At 6:17 a.m.,  something happened that I hope you caught.  The sun rose. According to a quick internet search, that's the exact time sunrise happened in Mukilteo, Washington. I …

We are created in order that we might 1): search for and discover The Directions that lead to heaven on earth, 2): apply those directions in our own lives, and then to 3): enjoy a literally heavenly …

One of my favorite movies to watch when my children were younger was "Remember the Titans.” I loved and admired how a high school football coach, in times of racial tension, worked with …

Editor's note: This column was first published in the Jan. 17, 2023 issue of the Beacon. One of my favorite quotes is from Crawford Loritts. He says, “Greatness is never the product of …

Tragedies, such as the fires in southern California and the air disaster in Washington D.C. this past winter, leave us with many questions. Besides trying to figure out how such events happened in …

Growing up in the Episcopal tradition and attending a “high” church, the seasons of the church year were observed and celebrated, and they directed our lives. I loved the order and …

Editor’s note: The Beacon is revisiting Worship columns by some of our retired freelance writers. This piece that ran July 23, 2019, is by Mark Smith, former senior pastor of Mukilteo …

Our kids took piano lessons growing up. At our casual recitals, the teacher would have a few things to say after each student’s performance. But he always wrapped his assessment inside what he …

In contemplative sciences and practices of self-reflection and meditation, the common underlying drive is to become whole. To become a whole person is a developmental journey that must be …

Editor’s note: The Beacon is revisiting Worship columns by some of our retired writers. This piece that ran Feb. 14, 2012, is by Mark Smith, former senior pastor of Mukilteo Presbyterian …

Has the presidency been on your mind lately? Soon, our nation will observe Presidents Day and by recognizing some early presidents whose beliefs, values, and leadership shaped our nation, we can be …

Hello friends! In the time of Jesus Christ, exactly what would the locals have needed to do differently in order to have correctly believed in His Station and His Claims, to accurately know that He …

When I was 16 years old, my father signed me up to take golf lessons at the local golf course. Initially, I was not into it. It was difficult, and I thought it was boring. So I went through the …

As I sat there holding my mother-in-law’s hand, I watched every labored breath. My heart ached, knowing the end was near. The breaths grew more strained, and she lightly squirmed in the …

For Christians, this is the season of Epiphany, which means “manifestation.” Epiphany began Jan. 6, concluding the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in …

Whew! You made it through the holiday rush. Time to take a deep breath, exhale, let your cheeks flop, and unclench your teeth. I don’t know how your home looks, but my office looks like a …

Christmas is one of the big holidays in the Christian church. I know it’s been commercialized, and non-Christians even use it for a holiday for gift giving and a break from work. …

My wife, Sandi, and I had the privilege of leading a team of teenagers and some adults on a mission trip to Haiti. This trip happened early in my ministry while I was a youth pastor. I felt very …

Hello, friends! When one is suffering from injustices, one might understandably reach out for some due acknowledgement and succor, and even some charity. We hear their plea and then we pretty …

December begins the season of Advent or literally “coming.” To get ready, Our Savior’s and other churches that follow a liturgical calendar change the altar coverings to blue and …