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“I Can’t Forgive That.” — 3 Reasons Forgiveness is Exhausting (When Forgiving is Hard – Part 1)
Why is forgiving hard, even exhausting? In part one, let’s explore the experience, three reasons it is hard, plus encouragement from the story of Hagar.
A Final Inspiration: Two Words That Changed My Life — Part 4 (of 4)
Light comes in darkness — and inspiration in the midst of tragedy. My life was affected by such a time and two simple words. This is the fourth and final of a series exploring the story of the Nothing Wasted Life mission.
How to Live in the “Between” of Life: Finding Your Way in Confusing Times
Life is lived in the middle of A LOT of stuff! Explore what is — and isn’t — part of living the “between” well. This is part 3 of a series exploring the story of the Nothing Wasted Life mission.
Lessons Learned: Two Core Lenses for Living More of Your Everyday Life with God
“Did you see that?” Our focus defines what we see. Check out two core spiritual lenses (and a fun video!) as we seek to live more of everyday life with God. This is part of a series exploring the story of the Nothing Wasted Life mission.
4 Ideas to Begin Your Move from Distraction to Focus in Your Life
Explore four ideas to begin moving from distraction toward focus and purpose. This is part of a series exploring the “why” story of this work in the themes of Christian life planning and the Nothing Wasted Life mission.
New Things: 6 Inspiring Reasons for a New Year Family Reflection Tool (+ Resource)
A new year! With six reasons to stop and pause, this new year reflection tool will inspire your new year whether personal, couple, or family. Plus tips for engaging older and younger kids in the experience.
4 Questions for Peace in a Holiday with Family [Holiday Family Conflict – 3]
Pause to prepare. Holidays are special times of hope — past reflections, new experiences today, and tomorrow’s dreams. But conflicts can creep in. Check out four ways you can pause to prepare for difficult holiday family moments.
Found Along the Way: Good Idea List | December 2021
This Month: 2021’s themes, Self-care vs. Self-medication, Busy vs. Full, why to end your shower with cold water (!), …and more! This easy-to-skim good idea list has some interesting bits of information, quotes, wisdom, resources, and fun(!!).
2 Ideas to Get Better at Holiday Family Conflict and Challenges [Holiday Family Conflict – 2]
It’s an exciting time of year! In Part 2 of the Holiday Family Conflict series, we explore three ways to prepare yourself and then ideas for working with your relationships with the evil, foolish, and wise.
2 Reasons Why You See Holiday Family Conflict and Challenges [Holiday Family Conflict – 1]
Are your holidays headed for some family tension? In this first of two parts about holiday family conflict, we explore the reasons why in six causes of conflict and three people types to watch for.
Found Along the Way: Good Idea List | November 2021
Your Plans vs. God’s Plans?, Countdown Fun, you can un-Google yourself?!, practical tips to avoid burnout …and more! This easy-to-skim good idea list has some interesting bits of information, quotes, wisdom, resources, and fun(!!).
Avoiding the Danger of Success: Ideas for Persevering and Perspective Beyond Your Good Times
Can success really be a danger? If so, how can we enjoy it but avoid the pitfalls? A recent experience brought the danger of success to my attention so let’s see what we can learn together.
Hearing vs. Listening: 3 Tips for Listening Well and Connecting with Others
It was a busy time of life and I got caught. Come hear about it and three ideas to inspire your listening well (and why we struggle with it).
3 Questions to Inspire Your Growth and Knowing God in Parenting
It was a nice, cool fall night with a sky full of stars. A friend and I were enjoying a fire and catching up including on being dads. And as we talked one thing that came out was how parenting has two directions of growth.
Found Along the Way: Good Idea List | October 2021
Seeing Sound (fun!), four ways to read, why pray, adding quality (not just length) to life …and more! This easy-to-skim good idea list has some interesting bits of information, quotes, wisdom, resources, and fun(!!).
Two Questions to Refocus on God in Everyday Life [Fall Focus Ideas – 3]
It is easy to focus on the blessings and gifts of life. So how do we take the good gifts and refresh and refocus on God in everyday life? A a recent illness, here are a few fresh thoughts to share.
6 Ideas for Connecting with God in Meetings [Fall Focus Ideas – 2]
How do you engage God during a church or ministry meeting? It can be hard. But here are ideas for connecting your team with God even in the most practical of meetings.
2 Ideas to Not Waste Fall’s Opportunity for Change [Fall Focus Ideas – 1]
What’s your fall change? Fall explodes in colorful images of change. Let’s learn about “course corrections” and two practical change ideas to not waste fall’s opportunity for change.
Found Along the Way: Good Idea List | September 2021
Inspiring “Spiral of Grace”, Best Email Tips, Class of 2021’s “Mindset List” (love this!) …and more! This easy-to-skim good idea list has some interesting bits of information, quotes, wisdom, resources, and fun(!!).
