Aug 6, 2020 | Exhaustion, Fatigue, Relationships, Uncategorized
A couple of weeks ago, Laura and I attended a high school graduation party. It was the first extended time we spent talking and interacting with a large group of people since the COVID-19 quarantine began. The party was great fun, but when we got into our car to...
Jul 23, 2020 | Abuse, Anger, Hatred, Relationships
I want everyone to like me. But everyone liking me isn’t required to have a good life. I want to like everyone. But let’s be real . . . some people are easier to like than others. I’m not sure liking everyone is possible. So we tend to make peace with disliking...
Jul 16, 2020 | Graciousness, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Pastor, Relationships, Uncategorized
Today, a timely post from our teammate, Jaime Hlavin. Enjoy ~ John We live in a time where graciousness seems to be in short supply. The Bible describes God as a “…compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Exodus 34:6)...
Jul 9, 2020 | character, Family, Growth, Leadership, Leading Yourself, Relationships, Uncategorized
This past weekend Laura and I celebrated Independence Day with a small group of friends. Over a sumptuous feast of smoked ribs, pulled pork, beans, and slaw, we started talking about—of all things—our lawns. Is that a sign of aging? Anyhow, it got me to thinking about...
Jun 11, 2020 | Calling, Career, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Likeability, Ministry Leader, Pastor, Relationships, Team members, Uncategorized, Work
What’s it like to be on the other side of you? I remember our lead pastor posing this question to us during one of his talks several years ago. It’s an intimidating question to ask ourselves. Even more intimidating to ask someone else, “What’s it like to be on the...
Jun 4, 2020 | Calling, Family, friendship, Ministry Leader, Pastor, Relationships, Uncategorized, Work
Today, an important post from our teammate, Jaime Hlavin, on the subject of simplifying. ~ John This week was weird. The governor of Michigan has begun to reopen our state. And it felt almost “normal.” And by “normal,” I mean exhaustingly busy to the point that I...
