The Lesson of the Carrot, Egg and Coffee Beans

I have been taking a Sunday school class taught by Pastor Tom at our church Pastor Tom on the book of Philippians, which is one of my favorite books of the Bible. Last week to illustrate a point, Pastor Tom shared the story of the carrot, egg and … [Continue reading]
Come Climb with Me

My daughter Selah has presented a new challenge for me this year. She has asked me to climb Steeple Rock with her in Montana when we go there in August. I have a history with Steeple Rock, memories that make my first instinct be to say “no thanks” to … [Continue reading]
Portals Creative Writers’ Conference
4-Day Writers’ Conference to be held June 21-24 Salem, Ore. — Anyone interested in learning better writing techniques, discovering new genres or navigating publishing options should plan to attend the Portals Creative Writers’ Conference June 21 – … [Continue reading]
Fitness :: It is a Love Hate Kind of Relationship

For the past few years I had been having a serious conversation with myself about fitness and health. I had been beating myself up for losing control of the foods I consumed and the lack of time I spent exercising. I kept promising myself that I’d … [Continue reading]
My Top Ten Tips for Writers

After hearing David Sanford speak at Multnomah University, I set the goal to write and publish three books before the end of 2011. I barely made it on time, but the last of the three was released December 22nd with just a few days to spare. After my … [Continue reading]
Basic 101 Chocolate Truffles

For a few months about 16 years ago I considered going into the chocolate business. I never got past the planning stage, but I had alot of fun experimenting with chocolate. Chocolate truffles are amazingly easy to make. Only five ingredients are … [Continue reading]
Upon Goodbye
It is nearly impossible to think of you in the past tense. Your life is colorfully woven into the fabric of ours. I know you are gone, I saw you leave, but in my memory you are vividly alive, with your mischievous smile teasing the corners of … [Continue reading]
Living Our Future Today :: A Devotional

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" Matthew 19:14 In a fragment of life, pregnant with pain, I caught a glimpse of unadulterated faith in the naïve prayer of … [Continue reading]
What Color Do You Live Like?

In the past few years I have been strangely attracted to the color red. I’ve got a red purse, red jacket, red camera, and red van. It isn’t even my favorite color and I don’t look good in red. But red speaks to how I want to live. I want to live out … [Continue reading]
The Dangers of Being Complacent Doing the Mundane

Getting complacent doing mundane tasks can sometimes add an unanticipated crisis to your day. Mistakes get made because the routine tasks are often approached with an attitude of complacency rather than attention to detail. Last year while starting … [Continue reading]