Soul-work is hard. Since my Sabbatical began, I’ve been going inside myself to see more, learn more, and ultimately heal more. What I’m finding hasn’t been pretty. For now, I’ll spare you most of the gory details, but this one thing has been coming up, over and over again. This one aspect of my … Continue reading
My bible study has started one of our epic journeys again, this time through Mark’s Gospel. Last week we spent some time in chapter 1, and we talked a bit about Jesus’ baptism: About that time, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. While he was coming up … Continue reading
Hey everyone! Today I’m starting a new weekly series, “Weekly Wonder.” These are just random things—mostly short—that have captured my thoughts, heart and attention this week; things that are drawing me deeper into the heart of God, or inspiring me to work, or be a better leader/husband/father… So let’s get started… Thomas Merton. Wow. I’d … Continue reading
I was listening to the Fresh Air interview with Ben Affleck (it’s really good, IMO), and he was talking about some advice he received as a first-time/inexperienced movie director. Early in his career, he was told, “Know what your second shot will be.” Affleck explains that a first-time director always knows what his first shot … Continue reading
In Exodus 20, God gives the Israelites some basics for living in response to his act to set them free from slavery. Known to most of us as the “Ten Commandments” or “Ten Words”, they are pretty much the bare essentials to living as faithful human beings. They include prohibitions against idolatry, cursing, murder, adultery, … Continue reading
What lengths would you go to in order to hear the voice of God? Assuming first that this word spoken, this whisper is actually the most important thing in the world—more important than our frenetic activity… … more important than our church involvement … more important than our spiritual gifts, … more important than our … Continue reading
Since I began my sabbatical a few weeks ago, my family and I have been attending a neighborhood church. The experience has been refreshing, most of all because I am getting to experience worship again as, well, a worshiper. As we prepared to worship, I was trying to grasp onto the culture there: How many … Continue reading
Without a watch I can tell you—within about 3 minutes or so—when 1 hour has elapsed. No really, I can. I can do this little parlor trick because over the past 15 years of my life I have had to learn how to use 60 minutes of time in the most effective way possible. I … Continue reading
Though my sabbatical began officially last Sunday, for all intensive purposes it truly begins today, because (a) it’s not impossible that I would have a Sunday off, and (b) Mondays are my normal days off. But Tuesday is another story. Tuesday marks the beginning of my work week; I answer email, then drive in for … Continue reading
Well, it’s here, isn’t it. Maybe 2012 was the best year of your life; maybe it was a disaster. Either way, it’s gone. This morning I enjoyed my ritual of opening my 2013 Moleskine (that’s mole-eh-SKEE-neh to you) and getting ready for the new year. I love this part of the year, because no matter … Continue reading
