I just finished reading the Embracing Obscurity, and there’s something about this book that hit’s me wrong. But as much as I hate to admit it, it’s totally right. The whole world right now is about getting noticed. If you are in business, just hunkering down and doing the work is no longer acceptable. There must be innovation, transformation and marketing of your idea. This is done in the boardroom all the way down to the boiler room. Social media... Read more
What are you dreaming of these days? Could it be retirement? A new job? A vacation next year? Are you dreaming about a future mate, another career, or a child in the womb? Are you dreaming about eternity? “I have a dream,” shouted Martin Luther King in a sermon that still reverberates across the ocean of time. He saw a situation and envisioned a better day for minorities. His dream is coming true. What would have happened if he had... Read more
There is a deep-seated craving for meaning, to make an impact on the world around me. I’m not here just to consume, or to exist, or live out my days minding my own business. God, use me! So I approach Jesus, just like one of his followers. “Lord, I love you with all my God with all my heart, soul, and strength. But what more can I do?” So he presses me, “Love your neighbor, as yourself.” Bible study is easy.... Read more
We all have chains of continuity, passed on through the generations. I have my father’s nose, a Norwegian tribute to the sky. I have my mother’s personality, at times engaging and at other times, annoying. With my kids I used the same phrases my mother did. “You’re face is going to stay like that.” “In order to have a friend, you need to be a friend.” “If you look for trouble, you’re going to find it.“ I have issues with control,... Read more
My friend is in the middle of a difficult workplace situation. He’s torn between pleasing his boss and certain career decisions that must be made. It rips his heart to have to be in the middle of a no-win situation. He’s losing sleep, anxious over the turbulence and disruption. I didn’t mean to dismiss the situation, but I asked, “In the end, in the final scheme of all things important, in light of eternity, where will this rank?” I have been... Read more
) Oscar Meyer has found a way to get down to the pure basics in life. They recently announced that actor Josh Sankey will travel the length of the country loaded with a trailer full of 3,000 pounds of bacon. His journey will make stops in 12 American cities and he’ll go without any form of currency, including debit or credit cards. He’ll have to barter his way for gas, motels and resturants. You can follow Josh herehere. You can... Read more
The key to the front door is now in the hands of strangers. They’re probably moving boxes in, thinking about what color to paint the walls, adjusting the couch against the front window just so. It’s an odd feeling. Mom died last year. Dad 10 months prior. The little yellow house in the woods kept the reality of their passing at bay. Now, it’s real. There was something about that house that was a lingering reminder of their life. Although... Read more
What’s important to me? There are some things that come right off the top of my head. Relationships with my family, my walk with God, friends, church and work. And there are the secondary things. Will my retirement be around when I’m ready to leave work? Will my car make it through another winter? And then there is another level: Will the washer need to be replaced? Will I be able see my kids for the holidays? Will I need... Read more
There’s one word that marks my life. It’s the word, “no.” Trying to live the disciplined life is a constant struggle that primarily centers around denial. It’s the method taught to me for decades first from my parents, later from the pulpit, and then from family members mesmerized by the lure of legalism. The true mark of obedience, as the thinking goes, is to simply say “no.” With any diet, you’ll find a whole list of no-nos. Less transfats means cutting... Read more
Jody Collins is guest posting today, on this Labor Day. She is giving her memories on her first job. Jody blogs at Three Way Light. She’s a retired teacher and married for 39 years, so she has scads of experience in wisdom. I was born and raised in Southern California, and for many years lived within fireworks-watching-distance of Disneyland.The summer I was 15-going-on-16, (the oldest of 5 children), my mother became a single parent. It was 1968; she was barely... Read more
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