“Sooner or later, if we follow Christ we have to risk everything in order to gain everything. We have to gamble on the invisible and risk all that we see and taste and feel. But we know the risk is worth it, because there is nothing more insecure than this transient world.” —Thomas Merton, Thoughts inContinue reading "Is this our plan or God’s plan… Oh, may God give us the courage of Joseph!"

I talk with pastors every day in my work.  Having served in this vocation for 35 years, I have a heart for pastors and their families.Pastors are not different from any other people.  They want to be liked.  They want to be praised.  They want to be understood.  They don't want to be judged. AndContinue reading "Christmas can be hard for everyone … even the pastor, aah, maybe the especially the pastor"

When you negotiate with others, here are 4 elements that are almost always true: ** You are unlikely to ever get all you want.** You will probably get more of what you want if you do not issue ultimatums.  Leave the person with whom you are negotiating room to maneuver or you'll likely to find himContinue reading "What did you expect would happen when you thought about negotiating?"

Here is how much God loves us!At the right time, at the right moment, at the time  of  his very own choosing: ... God came.** In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarchContinue reading "The 6 words of Christmas: Right in the nick of time!"

 My Advent reading today (Under African Skies -- Reflections for Advent and Christmas by Carolyn Butler) made me so aware of the fact that in the time of the year when I most want to experience the presence of God that I am most mindful of my inability to do so.Isaiah 30:15-16New International Version (NIV)15 ThisContinue reading "4 elements that can bring lasting, settled peace during the Christmas Season…"

"How long is this inner transformation going to take anyway?"I certainly do wonder.Do you ever think, "Gee. By now I thought I'd be a better person than I am."Me, too!  So often I think of Romans 12:2 that says: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing ofContinue reading "Waiting, Patience, more waiting … the heart of Advent"

There is a clear and sobering side of Advent.  One of the clear themes as we prepare for the birth of the Christ child is WATCH.Thus, part of the Christmas celebration is remembering that always, always, always to be on the watch by remembering the great battle coupled with the great reminders...1.  Never forget theContinue reading "During Advent we keep watch ever so diligently!"