When someone approaches me and says, “I want to ask you one question”, I think that there has been great thought in that question. Andy Andrews always says, “The quality of your answers is determined by the quality of your questions”. If I want good answers, I must ask good questions. If I’m trying to…
An imitation is a reproduction of the real thing in lots of ways. Imitation is also called the highest form of flattery. If I’m imitating bad behavior, I’m hurting the Lord’s heart and I’m often hurting myself. If I’m imitating good behavior, it can become part of a positive routine that helps me grow. The…
As I’ve aged, I’ve noticed a bit of hearing loss. I think some of this may be normal. My hearing loss could be loud music that I’ve listened to. I am still growing as a listener. I do work at listening to others when they speak to me. I try to be present and focused…
Many years ago, I served as a student pastor. I actually served in the role for just over 20 years. I remember being asked for counsel a lot during that season of my life. I even went back to school and earned a master’s degree in Adolescent Counseling because I felt so inadequate to counsel…
I remember incidents as a kid where I clearly disobeyed direct instruction from my parents or another in authority. I knew what I was supposed to do, I just decided to do what I want instead. I learned really quick where the boundary lines where. I learned that often the instructions were for my own…
I used to want to be famous. I realize that fame comes at a huge cost to a person’s personal life. There are many who want to be famous and they’re pushing hard so that they can sell their songs or their product to others. There are others who are famous, but for negative reasons.…
I don’t always like this word. I’ve seen the consequences for some behavior seem way more devastating than the behavior would seem to call for. I’ve seen lives ruined and restored, but the consequences of the sin last for generation to generation. Solomon took 20 years to build the temple and his castle. He spared…
“If you do this, then I’ll do that” is a conditional promise. There are also promises made without conditions. The Lord loves without condition, but I’m not sure He blesses without conditions. I recall the passage where Jesus said: “….For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain…
There are people who are “detail oriented” people and there those who overlook a lot of the details. The people who often skip or skim over the details are often dreamers and vision casters. They are on to the next big thing while the team that works to support them are plowing through the details.…
This is a small word with a big place in our language. This word is considered a “conjunction”, which is a transition word connecting two different thoughts or words. Please know that I’m not an “English major”, but I do understand the significance of such a simple little word. I use this word a lot…