Blog (Page 17)
No Man (or Church) Is an Island
Have you ever heard the expression no man is an island? I’m not sure where I first heard it, but it has been a thought ringing through my mind for some time now. I decided to do a bit of research to discover the origins and meaning of this expression. Thanks to Google, I now know: This is a quotation from an English poet named John Donne written in 1624. Even though the expression has been around since the 17th…
Too Early to Drink?
Brent and Ryan in the Morning Season 1 Episode 6 – Flipping a coin, buying Jesus, and early morning drinking.
Grand Theft Donkey
GTD (aka Grand Theft Donkey), finally getting it, the resurrection, and a missed spouse.
Jesus Looks Like What?
Brent and Ryan in the Morning S1 Ep4 – Brent and Ryan discuss how we often follow a Jesus that looks more like us than like how the Bible describes him.
The Potential of a New Year
I love the prospects of a new year – all the potential and possibilities that lie before me. It’s not that anything has really changed from December 31 to January 1, but mentally and emotionally it just feels different. Reflecting on 2018, I see many good things. My family and I were able to enjoy a five-week sabbatical that included a week at a retreat center for Kerri and me and an incredible two weeks for the entire family in…
Once Upon a Time
Brent and Ryan in the Morning, Season 1 Episode 3- Brent and Ryan discuss story-telling, childishness, and poor Martha.
Insightful Women
Brent and Ryan in the Morning Season 1 Episode 2- Brent and Ryan discuss upside down religion, insightful women, and something really amazing.
Best Baby Names
In the Series Premier of Brent & Ryan in the Morning, Brent and Ryan discuss the first few days of the Immerse Bible Reading Plan including popular baby names, teenage pregnancy, disappointment, and losing your kids.
The Only Thing Constant
As we have turned the calendar page into a new and fresh year, we are reminded once again that as much as we like consistency, the only thing constant is change. Kids will graduate from high school and move off to college or graduate from college into the exciting world of adulthood. Jobs will shift and change. Babies will be born. Friends and loved ones will retire and move off, and some will pass away. As much as I like…
5 Free Things To Do With Kids This Summer
Temperatures are rising and the kids are finally out of school. This summer, make the entire family happy with these free kids activities that are fun for the everyone and won’t break the bank. Now you have a few extra bucks to put aside for that next big family vacation, the Labor Day block party, or to spend on yourself, we won’t judge. Family Fridays Every Friday join the West Des Moines community at Jaycee Park for a free lunch…
Is the Bible Boring?
As a pastor, I shouldn’t be admitting this, but yes, the Bible is boring in some parts. On January 1, I began a reading plan to read through the Bible in a year. That means over the past 3 months I have read countless boring parts: genealogies, numerous censuses (or is it censii?), hundreds of verses of odd rules and regulations, and various boundary markers and travel routes. It’s at this point in trying to read the Bible that many…