Encouragement

He’s Already There.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on February 16, 2016February 16, 2016

“They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid.” – Mark 10:32 I remember my first job in youth ministry. …

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A Different Perspective

by Mark SorensenUpdated on January 6, 2016January 6, 2016

So for Christmas this year, I got my 20-year-old son a $12 piece of cardboard, and, as expected, it was his favorite gift. What’s so special about this piece of cardboard that cost $12, you …

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Beating the 8%.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on January 1, 2016January 1, 2016

And here we are. A new year, 2016, has arrived. And you know what comes with a new year, right? New Year’s resolutions. Welcome to this year’s top 10: Lose weight. Get organized. Spend less, …

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Grass Fire.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on October 20, 2015October 20, 2015

I told my wife that the run would only take about 30 to 45 minutes and headed out the door. Of course, things never quite go as we plan, do they? In my neighborhood, there …

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I’m getting better.

by Mark Sorensen March 31, 2015March 31, 2015

So, I have this problem. I like to say “yes.” A lot. There are a lot of reasons for that. I’m a people pleaser. Always have been. I am an overachiever! Whatever I commit my time …

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Warranty.

by Mark Sorensen February 3, 2015February 3, 2015

It’s pretty sad that it takes sitting in a car dealership while your car gets its 30,000 mile maintenance and check up to force you to slow down, take some deep breaths (inhales which include breathing in the …

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Nearby.

by Mark Sorensen December 19, 2014December 19, 2014

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.” (Luke 2:8) It was just another night. Just another night, that us, until the private whispers from an …

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When the “Walking Dead” Meets Jesus.

by Mark Sorensen October 31, 2014October 31, 2014

Do you ever just read the gospels and think, “It must have been incredible being a disciple, walking where Jesus walked and listening to Him teach?” I do. Seriously! Can you imagine what it must …

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Objects in Mirror are Closer than they Appear

by Mark Sorensen October 16, 2014October 16, 2014

I’m not sure it gets better than one of my favorite scenes in the movie, Jurassic Park. A T-Rex has broken free (I mean, really. Can T-Rex live on goat alone?) and has taken to …

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Lift Up Your Head.

by Mark Sorensen September 26, 2014September 26, 2014

Fun fact. You have to take a psychological exam to be considered for ministry within the United Methodist Church. I will be the first to admit that I see the need here, but I have also …

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When It All Falls Apart.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on July 25, 2014July 25, 2014

When I was a kid, I loved working on jigsaw puzzles. Seriously. My whole family was pretty hard core about it. In fact, we actually had a designated jigsaw puzzle table in our dining room. For …

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Settling for “Angry Birds” in the presence of a Seurat

by Mark SorensenUpdated on July 23, 2014July 23, 2014

Last week I took my first trip to Chicago. Loved the city. Loved the pizza. Loved the experience. My wife and I fit in a lot of touristy things in the two and a half days …

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Confessions of a Pastor.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on July 9, 2014July 9, 2014

Can I be honest with you? I’m a mess. Seriously. Like, a super-mess. There. It’s out. Where to even start? Ok. Here: I set high expectations for myself. There’s that. Oh. Add to the mix that I …

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Maintenance vs. Mission (Woe #7)

by Mark SorensenUpdated on July 8, 2014July 8, 2014

And here we are, our final “Woe” of Jesus to the Pharisees. In case you have just joined the “Woe” readings, allow me to offer a quick catch-up for you. Jesus, as a guest of one …

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The Religious Walking Dead.

by Mark Sorensen May 30, 2014May 30, 2014

Early on in seminary, I was struck by a quote that came from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. When speaking of the Methodist movement and his hope for its future, Wesley said: “I am …