What was Christmas like for you as a child? Many people recall a magical time--twinkling lights, presents under the tree, and a sense of wonder filling the air. For those who didn't grow up celebrating Christmas or whose homes didn't reflect this idyllic picture, the nostalgic charm of Christmas movies offered hope for a future where they could create their own traditions and memories.  Read More

Think of any movie or TV show you've seen. Every character either has someone they could call a friend, or the absence of friendship becomes a central part of their story. Consider the film Cast Away, featuring none other than Wilson the Volleyball. Sure, Tom Hanks’s character mattered, but it was his desperate need for companionship—and his “friendship” with Wilson—that truly made the story compelling. In isolation, we create connections—even with inanimate objects—because we’re wired to share life with others.   Read More

About two years ago, my daughter woke up before her bedtime was finished, tiptoed out to the front room of our apartment, found me with a bible in my lap, my hands folded, and my head bowed with my eyes closed. She tapped me on the shoulder and asked me the question… “Daddy, why do you always pray?” The question gave me great joy because it reminded me that my daughter is always watching and that ...  Read More

This past week I preached a message on the book of Hosea, in which we looked at a story of radical forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. It is important to note that those are not three ways of saying the same thing. Sometimes for emphasis we might say that someone is mean, nasty, and unkind, or we might say that someone is good looking, beautiful, and gorgeous. But these three words  Read More