Author Archives: Don Follis

In my June 5 religion column today for the Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette, I reflect a little on how we hear God’s voice.  I was remembering an incident on one of my trips to China that got me thinking about this… —– A few years back on an overnight train from Shanghai to Beijing, I lay inContinueContinue reading “Learning to hear God’s voice”

I met Pastor John Piippo 7 years ago via his blog.  I have just read his new book Praying: Reflections on 40 years of Solitary Conversations with God.  My column in today’s Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette (5/22) explains how I got to know Piippo.  And I think you’ll see why I feel his new book, which I recommend,ContinueContinue reading “You learn to pray by praying”

Writer Henri Nouwen says the essential question of the Christian life is this:Who do you belong to?One of my teachers and mentors John Piippo answers that question like this:”I am my beloved and He is mine.  I belong to God.”Piippo then explains, “I do not belong to other people and what they think of me.ContinueContinue reading “Who do you belong to?”

The Holy Spirit lives inside all believers. But…The Spirit’s work can be hindered.  It’s sad but true.Consider these words from the Apostle Paul.”And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30and”Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.” I Thessalonians 5:19Here’s what happens.  WeContinueContinue reading “Yes, we can grieve the Spirit & put out the Spirit’s fire”

My column today in the Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette (5/8/16) looks at 5 memoirs, all published this year (2016), that I have read since the first of the year.  Interestingly, all 5 book, in their own way, tackle one of life’s most enduring questions … “If God is so loving and good, why do such horrible thingsContinueContinue reading “5 memoirs that help give words to one of life’s most enduring questions”

Two things if you want to be truly pastoral: 1.  Someone tells you something incredibly sad or confusing or hurtful or whatever.  Try saying, “I just don’t know what to say. I am so sorry.” It’s the truth.  It’s honest and it’s heartfelt.  You aren’t trying to fix anything. 2.  Say, “I just don’t knowContinueContinue reading “What to say when you don’t know what to say…”

I really, really like how my friend John Doyel thinks about loving ourselves…—–I think to love ourselves in a proper way it is done by looking at ourselves through God’s eyes.  It has nothing to do with the grades we got in school or the trophies sitting on the mantel.  It is not the resultContinueContinue reading “What in fact it truly means to love yourself … Bingo!”

I was looking at Suzy Welch’s 10-10-10: A Life-transforming Idea.Her idea is simple, and I like it.  Before making a decision, consider how will your decision affect you in 10 minutes, 10 months and 10 years.For example, in 10 minutes going to my exercise class at the YMCA this morning might make me feel stressedContinueContinue reading “Decision making”