My husband and I took our older daughter this evening to a special cinema where they were showing the documentary, Every Little Step. The film portrays the casting process for the revival a couple years ago of the Broadway show, Chorus Line. What a tremendous story, especially for my daughter who is...

I'm speaking next weekend on the pursuit of friendship in our church services - so I've definitely got friendship in the forefront of my mind. I am working hard to be sure the message has urgency, and doesn't just feel like a casual, lightweight Memorial Day message. I think a lot of people...

I'm still thinking about the message this weekend ... because I was producing the services this weekend I heard the message 3 times. The phrase I am still wrestling with is "Let's be real clear, we are doing this for Christ." I think this is a truth we need to regularly check in with...

This is my ‘pre-blog’ blog about the new Star Trek movie by JJ Abrams opening Friday. I wanted to capture some thoughts down BEFORE I see this highly anticipated movie. Don't worry, no spoilers here. I have been a huge Star Trek fan since a little boy. I remember seeing the first feature film, Star...

I have a very limited background in agriculture. My grandfather had a glorious backyard garden but my contribution was primarily eating the fruits and vegetables. However, as I have grown older and attempted a garden myself I have learned the significance of the soil. In Illinois, if you have a question...

By now, most of you have probably seen the You Tube video from Britain's Got Talent featuring a singer named Susan Boyle. If not, please do check it out. Before this 47-yr-old woman began to sing, I would guess that most everyone, including me, had no expectations of anything good, let alone anything...

There is a lot to get ready for the weekend's service - charts to write, rehearsals to lead, lights to aim ... it can be easy to pay attention to tasks; people will notice if the end product is incomplete or less then excellent. So, sometimes we compromise the preparation of our hearts and minds...

I've talked to a number of leaders this week. It's been a rough 7 days. It has been hard pulling services together. There have been difficult conversations. And some have had to lay off some gifted artists because of our current economic realities. Some are carrying heavy personal burdens. Strained...

I would like to provoke some thought about the allure and the potential hazards of being a 'manager'. If you have any sort of organizational skills, any sort of leadership abilities, or any amount of charisma, it’s not too long until someone thinks you should be a manager. If you are willing...

Beloved ... someone who is cherished and greatly loved. It is a word I don't find spoken in too many places, other than scripture or church. I like that ... it sets it apart and makes it makes me take it more seriously. The following are the thoughts of Chris Durso , Youth Director of Youth Explosion...