Every once in a while one comes across an article that both challenges (assumptions) and confirms (beliefs) that one simply must tell others about it. This weekend I read a research article of that worth. Parents of all stripes, as well as any of us who have had parents (yes, everyone) should read the cover article for the January issue of Christianity Today, “The Myth of the Perfect Parent.” It’s excellent. The subtitle gives part of the premise: “Why the best parenting techniques don’t produce Christian children.” Here’s an excerpt that notes the folly...

Yesterday I fielded questions from a group of about 15 sixth and seventh grade girls, middle schoolers attending our church. We had just finished a teaching on Matthew 5:27-32. We discussed lust and adultery, marriage and divorce. (In an age-appropriate way for 11-14 year olds.) We talked much through the awful complexities (against God’s design) of divorce, and the wake of collateral damage that comes with it. A number of the kids are experiencing the fallout of a broken home: divorced, estranged or separated parents. John, one of our leaders shared how 40 years ago his parents divorced,...

Six years ago today I kissed my bride for the first time, as Kari and I made a life-long covenant of faithfulness. My goals in life are simple: to make the infinite worth of Christ known, mainly by being a faithful husband and loving father. In these ways I know, love and enjoy Christ above all else. The best part of this adventure has been how Kari makes this path easier and more enjoyable than I ever dreamed. (Following my father’s advice, I “married up”!) We realized in God’s good pleasure we would be better servants of the King, together as one, than we were apart. So...

Our son asks one question more than any other: "What’s that?" I love it. Because I love him. Curious boy! SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Favorite words: “What’s that?", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2009/05/10/favorite-words-whats-that/" });

Welcome to this world, our beautiful daughter. May Christ captivate you with His infinite beauty and we pray you will be caught up in His plan and glory. We don’t deserve you or Dutch; utterly amazed at God’s kindness in being able to raise you to know, love and enjoy Him above all else. (See pics here ) SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Heidi", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2009/02/16/heidi/" });

We can thank uncle Kris for that title. It is a technical way of saying that like missionaries, we are seeking to engage with our son in his world, and that means lots of time playing trucks and reading and re-reading the same books many times a day. Read as Kari reflections on the sacredness of playing . SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "An intersection of anthropological contextualization and parenting", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2009/01/07/an-intersection-of-anthropological-contextualization-and-parenting/" });

Yesterday I shared a bit of our story — and realize their are so many gaps I left out. Since this really isn’t about us , but rather about Christ and His worth, those gaps will have to be like the cracks in a clay pot that reveals the excellency and worth of the object inside ( 2 Cor. 4 ). Please look past us and see the beauty of God. Here are the top five lessons I (think I) have learned over this past 50 month journey and beyond. All are interconnected: People are more important that what they do. Personalizing it: I am not what I do . That is, my identity is rooted in...

This week I embark on a new adventure as a pastor. It almost seems surreal to me. Really, I get to do full-time what I have felt God calling us to and shaping us for a decade? Is this for real? Kari and I have had glimpses and tremendous opportunities to serve in the Gospel, pastoring others (as a verb, not noun). Now the stakes are heightened. Tomorrow I’ll share 5 lessons learned over these last 50 months . For now, here are five signposts along the journey to being a pastor (stretching back before these last 4+ years). In 1998 I first sensed Christ’s call to enter the ministry....

Last Sunday was our sendoff from Foothills Community Church. Funny how teaching in front of dozens and giving the announcements each week doesn’t faze me, but then I go to say goodbye and get all nervous. Goodbyes are meant to be like that — a bit uncomfortable, and always somewhat bittersweet, especially with those you love. One sister in Christ noted that it really wasn’t goodbye, but rather "See you later." Indeed. Next Monday Kari and being our new journey with our new church family — about which I’m eager to speak and write about. This week’s...

Dutch likes to "sort" our books — meaning he enjoys moving them all around, on different shelves, under and on top of objects, and "reading" them from time to time in his spare time. Yesterday he put four books in my book bag, thinking I needed to meditate on the Gospel. He selected one paperback each from four great authors: Andrew Murray, H.A. Ironside, D.L. Moody, and J.I. Packer. Thanks son, your exhortation is heeded! (The yellow duct tape hold together my DIY laptop case.) SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "A few good books from a good son", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2008/10/28/a-few-good-books-from-a-good-son/"...