In early September of 2005, I traveled to Biloxi, Mississippi to work with a disaster relief crew following Hurricane Katrina. We spent ten days preparing and delivering meals to survivors, those whose lives and possessions had been ravaged by the wind and water. As an Iowa native, I’ve seen what weather can do. We’re no…
Tag: hymn
“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.”
“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.” That request, made by Jesus on the Mount of Olives the night before his crucifixion, was no serene or stoic prayer. Luke tells us Jesus prayed “in agony… and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground.” In his plea, Jesus…
An Easter Hymn (and Free Download)
In less than five weeks, Christians around the globe will observe Easter (or Resurrection Sunday)—the Sunday set apart in the traditional liturgical calendar to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Hope and The Last Rose of Summer
It is no secret that the end of the year can be a depressing time for some. The holiday parties and family gatherings are over—leaving us to say goodbye to loved ones or remember those who departed this year. The decorations and lights come down. The days are dark and cold. The trees are brown…
A Christmas Carol
The season of Advent is incomplete without the singing of Christmas carols. This week’s song— “How Beautiful the Mystery” —is based on a Christmas carol I wrote in late 2000 as the text of our Christmas card. (Go ahead. Follow the link and have a listen. You can finish this post later.) I set the original text…