Wednesday is known as “hump day” in our culture. It is the middle day of the week. It is also the day we feel the “grind” of work and toil – especially augmented by a culture that drives us to work harder so that we can earn more to pay off our uber-materialistic lifestyle. As … Continue reading Living for the Right Things on Woden’s Day

One of the most unsettling things at work or at home is undue conflict. While some conflict is inevitable (and sometimes good), unresolved conflict is the root of much stress, fear, and broken relationships. Yesterday I shared how the days of our week are named after pagan gods who were worshiped in ancient times. But … Continue reading Being a Peacemaker on Tiw’s Day

Have you ever noticed how “crazy” Mondays can be? It seems like anything that can go wrong goes wrong on Mondays. It seems that the “to do” list on Mondays magically overflows beyond capacity. And it seems like everyone becomes a little more uptight and less jovial and forgiving on Mondays. While it is easy … Continue reading Crazy Mondays

You’re probably thinking, “You forgot a word, Doug. It’s ‘Thank God it’s Friday.” Actually, it’s intentional. I know the popular phrase (and the restaurant bearing that name). I want us to think of Friday, not as a benchmark that we made it through another work week, but as a day where we can recollect the … Continue reading Thank God Friday!

There is an expression I’ve been saying a lot lately. In fact, I’ve been using it so much I’m afraid it will be inscribed on my tombstone by my surviving family: “It is what it is.” (I suppose it’s better than some of my other popular colloquialisms like “Now that’s what I’m talking about!” or “I … Continue reading It Is What It Is

I’m a musician by trade and profession and, even though my blog is called “Whole Life Worship,” I’ve not written much of anything about what most people believe is what worship is about: music. There’s a reason for this. It’s a reaction to how our contemporary Christian culture has made worship all about the music … Continue reading The Power of the Song

Some of you might be wondering: How did Doug do on his recent trip? As always, the Lord knew what He was doing. It turned out that the primary reason for me to write a blog about how to handle expectations during a trip (see July 11 blog) was not because my readers need to … Continue reading How Did I Do with Traveling?

At our recent retreat in the greater Chicago area, Letty took a walk around the lake with a couple of her new friends. One of the friends, Sybill, made an observation, “Do you notice that as we look over this beautiful landscape that we have a choice? We can either take a glimpse of it … Continue reading Glimpse vs. Gaze

(This is a re-blog while I am on Retreat. New blogs start again on Monday!) I remember a day when I was quite upset with one of my sons. He made a request that disrupted my plans. I was angry for a number of “good reasons.” I stewed it over for several moments. I determined … Continue reading Taming the Tongue

(This is a re-blog while I am on Retreat) It is good to dwell upon God’s grace. Many songs and scores of sermons are written about God’s unconditional love for us; love that drove Him to take the cross for us, love that bore our sin and shame. It is also wonderful to meditate upon … Continue reading You Are God’s Work of Art