 2003
Persecution
Lately I've been getting down on myself for the lack of spiritual discipline I have. I seem to only care about my relationship with God when things aren't going well. That makes me sick. I've... April 28, 2003
A Good Friend
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel. Proverbs 27:9 This weekend I had the privilege of visiting with an old friend from college.... March 29, 2003
pH Balance of the Body
Lately I've been trying to eat better. Over the past month or so, for lunch at work, I've been eating only veggies, fruit, and yogurt--cutting out a sandwich and chips. During that time, I've lost... February 13, 2003
Spiritual Excercise
So I went to the "gym" yesterday for the first time in a LONG time. It was a steril, unfamiliar place. The unknown, empty, white hallways, the rows and rows and rows of lockers, the... February 12, 2003
God Works in Mysterious Ways
In college I had a good friend who was an atheist. In one conversation about a book we were both reading, A Prayer for Owen Meany, she asked me if I believed if God used... February 10, 2003
A Christian Example
This is the introduction by the pastor at the funeral of my grandmother, who died on the eve of easter several years ago. "On this beautiful morning we are gathered together to worship the Lord... February 07, 2003
Every Sunday Bulletins
Our family decided to "get outta dodge" and head up to the cottage for a couple days. Things at work have been a little stressful, the car broke down, and the weather has been depressing.... January 30, 2003
What Am I To Do?
God, what am I to do today? I'm confused and frustrated about an issue in my life, and it's affecting my ability to concentrate. It's obviously a big deal to me. Please help me. Show... January 06, 2003
Today I Praise You
Lord, today I praise You. You provide for me. You care for me. As a father, I can now understand how you give your love to me. My daughter asks for something and I want... December 18, 2002
Two Hours to the Two Towers
I'm excited to see the next installment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Two Towers. I anticipate having a hard time filtering through the graphic, heart-killing evil that will appear in this movie... December 02, 2002
The Lord is My (_________)
The last couple weeks since we got back from Turkey, I've been running myself ragged at work and at home with business. I was beginning to get irritable with others. But last night, a couple... November 13, 2002
Response to "Irene"
This is in direct response to "Irene's" comment on my last journal entry. First, thank you Irene for your words. They were helpful. I have found what you said to be true about how hard... November 10, 2002
The American Dream
I hate admitting to myself how addicted I am to wanting the next best thing. Just recently a larger house went up for sale on the street, in the block I want to live in.... October 20, 2002
Inadequate
Today, Lord, I am inadequate. Or humble, however you see it. But that's part of the point--I don't know what to think. Today, I don't have the answers. I am tired of fighting. Tired of... October 08, 2002
Turkey Photos part 1
What if you could visit the cities that Paul, John, Phillip, Lydia, and other new testament people lived in? You could look around at the partially reconstructed ruins and imagine what kind of life they... September 03, 2002
Sharing My Story
Every day I struggle to know how to find opportunities to share my story about Christ's influence in my life. Every conversation contains an opportunity to shed God's light, yet I struggle to know where... August 21, 2002
More to Life
Someone in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." But He said to him, "Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?" Then He... August 11, 2002
Confusion
I'm depressed today. I went to church only to be confronted by the Devil in my thoughts and feelings. I couldn't sit through the whole service just because I found my mind busy with so... August 09, 2002
Change is So Hard
Since I've been going to hear Ray VanderLaan (RVL) speak at Mars Hill, my spirit has been awakened. I mean, for the first time in a long time I have a passion--in everything I do--to... July 28, 2002
The Safest Place
A friend of mine says the safest place to be is "in God's will." He should know--he is a missionary in the inner city of philadelphia, one of the most unsafe places I've been to.... July 22, 2002
The Dark Places
Lately, I've been more honest with myself. Over time as a Christian, I've learned that the more honest I am with myself and with God, the better off my life is in the long run.... July 16, 2002
He said 'Help' with his eyes
I didn't know him. I met him once. He was the son of some good people, and the brother of our church drummer. He was kind, friendly, confident, and even good-looking. Yet, he was distant.... July 03, 2002
Could I Be Called a Christian?
Could I be called a Christian If everybody knew The secret thoughts and feelings Of everything I do Could they see the likeness of Christ in me each day Could they hear Him speaking In... June 29, 2002
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