“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Really? For many, Christmastime is marked by conflict, disappointment, and pain. Memories of loved ones no longer gathered around the table are stirred. The stress that can come with all the preparations, gift-giving, and attending of various parties can be overwhelming. Depression … Continue reading
A question I am often asked or expected to address is, “What is your success rate?” It is a question that frustrates and perplexes me. It is complex for many reasons. In most industries, the question is fairly straightforward. For a coach, success is about wins. For a school district, … Continue reading
I’ve been wrong about so many things. I believed as a kid that hiccups would make me taller and eating spinach would make me stronger (nope! one look at me proves otherwise). I thought fortune cookies came from China (nope! they’re made in America). I thought that bats were blind … Continue reading
I can be slow sometimes. Simplistic. Narrow-minded. The big picture escapes me. I get lost in the details. I suffer from a disorder called MTP or more commonly known as “Missing the Point.” I’ve had it all my life. Let me give you one example of how it impacts my … Continue reading
God put me in my place the other morning. I had a conversation with a fellow Teen Challenge director the day before. He talked about the various accomplishments they have experienced at his center over the last year. The more he spoke of God’s goodness, the more jealous I got … Continue reading
Life Isn’t About Overcoming The other day I was scrolling through facebook when I came upon an announcement from a friend. Her mother had died, and a celebration service was being held in her mother’s honor at a future date. A celebration service? When my mom died, we had a … Continue reading
I came upon an interesting definition of leadership a few weeks ago in a journal: “Disappointing your own people at a rate they can absorb.” Near the end of the article, the author stated that he is inspired by the Great Disappointer, Jesus. Jesus disappointed many people. On a small … Continue reading
I have a longtime friend who has many skills. He’s a great preacher and teacher. A strong leader. Faithful father. Fervent pray-er. Diligent reader. Thoughtful writer. Generous giver. Committed jogger. And a really good winker. There can be months where we go without seeing each other. And then we … Continue reading
I believe in the historical Jesus; I believe, as the Apostle’s Creed declares, that he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; And that on the third day he rose again from the dead. … Continue reading
Romans 8 is arguably the greatest chapter in the Bible. Some of the most cherished verses of believers come from this text: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (v. 1). “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again … Continue reading
