I recently read a book by a pastor who used the Dakota Badlands as a metaphor for middle-aged life and ministry. It borrowed imagery from his family vacations, driving from Baltimore, Maryland (his adopted home and church) out to Kalispell, … Continue reading
White clouds tumble into white sheets of snow and ice, sliding down off the Öræfajökull, into the Fjallsárlón. It moves at a glacial pace because, of course, it’s a glacier. Still, I’m overwhelmed by the sight of this ice-covered volcano … Continue reading
Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him… soon… (Philippians 2:21-23) Greetings from Kent! We’re in the midst of a season for travel … Continue reading
“Are you some kind of die-hard?” I get variations on this question all the time, as I’m locking or unlocking my bicycle around town. It just seems weird, in this part of the world, for a person to be riding … Continue reading
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Greetings from Kent! Can you believe we’re already one month into … Continue reading
This video is a brilliant example of satire: across cultures, across linguistic divides, and across political ideologies. I’m seriously impressed with the way the comedy was executed in a way that makes sense to both Dutch audiences and American audiences. The … Continue reading
Our family started Friday morning in Kent, Ohio, with kruidnootjes in klompen (crunchy, gingersnappy, cookie-buttons in old-fashioned, Dutch wooden shoes). We realize this pairing is not typical for most American families or Dutch families — but it’s pretty typical for us … Continue reading
In Amsterdam, we got lots of visitors. They were prepared to be impressed. Inclined toward romanticism, if anything. Consequently, my inclination would be to show them “the real Amsterdam” that lay off the beaten path. I’d bring people along for … Continue reading
I’m active and aggressive when it comes to unsubscribing from corporate e-mail flyers. I prefer to keep a clean inbox. So I excuse myself from as many of the mindless mountains of advertisements I possibly can… Unless they’re in Dutch. It’s weird, but … Continue reading
Your quest is for justice, godliness, faithfulness, love, perseverance, and gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11) Greetings from Kent! How are you managing the winter up to this point? We’re doing well. Kent State University’s Winter Break made the town quiet and quaint, which … Continue reading
