I have enjoyed conversations with our Senior Pastor Happy Leman about the importance of managing ourselves.  At the very least, this kind of self-management means setting high standards for our own behavior and holding ourselves accountable.  It also means having -- or learning -- what are commonly known as "people skills."  Happy has said moreContinue reading "Yes, we all need emotional intelligence!"

Brothers,Guess what I just found out?  Pam Larson, one of our community life pastors, is working on starting a weblog for the women of the Vineyard.  I think that's great.  As soon as her site gets up and running, I'll let you know.  I've gotten to know Pam and Kevin Larson much better this year. Continue reading "Women of the Vineyard to have their own weblog"

I was having breakfast with a brother this morning, and he was telling me about his family.  He tells me he rarely sees his mother anymore.  She's got her struggles, he added, and then he said, "I haven't seen her much for a couple years."  It's pretty sad because his mom lives right in thisContinue reading "Praying with Imagination and Hope!"

"Light your candles quietly, such candles as you possess, wherever you are." -- Alfred DelpAdvent (literally -- coming or arrival) has been observed for centuries.  Down through the centuries, people have taken time to contemplate Jesus' birth.  This season of four weeks of contemplation and anticipation has been highly regarded historically.  And yet, for theContinue reading "Priming the pump for Advent"

I must confess that I rarely think about my religious freedom.  I take it for granted.  Always have.  Mostly I've spent time complaining about a church on every corner.  "This town has way too many churches, and most of them are half empty on Sunday morning" I grunt.  Shame on me. This Sunday, November 14,Continue reading "Pray for the Persecuted Church"

The mind a beautiful, complex and mysterious animal.  I was talking with a friend recently, and we chatted about how we occasionally obsess about things.  Some people obsess about money, as the guy in the photo here may be doing. Most men obsess about sex. If he's honest, every man knows what triggers his temptationContinue reading "How to keep from Obsessing"

I never tire of hearing another person's story.  Behind almost every story is some happiness, usually, but nearly always plenty of pain.  A child is disabled, a brother was killed in a wreck, the divorce went through last week, a relative is dying of cancer.  Ask anyone, "Tell me about the most painful thing you'reContinue reading "God holds this world together by his power"

What a joy for me to spend last weekend with about 40 Manitoban Vineyard men (including 5 Vineyard pastors). Pastor Jan Steffen from the Brandon, Manitoba, Vineyard asked me to lead a men's retreat October 29-31. Jan (on left) and I (on right) are shown talking with one of the brothers during a break afterContinue reading "Manitoba Vineyard Men"