If you’ve gone through The Illumination Project, you already know all about the bonus materials. I’m talking about things like coasters, a button featuring the profile of a Russian-esque Czar, an entire sheet of gold stars, a box of matches, a better-than-a-Moleskine journal and more.
Beyond all of that, however, I hope you were pumped up by all the amazing artists you were introduced to, especially if you hadn’t already heard about them. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by so many great Portland-based musicians, painters, writers, photographers and other artists, and I’m grateful for those who worked with my father and me to film The Illumination Project so that we could inspire “light bulb moments” on the topics of life and relationships. Read more
Hi Friendlings!
I feel like it was JUST my birthday a second ago, when Stephanie and I were downing Maple Bacon Bars and blowing out candles.
While downing donuts alone this year, I had a couple thoughts. I want to give YOU two things for my birthday, and ask you for one. May the odds be ever in your favor. Read more
Hey friendlings,
I’m really excited to share some words with you from my dear friend, Karyn. She worked at Imago Dei in Portland, and was one of the contributors at The Illumination Project filming last summer. Karyn wrote this piece about light for my church a while back—I hope it brings some illumination to your day as well. Read more
Benny works in the art-space that my church has for a few artists in residence. Sadly for our community (but a new adventure for Benny), he, his wife, and two twin boys will be leaving to go teach art at Baylor University. I first met Benny when I went to hear his wife sing at a benefit concert.
TOO MUCH TALENT IN ONE FAMILY. Read more
I met Janel in college. She was a star soccer player, artist, and native Californian. In my midwest naivety, I heard her speak and said, “So, are you what they call a Valley Girl?” She was not amused.
And she’s probably not amused at me telling that story.
My old roommate Michelle and I lived together through most of college and then moved to Los Angeles after graduation. During those years in LA, we were pretty inseparable and predictable. We would meet at the gym after work, make dinner, watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and then go for a walk on the beach like two geriatrics. On many of those walks, we’d pray for our future husbands and talk about what they would be like. Read more
I blame Becca for being the final “testimony” that got me to go Gluten-Free. For all of you who think it’s the “invisible disease,” go talk with Becca. Some ridiculous life transformation, people! Sadly (or not sadly depending on the way you look at it), after six weeks of no gluten in zee ol’ body, I decided to incorporate it back into my diet to see if I was actually allergic/would explode. Thankfully, I did not.
I want to officially announce that I have now gone Gluten-Free-Free. Read more
Do you want to get the Love and Respect Now magical unicorn crest tattooed on your bicep as much as I do? I thought so…
Josh Chang is the man behind that amazement. A dear Portland friend, Josh and his wife, Amber, have poured into me through their time and servant hearts. For over two years, Amber edited all of my terrrrrible grammar in most of the things I wrote. (If you find an error, it’s because I didn’t send it to her… Also, she often deleted the million ellipses that I wanted to use…all…the…time…) Read more
You know those people you know, but you don’t know, but you kinda do know?
Sharaya is one of those people.
One day I was in Nashville meeting friends for lunch and as I walked in I thought, “I know that waitress! Kind of…“
Which always moves me to a mental jog of Facebook stalking: Read more
I could not wait until tomorrow to show this to you.
I was overwhelmed by the 1300 of you who showed up on Friday night. For those of you who missed it, here is a highlight reel of the evening.
I first heard Josh White speak more than five years ago when I attended a 6 AM Bible study he was leading. If Christianity worked on a gold-star system, …6 AM Bible studies should deserve at least 72 stars. Fast-forward a number of years, and Josh and his adorable family decide to plant a church called Door of Hope just six blocks from my house. Josh is not only a pastor, but he is also a recording artist, so the church is chock-full of people …
Hannah and I have a long history of friendship. And by long history, I mean we’ve had a few hours of in-person face time. I was at Catalyst, and my friend Jeff said, “Hey, you need to meet my friend Hannah.” Jeff is either really good at knowing who will hit it off or just gifted at figuring out how to ditch me,
…but, whatever his motivation, it worked.
Hannah and I sat in a corner, literally almost eyeball to eyeball, and talked for about three hours straight. Her boyfriend stopped by our conversation when we apparently
I first heard Josh Hoke sing at my friend Annie’s house show last year. He and Annie did a duet and I was like, “Oh hello magical voices.” A fellow Portland dweller, mid-west native and former pastor’s kid, Josh and I have a few things in common. I’d like to add “and we are both musically gifted” but apparently playing the upright bass in 7th & 8th grade doesn’t qualify me for that title. Pumped to have you hear this guy’s voice. Ladies, don’t stumble. “I …
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I will be featuring people who I have asked to create something around illumination. I hope that through their pieces, you might have light-bulb moments of your own. Let’s begin… Todd is my neighbor and fellow bike rider. In fact, we went on a ride one day, and I asked him to pick the route after saying, “Don’t pick a ride that is going to make my legs too tired. I’m speaking tomorrow and don’t want my legs to …
Hey, friendlings!
Finally, the new site is here. I’m pumped for you to explore and would love to know what you think. But, before we do anything else, I want to tell you about this project I have been working on, called The Illumination Project.
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