When my cute little angelic cherub children morphed into seemingly demon possessed teenagers with chips on their shoulders, I was inspired to frame and post the following quote in their bathroom where they could see it at least twice a day.  It seemed to have at least a marginal positive impact on their demeanors, and … More Attitude

I asked a group of college students today to think of their best friend, and to share a list of attributes which would describe him or her. Here’s the list: Loyal, easy to get along with, easy to communicate with, honest, not mean nor selfish, good sense of humor, Godly, wise, an encourager, empathetic, positive. … More Your best friend

I was watching a new (2019) documentary on the race to the moon (“Chasing the Moon”), and it reminded me of how much our time now is like the late ‘60s in so many respects.  War (and rumors of war as the Bible says), racial tensions, pestilence, financial stresses, technological risks and advances, assaults on long standing moral values… … More Putting things in perspective

Birds, serpents and doves.  Jesus referred to each in order to give comfort and direction to his followers, his disciples, during challenging times.  Jesus reassured us to not be anxious for the necessities of life during events we can’t control. God provides for the birds, and isn’t he even more concerned for us, his children, … More Comfort for challenging times

I’m considering going to the grocery store at first light today. It seems insane, but it will probably be the most dangerous activity I’ll do over the next several weeks.  An invisible enemy, and so many opportunities for exposure.  What if the person in the next aisle coughs? And they probably aren’t wearing a mask, although I am (fashioned … More Headed into battle

I believe many people find comfort in doing spiritual rituals or sacraments done in a group, for example communion, or the Lord’s supper, which was historically celebrated in a gathering of believers.  After all, the “church” is a group of believers and prayer can often be a part of worship.  Prayer, however, was almost always intended primarily to … More Personal prayer: Listening to God

We just recently returned from Seattle.  Coronvirus, the homeless, drug abuse, big city poverty, sickness.  The airport and trips through the city on the light rail, or visits to the local hospital or grocery store gives you plenty to think about. People, so many people, each with a unique story and a need.  A beautiful … More What are you afraid of?

In my executive coaching practice, or in my role as a Stephen Minister, there are inevitably times when I sense a problem exists that my client or care receiver may be reluctant to talk about.  If I feel a gentle nudge might be appropriate to prime the conversation pump, I will sometimes ask if there … More Bridging the teen communications gap

When I was a wee lad of 8 or 10, I was pretty much the stereotypical 98 lb. weakling, not the bulky mass of muscles you may think of me now.  My brother and I grew up in a neighborhood of all boys, mostly bigger, older boys, and so we quickly developed well-honed survival instincts, … More A“Christmas Story”

Following the suicide of a clinically depressed friend of mine another and I were discussing the difference between depression and faulty thinking, wrong decisions, etc.  It’s an often misunderstood concept. Clinical depression is a physical/chemical/neural brain disorder (not a personality, thinking, or spiritual disorder, although that can additionally exist). It is akin to MS, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, … More Depression and faith