Staying is the new Going has officially left the harbor
My book Staying is the new Going was available for purchase on September 1st, but it didn't officially launch until this weekend. Boats float before they leave the harbor. It was an incredible weekend celebrating the book leaving the harbor. Every author releases a...
The sermon God preached in the garden this summer
Several years ago I took up gardening. I referred to that summer as “the season God preached to me through plants.” It shouldn’t have been a surprise to me. Jesus described the Kingdom of God as a seed, and scripture is full of agricultural metaphors. Some of the most...
Dear Suburbia, I don’t care if you’re cool
Dear Suburbia, I wanted to make sure I don't leave you out. It seems like most people are forgetting about you these days. I realize you're not the coolest place to talk about when people compare you to cities. You might not get picked first for the kickball...
The story behind “Staying is the new Going”
It was a beautiful spring afternoon, and I was taking the short walk to pick up my kids from school. Parents who walk the same route every day to scoop up their kids walked hurriedly by me with their heads down. No “Hello,” not even the customary head nod, just the...
STAYING IS THE NEW GOING art winners
A few weeks ago I threw out a challenge to render the image and concept of Staying is the new Going in a unique way. Because this idea is open for interpretation and can apply to so many different areas I had no idea what was going to come in. It's been fun to see the...
One of the most fruitful things my family has experienced in the past few years is an embarrassingly simple relational recalibration. The shift started during a busy season of life. God drew me back to those who were far from the Church who I called friends. We moved...
The Power of Coffee; What are people searching for in coffee shops?
I once worked in a coffee shop. That was a great season of connectedness and ministry for me. At times I joke that I left the ministry to work for the church. Something special is happening in coffee shops and other “third places” today. Some people come to work...
Slow down and get to know your place
Every place has cracks in it. The pain is real, but it might take some work to uncover it. The cracks show the brokenness of our world and expose the skepticism and distrust that has trumped neighborliness and goodwill in our day. If we are going to be part of...
I’m looking for creative piracy
This logo is simple. That's intentional. I WANT you to steal it, pirate it, take liberties with it. Staying is the new going isn't just a book, it's an idea. To some it represents a struggle to stay put, a challenge to grow roots and a new way of life. Lemme cut to...
Calling all exiles; seek welfare, not retreat
“Raise your hand if you feel like an exile in this city?” I bet I could ask this in most places and have several hands shoot up. I can bet there are always more who feel strangers, outcasts and wanderers in their cities than will ever admit it. The words of Jeremiah...
