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The Many Faces of Love

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 This weekend, Carrie and I are celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary. (My thanks to Kindy DeLong for facilitating this getaway by preaching in...

Living a Christ-Centered Life

This week, I invite us to remember a simple yet central part of our Christian faith. We are called to follow in the way of Jesus. To become more and more like him. In thought. In disposition. In behavior. In righteousness. In courage. In love. Especially in love....

Envisioning Our Shared Future

Over the years, acquaintances have tried to sell me on sure-fire opportunities to make good money. Multi-unit real estate investments. Wildcat oil wells. Sports memorabilia. Cryptocurrency. Non-fungible tokens. But here’s the thing: I’m not a fan of get-rich-quick...

Beware Of Certainty Projects

In times of fear and uncertainty, we tend to reach for time-tested and well-worn truths that bring us comfort and assurance. I think many of our favorite Bible verses fit this scenario. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” “Cast all your anxiety...

Christmas Wisdom with Emily Dickinson

Merry Christmas, dear friends! This Advent season, we’ve been meditating on Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Tell all the truth but tell it slant,” as we’ve explored the stories of Isaiah 9 (the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light), Mark 1 (John the...

Choose Your Hard

“We have to choose our hard: Relationships are hard, being lonely is hard. Marriage is hard, divorce is hard. Being financially responsible is hard, being broke is hard. Communication is hard, not communicating is hard. Getting an education is hard, living without an...

Let Ev’ry Heart Prepare Him Room!

Advent  n. 1. a coming into place, view, or being; arrival.  2.  the coming of Christ into the world. 3. a season (including four Sundays) before Christmas, commemorative of Christ’s coming. Now that we’re reached the final weeks of 2023, you may find yourself as...

Tell It Slant

Tell all the truth but tell it slant — Success in Circuit lies Too bright for our infirm Delight The Truth’s superb surprise As Lightning to the Children eased With explanation kind The Truth must dazzle gradually Or every man be blind —.” – Emily Dickinson...

Thanks for the Memories

It feels like I have spent half my life as a minister for the Conejo Valley Church…that may be because I have. When my family moved to Thousand Oaks, I was 30 years old, Tami was 29, Brendin was not quite 3, Caleb was soon on the way (but we didn’t know it) and Alicia...

Actively Equipped for Service

[Note: This November, I’ve invited members of our vision team to share their reflections on parts of Conejo’s 20-year vision description that are especially meaningful to them. This week, John Downey shares on “being actively equipped for service.” Andy Wall] When we...