I’ve been on vacation this past week, so no action here at Kingdom Harbor. My worlds collide in this stack of books I’ve been plodding through this summer — theology, spirituality, music and art. What are you reading these days? … More Worlds Collide: Summer Books
Happy Saturday! Each Saturday I try to share a song – usually a rough, first take recording from the basement music room. Still, hopefully they sound good enough to brighten your weekend and put a smile on your face. This is a special song Katy Perry sings with her daughter that Abby shared with Uncle … More #SaturdaySong – “Cover Me In Sunshine”
In this episode I pay tribute to my Uncle Gary who passed away this week. About a month ago I recorded these thoughts on my phone during an evening walk as I pondered Gary’s humble service to his church as cemetery caretaker. Here’s a rare glimpse of me “thinking out loud” on one of my Jesus Walks. … More Podcast #210 – Uncle Gary: Cemetery Caretaker
This song is for my love, Kjerstin Jo, on our 20th wedding anniversary this week! The song is by Pete Murray, one Keri sent me last week. It’s been in my head ever since. I hope she will accept it as an alternative to flowers; it will last longer. :) … More #SaturdaySong – “Home to Me”
Me and the kids are performing tonight at Surfside Beach in Mound between 6:30-8:30 as part of the Westonka Showcase to kick off our city’s Spirit of the Lakes Festival. Grab a lawn chair and come hear us! Perfect night. … More Live Music Tonight!
20 Years is a BIGGY. I’m usually not short for words, but today I’m gonna just share a few photos and let them do the talking. And I recorded a remix of my song “Angels in the Sky”, giving it a different vibe.The song tells the story of our first few dates. I love you, Keri Jo. Here’s to 20 more! … More Happy 20th Anniversary, Keri Jo!
This is a tender moment caught on video. I was joined by music therapist Chris playing amazing Grace for my uncle Gary in hospice. These music therapists are angels in disguise, having a powerful impact. … More #SaturdaySong – “Amazing Grace” in a Hospital
In this hodge hodge episode, I share some of my summer adventures, roadtrips, readings, and some thoughts on recently being selected for my high school athletic hall of fame! … More Podcast #209 – Midsummer Meanderings
The author shares insights on three impactful books: “Van Gogh: The Life,” which deeply explores the artist’s troubled psyche; “Blood in the Tracks,” highlighting the overlooked Minnesota musicians behind Dylan’s masterpiece; and Dallas Willard’s new “The Scandal of the Kingdom,” revealing the transformative significance of Jesus’s parables in contemporary life. … More Vacation Reading
Some all-American music for this Fourth of July weekend. One thing Americans can still be proud of in these not-so-great times is all the great music that this country has given to the world. PS: Peter enjoys going shirtless in the summers…especially on lazy Saturdays. :) … More #SaturdaySong – “All Shook Up”
An American song on this holiday weekend. … More “America” (Simon & Garfunkel)
Greg Speck is hilarious. He’s also anointed to bring the message of God’s amazing grace and undying love to squirrelly middle schoolers and too-cool high schoolers. At the end of every event, he invited everyone to send him a friend request on Facebook. Once you become “friends,” you are on Greg’s list. And once you are on it, you cannot get off of it, but why would you want to? I am on Greg’s list. … More Are You On Greg’s List?
This episode of the Anchor Podcast comes to you from the Pepin Forest Tree House where I am spending a night away for my birthday. In this episode, I share a bit about ministering to my uncle in hospice, recommend a great Tom Petty song, and then pick up part 3 of the story of my call to ministry in my hometown 20 years ago. Enjoy! … More Podcast #208 – Hometown Apostle Pt. 3
My uncle Gary is nearing the end of his earthly pilgrimage. Hospital rooms and end of life ministry are what the Irish call “thin places” where our earthly realm often bumps up against the heavenly realm. Today, Gary shared something very special. “Last night Mom came to me in my sleep to say hello.” Mom (aka my grandma) is in Heaven, so tears welt up in all of our eyes. … More Uncle Gary’s Southern Accent
Happy Saturday! Here’s a classic Alan Jackson song, one of the “newer” songs in my classic country show that takes us on a trip through the 20th century, going back as far as the 1870s and spending most time in the 1960s and 70s. Wink, wink. ;) … More #SaturdaySong – “Don’t Rock the Jukebox”
I was mowing on my lawn tractor the other day, weaving in and out around trees at dusk. The darker the sky grew, the more blurry the trees became—appearing as dark figures standing guard over our yard by night. My mind was drawn to a strange episode in the Gospels. … More Like Trees Walking
I’m still struggling to explain my pastoral life to others these days, and still feel insecure or guilty some days that I’m not slaving away 50 or 60 hours inside a church building all week, running programs and leading teams, etc. I’m more of a freewheelin’ pastor bringing the music of the Freewheelin’ Dylan to seniors these days. But I sneak in a sermon or two in the process. … More The Freewheelin’ Pastor
This episode continues the origin story of my call to ministry in my hometown as I mark 20 years. I share about my jobs as a sub teacher and driving instructor, and how God used these odd jobs to set the stage for a “revolutionary” teen ministry I helped spearhead in 2005. … More Podcast #207 – Hometown Apostle Pt. 2
This is one of my favorite and very early Johnny Cash songs, first recorded in 1958. Look for the version of Johnny singing this with Bob Dylan around 1969. … More #SaturdaySong – “I Still Miss Someone”
To celebrate 20 years of hometown ministry, I’m thinking about sharing excerpts from an unfinished “memoir” written back in 2010 detailing my call to ministry in my hometown. Enjoy a glimpse into the mind of a young leader desiring not only to read the Bible as a casual observer, but hoping to be swept up in the Story its telling. … More Podcast #206 – Hometown Apostle Pt. 1
I want to share some reflections on 20 years of ministry in my hometown. I have told the story of launching the Revolution teen ministry in Mound many times, but I have never mentioned the book that I led teenagers through that laid a foundation for that ministry and lit a spark for the brand of Jesus-shaped Christianity I have pursued and taught over the past 20 years. … More 20 Years: The Irresistible Revolution
Jemar Tisby helps us understand the origins and meaning of the federal holiday of Juneteenth, established in 2021. On June 19th, 1865, more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Major General Gordon Granger, proclaimed freedom for slaves in Texas in a statement in Galveston. … More Freedom Day
Here are some highlights from Abby and my show last Friday. I shared a piece explaining the nature of this personal show earlier this week. Read “Precious Memories.” Enjoy a glimpse of Abby being a brave 10 year old! … More #SaturdaySong – Country Show Highlights
I have been thinking about anointing lately. This ancient biblical practice is foreign to us today. When was the last time someone poured oil over your head and down your beard? Probably never. This past weekend our family had the chance to anoint my uncle in the hospital who is dying. … More Like Oil Poured on the Head
This episode I share a busy week of music ministry and the stories behind the class country show Abby and I are performing this summer. Listen below and check out the highlight reel of Abby’s songs in the set. She’s fearless and “going for it” – so proud of her! … More Podcast #205 – “Precious Memories & Country Music”
Kingdom Harbor 