(I am away on a vacation/study break during the month of July. The posts that appear during the month are from the archives.) I never intended to be a minister. Never. I grew up in a church. Over the years, there were probably a half-dozen ministers who preached at this church. As a child, I… Continue reading What Has Helped You Feel Less Self-Conscious?
Category: Spiritual Formation
The First Question Ever Asked a Human Being
They heard footsteps. They were frightened. They hid. Then, they began blaming one another for where their lives were at this point. God asked this man and woman this question: Where are you? They hid because they had disobeyed God. God had given them the freedom to enjoy a wonderful creation. He did tell them… Continue reading The First Question Ever Asked a Human Being
Learning to Finish What You Start
Many people start. Fewer finish. Consider what we begin: A marriage begins with a wedding. A student begins an academic program. A homeowner begins a do-it-yourself project remodeling the family’s kitchen. A person begins a blog. A church member takes on and begins a project for the congregation. Many people begin. Fewer finish. This past… Continue reading Learning to Finish What You Start
Four Ways to Pursue Wisdom
Do you put a premium on pursuing wisdom? Do you know this pursuit can make all the difference in your future? Some people are intelligent, yet they don’t seem to have much wisdom. Some people are articulate, yet they use poor judgement. Some people are very talented, yet they make some very unwise decisions. Some… Continue reading Four Ways to Pursue Wisdom
When You Find Life Difficult, Beware of these People
This life is often difficult. Maybe that is why I have always identified with the people in our congregation and the community who often find life to be tough. For a lot of people, life is very hard. Marriage is sometimes difficult. My wife and I have a good marriage but that has not come… Continue reading When You Find Life Difficult, Beware of these People
The Key to Having a Lasting Impact on the People You Influence
Most of us have an influence on someone. Your spouse. Your children. Your grandchildren. Your parents. Your co-workers. Your employees. Your church. But — will you have a lasting impact? I once had a very sobering conversation with a minister who said to me, “We know what to do, we just need to do it!”… Continue reading The Key to Having a Lasting Impact on the People You Influence
7 Steps That Will Make a Real Difference in Your Future
The following are seven steps that will make a real difference in your future. Whatever happens to you and wherever God leads, these steps could be incredibly important. They have certainly made a difference in my own life. Grow up. It is sad when a woman discovers that she has married a guy who refuses… Continue reading 7 Steps That Will Make a Real Difference in Your Future
Replenish: Leading From a Healthy Soul
Last week, I read a very good book entitled Replenish: Leading From a Healthy Soul by Lance Witt. The Foreword was written by John Ortberg. The book is a great discussion of what it means for a leader to be attentive to his/her own soul. The following quotes come from the book and hopefully will… Continue reading Replenish: Leading From a Healthy Soul
6 Important Qualities that Children Possess
Just the other day, Kathryn gave me the picture that you see on the right. I was impressed. Kathryn drew this in watercolor. She gave it to me and it has been in my office ever since. This picture is a keeper. What a thoughtful gift! Children often give the most valuable gifts. One Sunday… Continue reading 6 Important Qualities that Children Possess
Lean Into the Finish Line
Intend to finish. Intend to finish strong. No, that doesn’t mean that you live with tension, stress, and anxiety regarding your life. In fact, it actually means that you need to know what the race is about. You need to be prepared. If you are prepared, you can actually relax in the freedom of the… Continue reading Lean Into the Finish Line