So you are about to lead a potentially volatile meeting.  You already know there are some major disagreements.  You feel like you're sitting on a powder keg.  Conflict resolution specialist Ken Sande proposes 5 questions you might ask each participant:  Briefly stated, how do you feel because of this problem? What have you done that mightContinue reading "Diffusing potentially volatile meetings…"

This always is one of the central messages of Lent is this:   No pretending; no denial ...Thus, this morning I did what I have done hundreds of times.  I followed the advice of one of my heroes in the faith John Stott.  I first read my Lenten readings from the Bible.  I reflected on them forContinue reading "Lenten Readings — Holding in tension the Word of the Lord & the news of the day!"

I love this Lenten prayer that was composed by Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930), and I am praying it throughout Lent...  Litany of HumilityO Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me,Continue reading "A prayer of humility for the Lenten season"

Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the Church's observance of the Lenten season.  The next 6 weeks are set apart for the purpose of drawing us closer to God and seeking him with greater intensity.I attended an Ash Wednesday service at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Champaign, IL.  When I stepped to theContinue reading "Letting God search me today — Ash Wednesday — the first day of Lent"

The third time Satan tempted Jesus in the desert he tempted Jesus with the need to control others, as I read it, and thus control the outcome of their lives:8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he saidContinue reading "Tempted to control others? Pray for them — Let God tell them what to do!"

The Rev. Dr. Andrew White, Vicar of St. Georges Anglican Church in Baghdad, Iraq, sitting with some of the children from his parishDuring Lent, which begins this Wednesday March 5, Jesus followers around the world humble themselves and open themselves up to God.  They say, in effect, "God I'm yours.  You are my Creator andContinue reading "Where is God calling to serve during this Lenten Season? … Will you let him have his way?"

   Just read The Cat Lady of Highland Park, a memoir by Robert Blaine.  The memoir focuses mainly on Blaine going as a young teen from Lincoln, NE, to Chicago, IL, to live with his complex aunt in the north Chicago suburb of Highland Park.  He lived with his aunt and uncle for 10 years. Continue reading "The Cat Lady of Highland Park"

Wow!!We just cannot ever, ever, ever, ever let our guard down.  Not in this world.  Nor can we ever, ever, ever, ever think, "Well, I had lots of great quiet times last week.  I think I'm pretty good for this week.  I have enough momentum to keep me for a while."Are you kidding?  There isContinue reading "We cannot EVER let our guard down!"