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

Baseball greats, memorable people… and great memories from my childhood in the 1950s.  Not so much watching them play, but memories of collecting the baseball cards, playing many hours of baseball in the yard next door, and seeing my mom watch baseball on tv, which was one of her favorite pastimes when she wasn’t busy … More My mom and Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Al Kaline…

You did it to me (Jesus in Matthew 25:40).  We’ve all been in that situation, stopped at the busy intersection (walking the dusty trail through Samaria) when we see the disheveled homeless Vet walking down the line of cars.  A torrent of thoughts race through our minds: Is he for real?  Is he safe? Will … More As you did it to one of the least…

A short phrase with a lot of wisdom, “Forgive and forget.”  I heard it as a child, but only as I grew older did I realize the full scope of its wisdom.  It refers to wrongs done to us through the actions or inactions of others.  Little slights or major hurts inflicted upon us by … More Forgive and forget

God loves you and me… so much that he sacrificed His beloved son in order that those who believed in Him might live.  (John 3:16).    Jesus Christ justified us before God.  He paid our sin debt.  For the wages of sin [what we deserve, what we have earned] is death, but the free gift … More God loves the world…

A pastor friend of mine mentioned to me the other day that few people today probably understand what “unequally yoked” means.  I’m sure he’s correct, and that ignorance can have tragic, life altering consequences.  I certainly didn’t grasp the concept fully as a young adult.  Another pastor friend was doing pre-marital counseling the other evening. … More Unequally yoked

Maundy Thursday celebrates that moment when at the last supper (Gospel of John chapter 13) Jesus somewhat shockingly and inexplicably washes his disciples’ feet.  Why would Jesus, their leader, the very Messiah lower himself to do such a dirty, menial task?  (Why would that same Messiah suffer a horrible death on the cross for us!?). … More A new commandment I give you…

Are you familiar with The Great Banquet?  Patterned after the parable in Luke chapter 14, it is a banquet given by and centered on God.  Like it’s counterparts, Cursillo, Walk to Emmaus, and Tres Dias, this retreat examines Christianity as a lifestyle.  The Great Banquet is an orderly, structured weekend designed to strengthen and renew … More You’re invited…