Dear Christ Followers, Are you the “real deal?” This phrase is used frequently and can be applied to a variety of contexts, such as in sports, relationships, politics, and in business. When someone says that another person is the “real deal,” it means that they are genuinely authentic, true to themselves, their beliefs, and their…

Dearly Beloved, Whatever? What does the word “whatever” communicate? As you know it can vary depending on the context in which it is used and the tone of voice used when saying it. In some instances, “whatever” can be used as a dismissive response to indicate that the speaker is not interested in continuing the…

Hey Church Family, Last summer we spent some family time at Lake Tahoe and swam at Kiva Beach. Here’s a picture. That’s my nephew Drew stepping out of the water in the black and gray rashguard. My other nephew Josh is right behind him in navy blue. Tahoe is one of the deepest lakes in…

Dearly Beloved, When was the last time you were betrayed and undercut? Last year, last week, yesterday, and today isn’t over yet?  I’m not a country music fan, but I know most of the story lines and they go something like – “I loved her, but she didn’t love me; she took off with my…

Dear Friends, I have a sneaking suspicion that most of you will not be able to tell me the author of the following quotes! Perhaps you’ll be shocked and surprised. “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” “Love your Enemies, for they tell you your Faults.” “He that…