I’m not that kind of person. It’s a way to create boundaries and define ourselves. I’m not the kind of person who abuses alcohol. I’m not the kind of person who skydives. When someone says or thinks I’m not that kind of person, he creates a box. I’m in this box with others like me. We don’t […]
Continue readingVoluntary Hidden Taxes
Yesterday was Tax Day in the U.S. We know taxes are necessary, and we like to complain about them to some degree. But the taxes that hamper us most aren’t financial, and many are voluntary. Consider the fear tax. It’s exacted every time we limit our opportunity due to fear of something completely beyond our control. […]
Continue readingThe God Who Sees
Hagar was a slave and and she was in a mess. Some of it was her fault, some of it wasn’t. But now she had run away into the wilderness. Pregnant and alone, she waited by a stream to see what might happen. An angel of God appeared and delivered a surprising promise. He told her to […]
Continue readingBlessed Be The Peacemakers
From Ian Morgan Cron, CHASING FRANCIS: I’ve confused being a peace lover with being a peace maker. A peace lover is someone who enjoys the absence of conflict, but a peacemaker is someone who is proactively engaged in works of reconciliation in every sphere of life, from the personal to the global. Is being an […]
Continue readingHow Do We Open The Circle?
Becky and I visit a lot of new places in our travels. As an introvert I’m sensitive to insider-outsider feelings. Regardless of words or size, I often get a sense about whether the circle is open or closed. I work at being aware and moving past that initial tingle, but it frequently proves to be pretty accurate. […]
Continue readingMy
HAPPY MONDAY! A personal discomfort leads to today’s word-of-the-week… MY I’ve become sensitive to, and uncomfortable with, the ways I use the word “my.” My rights. My freedom. My ministry. My team. My turf. As a follower of Jesus, none of those are mine. Yet I often claim them in subtle and not-so-subtle ways as some […]
Continue readingIs It Okay To Coast?
I think about odd stuff while I crank my bike. The other day I took off on a workout with a specific intensity goal in mind. This wasn’t a pleasure ride. But as I topped a small rise old habits kicked in and I coasted for perhaps 100-200 yards without even being aware. I resumed pedaling and […]
Continue readingYou Gotta Suit Up!
Do you remember Charlie Brown? Every year when baseball season began he gathered the Peanuts gang, grabbed his cap and glove, and headed for the diamond, convinced that this year would be different. The cap was essential because it was the team uniform. In Charlie Brown’s words, “If you’re part of a team, you gotta […]
Continue readingWhere’s Your Focus?
“What was Jesus’ primary focus during His three years of public ministry?” It’s a trick question. I’m always a bit suspicious of single correct answers to complex questions. # # # Thomas wasn’t around when Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection. When his friends told him what happened, Doubting Thomas earned his forever […]
Continue readingAbout Championships
From Duke University men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) : I’ve been a Coach K fan for a long time. My admiration has little to do with basketball success. I was elated when my cousin’s son, Tyus Jones, chose to play for Coach K. We celebrated Monday night as Duke claimed the NCAA National Championship. […]
Continue readingWax On, Wax Off
Do you have a favorite iconic movie character? I suppose we all remember different roles for different reasons. One of my favorites is Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid. In one memorable scene, Miyagi asks his student, Daniel, if he’s ready to begin his karate training. Daniel replies, “Yeah, I guess so.” Miyagi sighs. “Daniel-san, […]
Continue readingWhat Would Failure Look Like?
From the start it’s been clear what this is about. I’m a slow learner so it took a while for it to sink in. This crazy adventure wasn’t a bike ride and it wasn’t a fund raiser. # # # Toward the conclusion of the 2011 Mississippi River ride that started this craziness, a nice lady […]
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