What’s your theology? We were discussing a potential workshop opportunity, kicking around big ideas about goals and outcomes. This question plopped on the table, and I almost rushed to concoct some sort of intelligent-sounding answer. If you’re going to lead a Christian workshop, that’s the sort of question you’re supposed to be able to answer, […]
Continue readingHow To Avoid Spiritual Debt
Don’t let your heart write a check that your head can’t cash. I’ve been thinking a bit about my graduation advice (What Would You Tell A Graduate?). Do what’s right. Don’t make choices based on fear. Be gentle with yourself. I’m wondering why I chose those particular bits of wisdom. I think it involves something […]
Continue readingWhat Would You Tell A Graduate?
It’s graduation season. Parties. Silly-looking hats. Transitions. Excited students, proud parents. And advice-what would graduation be without words of wisdom from those who’ve gone before? I’ve never been big on giving advice. Usually it’s a statement of “what I would do if I were in your shoes” when I’m not in your shoes. That sort […]
Continue readingAdapt
Welcome to another Monday, which of course means word-of-the-week time. This week’s word comes from Saturday’s amazing story of Aimee Mullins and her commitment to … ADAPT Our society celebrates power. We idolize bigger, faster, stronger, smarter. But if you look carefully, those aren’t necessarily the attributes of the most effective, happy people. Those who […]
Continue readingDisabled…Really?
If you’re never heard of Aimee Mullins, you’re in for quite a surprise. I recently encountered this amazing video under the headline: You just don’t look disabled. In about 21 minutes this lady shares an incredible perspective on the impact of the label: ”disabled.” The accompanying article offers some additional insights; it might be worth […]
Continue readingDon’t Be Afraid
The disciples were sitting in a boat. [Matthew 14:26-32] After a long night battling the wind, they saw a man walking toward them on the water. Tired and bleary-eyed, they imagined that a ghost approached from the mist. They cried out in fear. It was Jesus, and He said, “Take courage. It is I. Don’t […]
Continue readingClanging Cymbals
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. [1 Corinthians 13:1] Picture a band comprised entirely of first graders. Now imagine that they’re all equipped with cymbals and gongs. All different shapes and sizes of cymbals, all sorts […]
Continue readingLeft, Right, Or Something Else?
Which are you—left, right, or somewhere in the middle? We’re apparently programmed to think of nearly every aspect of our lives in terms of a linear continuum. Politics provides the most obvious example. Left/right, liberal/conservative, red/blue. While most of us don’t reside at an extreme, we’re certainly conditioned to think of ourselves at least on […]
Continue readingClarity
Monday Monday, can’t trust that day, Monday Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way Do those words from an old song describe how Monday feels to you? If so, maybe this word-of-the-week will help … CLARITY Does your life ever feel out of control, too busy, too far to go and not enough time […]
Continue readingFather And Son
Rick can’t run without Dick. Dick wouldn’t run without Rick. It’s an incredible partnership. But be careful–after watching this, you might be inspired to do something crazy like pursuing your dream. If you can’t see the video, click here.
Continue readingTwelve Year Old Eyes
What do you think when you see this little blue guy? I asked some middle school kids that question. Hands went up, signaling a number of insightful comments. The sign reminded some of friends or family members. A few said they wondered about the people who needed those parking spaces. One appreciated that we care […]
Continue readingWhy Am I Here?
Why am I here? Whenever I talk to a group, I usually begin with some version of that question. Yesterday I visited a group of middle school students. Their answers reinforced my conviction that I always learn more from kids than they learn from me.
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