I had an informal discussion the other day with a seasoned ministry colleague. In his current role, he works with a lot of young pastors and seminary students, most of whom express that the focus of their energy is on becoming an outstanding preacher. This discussion caused me to reflect back on my earliest ambitions. …
It’s not uncommon to hear individuals complain about the other drivers in the city or town they call home. In fact, I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard someone day, “This town has the worst drivers.” Maybe it’s just part of the local experience.
I have several solar powered lamps positioned in strategic locations around my back yard. They are tasteful, providing accent lighting around the swimming pool and patio palms at night; and economical, purchased at the local discount store. It’s a rather straight-forward operation. The sun’s light recharges the batteries during the day, which in turn, power…
As one who is trained in the art of listening . . . and who makes his living as a counselor by it, it pains me to see how much listening actually goes on, . . . or not. Mostly not. All around me (and I don’t believe I’m imagining things) it appears that people…
The story is told of a woman in medieval times who was known as the Town Gossip. When she had been sufficiently ostracized by the rest of the town, she felt enough conviction to go to her priest for confession. With a genuinely repentive spirit, she tearfully acknowledged the harm she had caused and vowed…
“Repeat after me,” I said to my counseling client, “The future is my friend.” He looked at me with a furrowed brow and head cocked slightly to the right. “I’m serious. Repeat after me. The future is my friend.” The skepticism in his expression remained, but he complied with a less than enthusiastic tone. “I…