Lessons from a Jarring Year

Pandemic. Revolution. Political polarization. And, oh the memes! With trace levels of dystopia, this year has been a cataclysm of catastrophe, chaos, conspiracy, and civil unrest. But aside from my unmet expectations, constant disappointments, and myriad frustrations, this year hasn’t been explicitly difficult or substantially challenging for me (some things were actually easier). However, there was this underlying uneasiness that persisted as a result of . . . well, change and abnormality.

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A Life-Changing Devotional on Cross-Cultural Ministry

“I am convinced of this: God is not going to look us over for medals, degrees, or diplomas, but for scars.” -James Gribble

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Top Ten Books Read in 2020

This year was unlike any other and Zamyatin’s observation from 100 years ago rings true—”Revolution is everywhere, in everything. It is infinite.”2 I decided to take social distancing and quarantine as opportunities to read more. If anything—with the rise of propaganda, cancel culture, fact checking, revisionist history, conspiracy theories, and just too much information too fast—this year proved our need to read more. “Truth withers long before the roots are pulled.”1 I enjoy sharing those books which have most profoundly challenged and shaped my thinking about life and ministry. You can view my complete reading list from this year on Goodreads here. But these are my favorite books read in 2020 (not necessarily published this year).

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How Do We Prepare to Become a Foster Family?

You wouldn’t jump into the deep end of the pool if you didn’t know how to swim. Similarly, becoming a foster parent is not a decision you want to make a whim. It is a major decision that has the potential to significantly alter the course of your life—more than you can anticipate.

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What Is the Purpose of Foster Care?

Our preconceived notions don’t always line up with reality. Rather, they are often fraught with exaggeration or underestimation.

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The Unseen Fruit of Our Labor

Sometimes I miss being a painter and working on new construction sites. The visual and tangible results of my efforts were immediately recognizable and satisfying.

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7 Books That Shaped My Life

shapeRarely do we close a book unchanged. Reading has the rich capability of radically reorienting us. Our minds are informed, our hearts are formed, and our lives are reformed. Continue reading

FOR A Lifetime—Our Adoption Story

God is the preeminent storyteller. I wouldn’t say I know better than God—His privilege of determining the end from the beginning certainly gives Him a unique advantage—but had it been up to me, I would have made this story much simpler. Continue reading

The American Puritans, Unsung Heroes You Should Get to Know

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The American Puritans is a surprising treasure trove of vibrant Christian lives worthy of your contemplation and emulation. 

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COVID-19 Ruined OUR Adoption Plans

IMG_20200315_202156_348“If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”

So starts my favorite pro-life movie, Bella. This quote resonates with me because growing up I have told God a lot of things. I told him that I would never be a pastor. I told him I would never leave New England. I told him that 3 kids was enough for me.

But God.

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