Yesterday I took a “selfie.” It wasn’t flattering. In fact, it was downright ugly, and I wish I could have deleted it. I’m not talking about a picture taken with my phone. The “selfie” I’m talking about was self pity. I’m usually an optimistic person, but something happened yesterday that completely threw me off. Before [...]
I wish I could say I’ve always lived out what Jesus said in Matthew 5:23. That call to go and be reconciled with someone who has something against you sounds simple when you read it. It feels very different when you have to do it. If I’m honest, my reasons for not going were never [...]
People often talk about purpose in terms of what they do. A career. A role. A skill they’ve built over time. Those things matter, but they are not the deepest reason you are here. There is a greater purpose. A first calling that comes before all the others. The apostle Paul made it clear. Above [...]
The morning is still and tender.The earth glistens beneath your feet as dew clings to each blade of grass, catching the first light of dawn. The sky is waking—soft gold spilling into pale blue—and something in your chest feels awake too… expectant. You lace your shoes slowly, almost reverently. Today feels different. You step forward, [...]
When I taught middle school in Texas, Lori was one of my special education students. She had a contagious personality and a beautiful spirit—and when she was thrilled about something, her brown, curly hair shook, jived, and jiggled like something out of a 1970s disco. One afternoon Lori rushed toward me with her hair dancing [...]
I've got plans. Lots of ‘em. Truthfully, I’ve got so many that I often drive myself nuts trying to make all of them happen. Don't misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with making plans. Having a clear God-given vision can increase focus and productivity. These are even principles that we teach through Blueprint for Life. [...]
My first kiss was a disaster. His name was Kurt and I asked Mom if he could come over to play. The big day arrived and my kindergarten beau and I were having a fantabulous time. I don’t remember where Mom was, but while we played in the backyard with my sister, someone got the [...]
A few months ago, I was running late one morning (not unusual) and needed to swap cars with Trish before I could head to my meeting. Trish called me and said, “Your car needed gas, so I am filling it up for you. Why don’t you meet me at Kroger and you can leave from [...]
God created marriage as the highest, most honored, and most intimate of all human relationships. When He said in Genesis 2:24, “They shall become one flesh,” He wasn’t just talking about the physical. In fact, in Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus affirmed marital oneness when he said, “. . . At the beginning the Creator made them [...]
Here's my best relational advice: It's better to eat broccoli together than to eat Twinkies alone. God has created us for relationships. He has designed us to connect with one another. Scripture has a lot to say about the importance of connecting with others. In fact, there are 54 “one another” verses in the New [...]
