Two recent news stories caught my attention. An organization matched African orphans with U.S. couples wishing to adopt. Turns out the organization was basically stealing kids from their parents and selling them to unsuspecting couples. The kids, their parents, and the adopting couples were victims of an elaborate child trafficking scheme. Another organization sells service dogs […]
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What’s Your Big Story?
Last time I said you and I need a quest. Maybe “quest” is the wrong word. Maybe “quest” evokes images of leaving home in search of some elusive, ethereal vision, of Don Quixote tilting at windmills. In RICH’S RIDE I talked of following a dream. A dream is the God-inspired desire to share your unique […]
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How To Do Your Best And Trust God
Last time I talked about a letter I wrote three years ago to my present-day self. In my letter I reminded myself that life’s about bringing glory to God and pointing people to Jesus. Today’s question: How do we do that? How do we tame the chaos, quiet the clatter, and actually DO SOMETHING within […]
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A Letter To Myself
Do you get consumed by the stuff around you? I do. I know better, but knowing doesn’t seem to matter. Natural disasters, mass shootings, political divisions–I can’t seem to turn away or turn them off. Too often I allow external clatter to become a defeating internal narrative. I just haven’t figured out how to be “in […]
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About Peach Trees
My friends Dick and Ruth planted peach trees. Peach trees along the Colorado Front Range produce fruit about once every five years. In our short-term culture, maybe you think Dick and Ruth (who are in their mid-70’s) are a bit silly. Dick and Ruth follow Jesus. They’re not short-term people. Short-term is all about momentary […]
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Oldest Trick In The Book
If you’re not on our side, you’re on their side. Draw a line in the sand. Rally the troops. You’re either one of us, or you’re one of them. And we all know what they’re like, right? A line in the sand arbitrarily reduces complex issues to black/white, yes/no. We all know most important matters […]
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Soul-Sucking Cynicism
“It’s easier to be a cynic.” A guy said that a few weeks ago after I talked about hope. In his experience, hope opened the door to disappointment and heartache. Easier, he figured, to avoid the pain and resign to the inevitable. I listened. I’m sure I tried to offer some wise-sounding words of encouragement. […]
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What’s The Cost Of Being Right?
“Stone her!” Some reading took me to the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (John 8:2-11). I lost whatever else I was studying as I got stuck on this single fact: the Pharisees were willing to stone this woman—to death! Her life mattered less than their desire to trap Jesus and uphold […]
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I’m Failing At Generosity
It’s better to give than to receive…right? You and I know everyone benefits from generosity. Wisdom and experience substantiate the incredible joy that comes from giving with open hands. Well, I’m trying to give something away. And failing miserably. Every year FRONT RANGE FREEDOM TOUR team members carry a stone to the top of Raton […]
Continue readingWhen The Only Reaction Is WOW!
Today’s an anniversary. Six years ago, Becky and I stepped out in faith on the remarkable journey that became RICH’S RIDE. I thought you might enjoy looking back at what I posted about that wonderful day. # # # Day one of Rich’s Ride…wow! We experienced a gorgeous beginning, a prayer shared with friends and […]
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In It Together
We’re all in this thing together. We awaken this morning to images of destruction as Hurricane Irma grinds its way north. Now begins the massive task of response. I admire those who step forward, who are able and willing to assist their neighbors in the immediate aftermath of massive disasters like Irma and Harvey. If […]
Continue readingHow About Those Results?
All’s well that ends well. right? We’re a results-based culture. Final score. GPA. ROI. Seth Godin recently said…Nothing Matters More Than Results…except for all the things we really value. Relationships and community. Eternal principles. Forgiveness. Grace. Hope. It’s that pesky question again. Do I really believe what I believe? I say it frequently: There’s no […]
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