Hello friends! Today, wars around the world are the very worst we've seen since World War II. "These are the times that try men's souls."   All very horrific and very existential. I …

Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.” It is a testament of awe and gratitude to God for the complexity and …

Our dear dog, Bingley, died recently. Named for Mr. Bingley in Jane Austen’s #Pride and Prejudice,# our Bingley was an apricot-blond standard poodle who stood tall and elegant. A people-oriented …

If you’ve been reading my Worship columns here over the years, you have probably figured out that I tend to write about the Bible. In fancy terms, it’s called expository preaching. A famous green …

Today, America is more diverse than ever, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. I see diversity as part of God's wisdom, inviting us to know one another, serve one another, and build …

Hello friends! Boggling chaos and brain-numbing suffering are the order of the day, but if Scripture is to be believed, a contented deep inner peace can be your lot, some assembly required. …

A few years ago, I went on a bike ride to the Snoqualmie Tunnel trail with a bunch of the young men in our church. It is about 2.5 miles long, but as you go down the tunnel there is a point where you …

As we move toward summer, many of us begin thinking about vacations, sunshine, slower schedules, and hopefully a little breathing room. For some, summer brings rest. For others, it simply brings a …

Last week, while hiking in Olympic National Park beneath towering evergreens and surrounded by the quiet beauty that makes the Pacific Northwest so unique, I had a chance to reflect and appreciate. I …

We have officially cut the ribbon, uncorked the champagne, and crossed the threshold of our newly remodeled home and brand-new addition on Lombard Avenue. For those who have passed by our Everett …

When was the last time you spoke some form of the word, “bless” such as, “Bless you!” or “Bless me, Father”?  How did it come out: like a reflex or automatic response, or were you …

Hello friends! The good results of our prayers for healing, both for ourselves and for mankind, can be multiplied by "remembering" God steadily  (you know, as if we really  loved Him), and …

God has been trying to teach us how to live for a long time. Ever since that collective first breath – ru-ah – gave us life, God has been trying to teach us how to live. It hasn’t always …

Every year, something remarkable happens in the Skagit Valley. Thousands of snow geese migrate to the valley during the winter months. When they settle in the fields, the land can appear as …

What seems like many years ago now, I was taking a business management class at my university and we did a conceptual exercise that involved a compass. The scenario was, imagine that your plane …

On Wednesday evening, April 1, the Jewish community here in Western Washington and around the world will begin the celebration of Passover. At the heart of this holiday is the Seder—a ritual meal …

Well, we made it to March. Daylight Savings Time started Sunday, the cherry blossoms and daffodils are starting to pop, and we finally got all our Christmas decorations packed away. If it’s been …

Hello friends! In U.S. Navy boot camp, they fairly tortured us, consciously putting us through the wringer, literally pushing us to our limits in order to discern which of the recruits will maturely …

As the crescent moon was sighted last week, Ramadan began for Muslims in Mukilteo and around the world. This year, I would like to share the purpose and power of Ramadan and highlight some special …

It’s not a stretch to say that the focus of Billy Graham’s ministry and burden was to share the Gospel – the good news about Jesus Christ – with as many people as he was physically …