You were created a relational being. You were built for relationships. God designed you to love. Back in the 1990's, I led a week of church camp. One of the threads of the week was the need for healthy physical touches, primarily hugs. The research we cited revealed that humans need eight (8) meaningful, healthy … Continue reading Staying Connected While Physical Distancing
The other day, I stood on my deck and experienced the many signs of spring. A cardinal and a robin sang their respective songs. The crocus flowers were blooming as were the daffodils. In the energy of spring, there was a peace, a calm. While the natural world is bursting with life, the world of … Continue reading Peace in Uncertain Times
1). It was late Sunday night after a long week. 2). My wife and I had had an intense conversation earlier. 3). A late afternoon meeting was a washout. 4). I was reminded my team wasn't in the NCAA tournament as I rooted for yet another conference rival (who was getting beat). 5). My grandson … Continue reading Yes, I Did It Again!
It was Christmas morning 1991. I left my church in Kentucky shortly after the midnight Christmas Eve communion service. It was a two hour drive. It was late. I was alone on the road, well almost. The red lights flashed in my rearview mirror told me differently. I looked down, 70 in a 45, oops! … Continue reading Home Is Where the Heart Is
Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. I can attest to that truth. Beth and I love doing for others. We enjoy watching their faces when they realize they are loved. Recently we had a young couple in our church face some financial hardships. The husband had been hired through a … Continue reading Generosity Is the Investment Vehicle of Eternity
It is no secret one of my greatest strengths and weaknesses is my ability to see the best in people. It serves me well, but it also has come back to bite me on occasion. I will spare you the details, but one time I was blindsided by some friends. I trusted them. They undercut … Continue reading Forgiveness in the Messiness
"I may lose my relationship with you over this," I said, "but I am willing to risk it. It is my job to protect you and I have made my decision." I sat on the floor facing my daughter. She sat glaring at me. I was so mad, I swore. I was drawing a line in the … Continue reading Working Through the Messiness of Relationships
There is a river in Africa called the Okavango. Unlike most rivers its waters never reach the ocean. The water simply is consumed by the Kalahari Desert. But before the desert drinks up all the water. There is a delta, The Okavango Delta, that creates a vast oasis that gives life to millions of animals … Continue reading An Oasis in the Chaos
My friend Mike told me the other day, "There is a fine line between worry and mediative prayer." That statement resonated with me. There are several things that make me walk that fine line. One is planting Discover Point. Church plants are fragile things. Many don't survive. Another is my leadership. Do I have what … Continue reading A Fine Line
Shalom! This is an ancient Hebrew custom passed down for generations. We often translate the word as PEACE. But in actuality peace is not the meaning of Shalom, peace is the by-product of it. My best understanding of the rich meaning of the word Shalom is "everything as it should be in abundance." When God … Continue reading Peace with God
Inside HIS Grace 