Published in ILLUMINATION’S MIRROR·PinnedMember-onlyThree Words That Will Improve Any RelationshipHelp me understand. — My wife Gail often recounts how her Dad used these three simple words to turn potentially hard conversations into opportunities for deeper understanding. Terry was a pastor, which means he probably had numerous occasions where these words would have been pertinent. Some potential misunderstanding would arise with a church member…Relationships4 min readRelationships4 min read
PinnedMember-onlyBoth PA Candidates for Governor Agree on School Choice?In a climate of deep political divisiveness, I must admit to my surprise that Pennsylvania’s two gubernatorial candidates agree on the need for expanded school choice. Senator Doug Mastriano’s campaign site says that he “will work with the legislature to finally bring school choice to Pennsylvania families, so that no…Schools3 min readSchools3 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION’S MIRROR·PinnedMember-onlyShould Local Schools Be Surprised That Parents Want Clarity?Educational ideology should be explicit, not unspoken — I am picking up hints that people are annoyed at parents for desiring clarity about what their kids are taught at schools. I’ve seen it in comments from school leaders, school board members, politicians, and citizens on social media. Don’t get me wrong. I have zero tolerance for parents acting…Education12 min readEducation12 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION’S MIRROR·PinnedMember-onlyThe Ideological Battle for American SchoolsHow do we occupy shared spaces without a common vision? — America’s culture wars are intensifying in the nation’s classrooms and board meetings. How long can this public institution withstand the tug-of-war between ideologically opposed groups? Public school board meetings across the country appear to be the hottest ticket in town with multiple hours needed to accommodate public comment. Attend one…Education11 min readEducation11 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Jan 5Member-onlyWhat Last Night’s Trip To The ER Taught Me About 2022Our communities have a long way to go to recover — 2022 is going out with a bang in the Anderson household, or rather, with a thud and a crack! My sweet, 16-year-old daughter, Amelia, took a hard spill at the rollerskating rink that fractured her left wrist. I had intended to write a reflection piece about 2022. I never realized…Community5 min readCommunity5 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION’S MIRROR·Feb 11, 2022Member-onlySorry. I’m Not Canceling My Neighbor.I am standing my ground on this one — The new world demands a purist kind of devotion. You are with us or against us. This is not a world of both/and, but is one where either/or reigns supreme. You are for X or against X. There is little patience for nuance, further research, dialogue, or uncertainty. …Relationships5 min readRelationships5 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Dec 24, 2021Member-onlyThree Lonely Lies That Are Destroying UsA battle is raging for your heart — Loneliness is a bigger problem than most of us want to admit. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently issued a warning about the mental health of our nation’s youth. …Loneliness9 min readLoneliness9 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION’S MIRROR·Oct 9, 2021Member-onlyWho Will Save Us from Ourselves?The FBI’s 2020 crime report tells an alarming story about us — The FBI released its 2020 crime statistics recently. Take a look at the drastic increase in homicide.FBI4 min readFBI4 min read
Published in Koinonia·Sep 24, 2021Member-onlyWhen Comfy Rhythms Get DisruptedEmbracing the new work God is doing in the midst of COVID-19 — “No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.” (Mark 2:22, NIV). The world as we have known it for the last 18 months has been…Christianity6 min readChristianity6 min read
Published in Koinonia·Aug 14, 2021Member-onlyThe Statistical Improbability of YouCelebrating the Divine providence of marital love — I had the honor yesterday of officiating the marriage of a young couple. Each one of these special occasions is brimming over with excitement, anxious tension, and joy. The big day has finally arrived. Months of preparation have come to glorious fruition. My counsel to the groom and bride, well…Relationships6 min readRelationships6 min read
