Aug 18, 2016 | Calling, Career, Depression, discouragement, Fear, Leadership, Stress, Uncategorized, Work
Two days ago I posted this on FB: “It should deeply trouble us that more than 50% of pastors leave the ministry within their first five years.” One of my pastor friends replied to the post: “What’s the top 5-8 reasons? What 1-2 insights (advice) would you give to...
Aug 5, 2016 | Calling, Career, Depression, discouragement, Leadership, Rest, Stress, Uncategorized, Work
Credit cards operate on the following basic principle: Buy now—pay later. See a pair of shoes you like, but not enough cash on hand or in your debit account? No problem… charge it. A new set of golf clubs catches your eye, but not enough money in your wallet? No...
Mar 24, 2016 | Calling, Depression, Leadership, Productivity, Relationships, Rest, Stress, Work
Several years ago I drove an awesome red truck. The day I brought it home from the dealership, my wife’s first response was: “Oh, that’s a cute truck!” Not exactly the response I was looking for. Manly—yes. Awesome—certainly. Cute? Never! The truck had an RPM gauge...
Mar 10, 2016 | Calling, Career, Family, Leadership, Marriage, Productivity, Rest, Stress, Uncategorized, Work
Back in the 70’s, Cheech & Chong put together a shtick entitled: Sister Mary Elephant. The good sister was substitute teaching for Sister Rosetta Stone, and the class’s assignment that particular day… report on their summer vacation. The first young man (in a...
Jan 21, 2016 | Anger, character, Contentment, Fear, Productivity, Stress, Uncategorized, Work
Hello my name is John… and I’m a plan-aholic. I’m addicted to routine. The weekly checklist is my friend. Each day of the week, my tasks are laid out. It feels great to draw a line through an item when it’s complete. A good day to me is crossing everything...
Dec 23, 2015 | Christmas, Contentment, Family, Relationships, Stress, Uncategorized
Christmas was magical to me as a young boy. The fresh-cut pine tree loaded with lights and ornaments; piles of snow outside; the Charlie Brown Christmas special; holiday kielbasa and raspberry cream pies; family gatherings; opening gifts; no school for two weeks… for...
