The Dangers of Knowledge

I am an editor of Sunday school curriculum by day (superhero by night, aka, Captain Platypus), so I work on lessons pretty much daily. Today I worked on a lesson about technology. I looked at a lesson that was written about the same topic in 2005. I was shocked to see the difference. Much of the old lesson was unusable. It opened my eyes to the speed of technological change we are experiencing.

  • The old lesson barely referenced cell phones. They were an afterthought
  • Radio was repeatedly mentioned.
  • Obviously no tablets were referenced.
  • It touted flat-screen televisions as a new thing.
  • There was not one single use of the phrase “social media”.
  • The only reference to online communication was through email, IM, and chat capabilities.
  • Texting was never mentioned. Continue Reading →

Words Fail, But Prayer Does Not

I’m an editor, a preacher, a teacher, a speaker, and a writer. I make my living by crafting words. I am called by God to fashion words. So it is a rare moment that words fail me. But over the past week, words have undoubtedly failed me, because in this moment, they simply are not enough.

One week ago today my son was rushed by ambulance to the local ER where he was put on a breathing machine immediately. Continue Reading →

Dear God, What’s Your Favorite Cookie? a lesson in gossip and prayer

My kids know how to address only one parent: Mommy.

Mommy is always the first one called for anything and everything. Even when I’m the only one home, they still always yell, MOMMMMMYYYYYYY!” I should admit, I don’t ever correct them. (Dear Jesus, if you’ve ever answered a prayer, please answer this one: can you hide that last sentence from my wife when she reads this? Thank you in advance. Your bestest friend, Darren.) Continue Reading →

When Faith Gets Messy

Some think I’m slightly insane. After reading the following, you may agree, and I’m perfectly okay with that.

Yesterday we spent some time with our nearest and dearest friends, Nate and Dawniel. They just lost their brother-in-law, a local police officer named Justin, while he was on duty. The entire town has quickly rallied to support his widow, Danielle, and their three young sons, all under age 6. We sat with our closest friends, and we talked, and we shared, and we cried. It was gut wrenching. Continue Reading →

I Must Confess

Confession.

I must confess, it scares me. I shutter at the mere mention. Just like these guys. That’s one aspect of faith I don’t much care to engage. Although, true discipleship would seem to demand it.

The word conjures up images of dark booths and white collars. It’s a concept that many have somehow missed or simply ignored altogether. But why are we so afraid of it? Isn’t it biblical? Continue Reading →

Engage Your Faith

Increase Your IQ!

This blog will help you achieve your wildest dreams. As you read, you will lose 15-20 lbs, gain 10 IQ points, and if you stare at the words long enough, you’ll be able to change the channel on your TV with just your mind. But, if you still need more reason to follow, Continue Reading →