Sometimes you just have to bake a little bit longer

My 70-year-old friend told me his health issues started when he was born.The mystery, the wonder of life…”I was born dead,” he told me, “and that didn’t do me any good.””I guess not,” I said.  “Not a particularly great way to start.””I was born at home and the country doctor eventually just covered my bodyContinueContinue reading “Sometimes you just have to bake a little bit longer”

Sigh! Church drama 101 and what to do about it.

Pastor Ron Edmondson gets it on church drama…  Sigh…Here are the things Edmondson has learned about church drama.  All 10 are right on.  My responses in red follow each of Edmondson’s comments …Not all rumors are true. Most aren’t. Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart. Proverbs 18:8. NLTPeople like to expandContinueContinue reading “Sigh! Church drama 101 and what to do about it.”

You do know, I hope, that God loves you and created you just the way you are… Really!

I talk with lots of people, especially pastors, who feel like they just don’t measure up.  They feel inadequate and like they have little to offer.  I often turn to Psalm 139, especially the first 6 verses.Psalm 139 New International Version (NIV)1 You have searched me, Lord,    and you know me.2 You know when I sit and whenContinueContinue reading “You do know, I hope, that God loves you and created you just the way you are… Really!”

Let your Yes be Yes. Period…

When talking with people, especially if you are in a position of leadership, here are 4 bedrock principles worth following ….1. Don’t overstate things or exaggerateYou want to lose your credibility with people, exaggerate.  When you say things do you find yourself saying, “True story.  Cross my heart.”   When you start saying phrases like that,ContinueContinue reading “Let your Yes be Yes. Period…”

Now that, my friends, is a gift!

Almost 10 years ago up at Fairview Medical Center in Minneapolis, my youngest brother David gave my younger brother Bob, whose kidneys were failing, one of his kidneys.  How’s that for sharing!!The antigens in their blood types made them a terrific match and indeed, both brothers are doing very well.  Both working, exercising, feeling wellContinueContinue reading “Now that, my friends, is a gift!”

Three of the “must ponder during Lent” verses

1 Timothy 1:15-17New International Version (NIV)15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an exampleContinueContinue reading “Three of the “must ponder during Lent” verses”

Easter is coming … Christ is coming … Hold on! Hold on! Hold on!

During the Vietnam War the U.S. averaged 150 dead a week for seven years.  In World War II, we lost about 300 men every day for four years.  In the Civil War, 400 Americans a day, Union and Confederate, died from the battle of Ft. Sumter (April 1861) to Appomattox (April 1865 when the SouthContinueContinue reading “Easter is coming … Christ is coming … Hold on! Hold on! Hold on!”