What should you do with an impossible dream? A while back I spoke to about six hundred middle school kids—at an all-school assembly at the end of the day on Friday. Not sure if that’s brave or crazy. The kids were great. I encouraged them to dream big dreams and believe they can accomplish remarkable things. […]
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How To Enjoy The Journey Home
This isn’t home. As a follower of Jesus, that’s the eternal perspective that helps us make sense of an otherwise senseless world. We’re not home yet. C.S. Lewis said we’re rebels in enemy-held territory. We may know the ultimate result of the war, but knowing makes the battle no less pleasant. And while we’re here, […]
Continue readingWhat’s Easter Really About?
What’s your personal enduring image of the whole Easter story? Of course the cross and resurrection reside at the center of history, but for me a smaller, more intimate moment captures the essence of what Jesus was trying to tell me. In the midst of the chaos and turmoil and fear, He stopped to wash His disciples’ […]
Continue readingWhat To Do With A Gift
Some of the best things to learn are things you already knew. Last week I finally got my bike off the trainer, out of the garage, and on the road. I’ve cranked more than 30,000 miles since I started handcycling, and I still love revisiting the feeling of joy on that initial ride after a […]
Continue readingHere’s The Only Thing That Works
I’m continually fascinated by how many people see Jesus as a control freak. As I learn more about Him, I see no evidence that He cared about rigid external rules. Jesus was about radically transforming hearts, and you don’t do that through fear and punishment. I spent a bunch of time over the weekend talking […]
Continue readingSometimes We Must Be Disturbed
I’m not much of a movie snob. Becky and I watch movies for entertainment. We don’t care much about critics or Academy Awards. At times, we choose a romantic comedy so that we can laugh and snuggle in bed together. Other times we might be in the mood to watch some movie with superheroes or […]
Continue readingTime
HAPPY MONDAY! I’ve noticed something lately that prompts today’s word-of-the-week… TIME I notice two distinct groups of leaders with a large gap between them. In one group I find people who acknowledge others mostly when they need something from them. They talk about servant leadership, but careful observation reveals that they’re not spending much time […]
Continue readingWhat’s The Cost To Feel Safe?
The guy asked what we could do to make people feel safe. I thought it was the wrong question, but I listened to see where the conversation would lead. Eventually the discussion produced this astonishing statement: “The secret to doing important work is feeling safe.” Do you agree? As a teacher I concluded that productive […]
Continue readingEver Suffered From Reverse Pride?
“I’m a mess.” It could’ve been me talking, though this time it happened to be one of the guys in my workshop. He repeated a familiar fear. “How can God possibly forgive the horrible mess I’ve made of my life?” If I had a dollar for every time I’ve said that…well, you know. Ever been […]
Continue readingA Hero Worthy Of The Title
Do you have a childhood hero? Henry Aaron played baseball and lived his life with humility and grace. In the summer after fifth grade I could walk to Milwaukee County Stadium, pay fifty cents, and watch this great man play right field for the Milwaukee Braves in the prime of his career. Even better, my […]
Continue readingIs Facebook A Mission Field?
How do we bring people to Jesus? I saw an article that identified Facebook as perhaps the largest untapped mission field. The writer suggested that churches ought to develop systematic ways to reach people through social media. I’d suggest that most nonbelievers don’t get their impressions of Jesus from church programs and systems. Those folks […]
Continue readingIt’s A Question Of Purpose
If you’ve been here awhile, you know Monte’s part of the team. I’m probably biased, but he’s pretty special. Beyond being a great dog, Monte lives with a specific purpose. His entire life is dedicated to service. Monte was selected as a small puppy based on particular personality traits. For months, skilled trainers developed and […]
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