I confess that we finally took down our Christmas tree and decorations this weekend. I confess that every year we seem to be one of the last in our neighborhood putting them up, and the last taking them down. I confess that once I do take down the decorations, I give myself silent permission to judge everyone who hasn’t gotten around to it yet. I confess that I have no will power when it comes to food. I confess that... Read more
After reading Tyler Hamilton’s gripping memoir about professional cycling and life with Lance Armstrong and the Tour de France, I wrote a post last week that included my favorite quote from the book. While talking about the power of a secret, its ability to bond people, then destroy those bonds, Tyler Hamilton wrote: “…secrets are poison. They suck the life out of you, they steal your ability to live in the present, they build walls between you and the people... Read more
If you’ve ever flown on an airplane, you’ve probably wondered what the real deal is on no phone or electronic device usage during take off and landing. This video debunks the myth that it could be a problem. The most interesting details to me are: 1) pilots use ipads and wifi in the cockpit. 2) congress is asking the FAA to change their policy. Hopefully by the time I can actually afford to fly somewhere again, these guidelines will have... Read more
Friday Funny: the purpose of Friday Funny is more than just a cheap laugh (although it certainly includes a cheap laugh). Friday is a writing day for me and I’m usually knee deep in sermon prep (as I am today) by 7am. All of my bandwidth for creativity is being swallowed up by that endeavor and I find myself needed to release the building pressure every hour or two. My typical weekly rhythm finds me at Panera writing from 6:30am... Read more
David Burell once said in my hearing that there are two kinds of people in the world: those who need certitude, and those who quest for understanding. About fifteen years ago I was sitting with some friends in a Hyvee Cafe in Lee’s Summit, MO (I know, but the food was really good there), and the topic of discussion was whether or not the world was black and white. One of my friends – we are still close to this... Read more
Have you ever tried to write something funny? I’m fascinated by this. Humor writing is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever tried to do, and I try to do it nearly every single week. I believe in the power of humor. It is a powerful rhetorical device and can mean the difference between a good sermon or speech and a bad one. It can mean the difference between someone being mildly interested in what you are saying, and... Read more
I’ve heard it said that the genius of the American Constitution has nothing to do with the presidency; it has to do with separation of powers – checks and balances. This simple, yet brilliance principle has kept both State and National governments from running off the rails, keeping one ideological side from ruling in perpetuity, and providing the accountability which forces representatives toward compromise. For the next two years, checks and balances no longer exist in Kansas. 2012 was an... Read more
I confess that my wife and I went to see Lincoln last night… first movie I’ve seen in far too long and it was a good one. I confess that I’ve been down on Spielberg lately because I think he forces his films upon people by manipulating emotions. Instead of provoking from the viewer a strong response of their own, he tells the viewer exactly which response to have and then sentimentalizes the moment until you cry. You end up... Read more
If you haven’t watched this yet, you have to see it. The family just went to see Les Miserables and one of the sons recorded his parent’s reaction to the film in the car after the show. My favorite part is at 0:47 when the dad starts laughing and crying at the same time. “We’ve been to funerals and have been less upset. We’ve been to funerals of family members and have cried less.” …so funny. I have said all... Read more
Over the break I read Tyler Hamilton’s memoir The Secret Race: Inside the Hidden World of the Tour de France: Doping, Cover-ups, and Winning at All Costs. If you love memoir, I highly recommend it. Hamilton, via a talented ghost-writer in Daniel Coyle, renders a detailed and vulnerable telling of the story behind the rise and fall of Lance Armstrong during his epic Tour de France winning streak. In bike racing all of the top riders are naturally gifted athletes who train... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In