I talked with a pastor recently who I think had practically no awareness of his need for change.  He talked in circles.  When I talk with people, I try to discern if the person is aware of the need for change.  Have they truly drilled down to the core issues?  Frankly, how can you changeContinue reading "Want to change? … Then get awareness, be intentional, make a plan"

I read about a woman who said: “I’m single and I live alone, but I’m in an abusive relationship.”Meaning, with herself, right?I'm afraid that I do understand what that woman is saying, truth be told.For me, that brings up two important questions: How do I talk to myself? and "How do I treat myself?Writer HeatherContinue reading "What to do with that voice in our head…"

I have officiated at lots and lots of weddings.  Most are not hard to do, although I have had my moments.  These days, I often get to work with a wedding planner, whose job is to make sure that everything goes smoothly and pleases everyone.I've watched wedding planners navigate the roads between the bride's familyContinue reading "I like wedding planners well enough, but that’s not what I am…"

 Yesterday, today and tomorrow I am praying, thinking and pondering at the Chiara Center just northeast of Springfield, IL.  This quiet, peaceful retreat center is a ministry of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. I have a simple, private room and bath.  I take my meals at the retreat cafeteria...This is the entrance to theContinue reading "Thinking, praying, pondering, walking…"

Know who you are and what God thinks of you, says Pastor John Piippo, which is infinitely more important than what those in the world think of you, or how they evaluate you.  Thus, in Piippo's view, it always is worth it to struggle against the world system that holds people captive.  I couldn't agreeContinue reading "Let yourself be evaluated by the eyes of Jesus only!"

At the cafe this morning I heard two people talking in the booth next to me.One said to the other, "If you had one do over in your life, what would it be?The person across the table said, "Hmm..."  After 5 seconds of silence came the answer with these 3 additional words: "I don't know.""IContinue reading "What is your one do over…"

I like how pastor Larry Warner speaks about adding Jesus to the equation of life..."The inclusion of Jesus into the equations of life shatters the conventional, common sense 2 + 2 = 4 way of looking at the world, turning it on its head and kicking it out the door. Adding Jesus to the equationContinue reading "You + Jesus=Possibilities that you can only imagine!"

While we struggle with the countless questions of each day (what food to buy, what to say to the boss, how to spend my money, etc, etc), we don't ever want to lose track of the questions about things that always and ultimately matter, the life-and-death questions about meaning, purpose, and value.Frederick Buechner, one ofContinue reading "What is the one question God is asking you to grasp hold of today?"