It’s that time again. Summer camp, mission trip, service projects, day trips, amusement parks, concert is part of summer ministry activities. It feels like summer time flips everything upside down in youth ministry. During the summer we see the regular weekly youth gatherings become irregular as the irregular activities become the new norm.[...]

The night had a bite. That crisp, dry cold that quickly whisks away any moisture (however little) that might be on your lips or nose. The sky was just letting go a fresh, dry, powder snow. Bundled up, I made my nightly walk down to the barn to bring in the horses, feed them evening grain and fresh water, and close up the stable against the winter elements. I finished the evening chores and bundled back up to head back to the house, and the chill seemed to steal my breath as I gasped [...]

Authenticity demands a vulnerability that too few have the courage and trust to reveal. For the past eleven years, my wife and I have had the privilege of working in dog rescue. We have offered our home as a temporary oasis for no fewer than fifty dogs over the years until we could find a family who would adopt these canine refugees.[...]