In my studies for July 6th,

I've been researching differing viewpoints on what it means to be a Christian and an American. Wow...there a lot of wildly different ideas about what Jesus meant when he said "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s."

So I will be studying and praying and attempting to discern what God would have me share with you on the 6th about how our faith in God interacts with our lives as American citizens. Pray for me as we walk that journey together. I have a feeling that this sermon might be a bit different than what you've heard before. Who knows....maybe not!

...did I mention I'm also connecting it to gathering around the table for Communion? Ought to be interesting, if nothing else!

I'll leave you with a quote from a song by Christian musician Derek Webb (formerly of the group Caedmon's Call)

A King and a Kingdom
My first allegiance is not to a flag, a country, or a man.
My first allegiance is not to democracy or blood.
It's to a king & a kingdom.

Back in the saddle again...

Well folks, after a week of vacation with the family, a short two days back in Seneca, and then a conference in Memphis, Tennessee, I'm finally back in the office for a few days. It feels good to be home. After my trip to Orlando and back with the Youth Choir I'll be mostly done with my summertime trips.

I will try to update this more regularly with information now that most of my time away from the office is over. I'm really looking forward to what this blog entails.

Keep in mind that much of what this becomes is dependent on you...how you respond and join in the discussion.

I think for now I will try to post information a few times a week, and maybe do some type of devotional or discussion topic once a week. We'll see what happens. Be on the lookout for that in the next day or so. Until then, read something from this website: www.ethicsdaily.com

Bad way to start a blog!

Just when I've gotten everything set up on here, it is time for our family's bi-annual vacation. I look forward to sharing with you more when I return.

I am thankful for the opportunity that Trinity gives me to get away and relax with my family. I will pray for you while I am gone and look forward to being back with you. But not too soon... :-)

Here goes something...

...although I'm not sure what! When we decided to update our Trinity website and make it more user-friendly and informative, I jokingly said to Jessica and Ryan, "hey, I can write a blog!"

So here we are. My hopes for this blog are somewhat tempered by the fact that I really don't know what this will become. I imagine that I will use this medium to share some important information with those within our church family who are internet junkies like myself. You'll find links to other blogs and websites that discuss issues relevant to who we are and where we are going as a fellowship of faithful friends.

You may read something you really agree with. You may read something that you don't care about or need to care about (ask Kristen, I am the King of useless knowledge!) Sometimes, you may read something I write or link to that you disagree with. We'll discuss the holy and the mundane, the controversial and the boring, the serious and the silly. Whatever your response and opinion, I hope that what you find on this page will encourage you in your daily walk with God, and challenge you to new growth, thinking, and interaction with others.

One of my favorite theologians, Fred Rogers (of Mister Roger's Neighborhood) said that the most important ingredients of education are: knowing that we're valued, and being with people who want to share with us something of this world that they love. So, I'll be sharing a bit of my passions with you, the people of Trinity, and beyond. I encourage you to respond, bounce ideas and thoughts back at me. I hope this becomes a conversation, not a monologue.

Oh yea, don't hold me accountable for my grammar and spelling. I'm still figuring out spell check and editing on this! Bear with me!