[Conflict Tools for Christians – 3] How to Go with Curiosity over Cutoff
What’s your response in conflict? Control? Cutoff? Could curiosity be a good Christian response? Let’s explore curiosity in conflict, how to use it, and how that can bring greater growth for you.
[Conflict Tools for Christians – 2] Dealing with Triangulation in a Team/Church/Family
Why does a group get off track? Explore what to watch for and what to do for your team, whether work, church, or family. This is part 2 of the Conflict Tools for Christians series.
[Conflict Tools for Christians – 1] An Unexpected Solution
Conflict floods our minds in church, family, or work. But what are some conflict tools for Christians? Our first, modeled by Jesus, has a surprising approach.
Found Along the Way: Good Idea List | August 2021
(Impressive) Hiding of Gymnastic Mistakes video, Increasing Awareness of God’s Presence at Work, Best Number of Hours in a Day to Work (!!) …and more! This easy-to-skim good idea list has some interesting bits of information, quotes, wisdom, resources, and fun!
Why is There So Much Change Right Now?: Part 3 – How to Grow in Nonanxious Presence
Change happens and we often react to emotions or circumstances? Today we look at how to grow in nonanxious presence in exploring Psalm 46’s wisdom and a practical way to engage it.
Why is There So Much Change Right Now?: Part 2 – What is Going On
Many feel there is so much change right now in moving through historic times. Learn about two responses you can choose In the midst of anxiety and change — personal to family or church to school to business. And explore a Bible passage that captures the sense of such times very well!
Why is There So Much Change Right Now?: Part 1 – Understanding Why
“Why did they make that decision now?” Families, businesses, and churches are observing “sudden” choices for change in this pandemic period. Why now? This two-part series will offer both an explanation and a practical solution for you in that process whether for yourself or someone else.
4 Traits (in You) for Developing a Good Relationship with Your Teen or Young Adult
Parent or mentor? Raising teens or launching to young adulthood can be hard. Here are four things (on your side) to consider in developing a good relationship with your teen or young adult.
Found Along the Way: Good Idea List | July 2021
This Month: Fun illusions, How to Sabbath, Three Modern Identity Temptations, Communicating Ministry Skills for a Secular Resume…and more! This easy-to-skim good idea list has some interesting bits of information, quotes, wisdom, resources, and fun(!!).
Are You a Stone Throw Away from Turning Away from Jesus?
Life can be too familiar. From my blind familiarity, a fresh awareness blew in about the temptation to turning away from Jesus. Explore refreshing who you are in turning toward Jesus in the midst of a familiar life.
Doing Less is More (or Reduce Your Life Clutter)
Unfocused or exhausted? Doing less can be more. Along with exploring the impact of a cluttered life, see how God’s Kingdom views offers us fresh ways and perspectives on living a fulfilling, well-aligned life.
7 Ideas for Sending Kids Well (Summer Camp, College, Back to School, or Other Pivotal Moments)
We send our kids for various reasons and lengths of time, whether the start of a school year to summer camps to college to Basic Training. Today we’ll check out seven practical ideas for sending kids well to their new adventures.
Found Along the Way: Good Idea List – June 2021
This Month: Quote on Dynamics of Forgiveness; Does ministry start at belief or belong?; A “third way” on eternal security; New relationship resource …and more! This easy-to-skim good idea list has some interesting bits of information, quotes, wisdom, resources, and fun(!!).
Sports and Faith Story: New Beginnings Happen for Baseball Players Too
A legendary baseball player’s home has NONE of the awards and mementos of his celebrated career! Why? This sports and faith story will inspire you that there are new beginnings.
3 Ideas on What To Do When the Bad Happens — A Christian Approach
The difficulties and challenges of life come out of nowhere. What do you do when the bad happens? In exploring encouraging Bible moments as well as practical tips for your everyday life, we will find there is a way we can turn to God and endure — even grow!
A Word for Graduates: 5 Areas to Apply Investment Thinking in Life
Congratulations to graduates! Life transitions are great times to make changes. And key to this is looking at investing. Check out five areas to apply investment thinking in life. And begin building for your next season, whether a graduate or not.
Found Along the Way: Good Idea List – May 2021
This Month: Email Habits, *When* to Do Things, Silence and Spiritual Life. And more! This easy-to-skim good idea list has some interesting bits of information, quotes, wisdom, resources, and fun(!!).
Church Life: “Get Along with You Easily? I Don’t Think So.”
Are you getting along in the church with everybody easily? Probably not. Why? Today we explore this as well as two ideas for living in peace with others and in yourself.
4 Tips on How to Transition from COVID: Getting Back to (a New) Normal
Transitions can be hard. Being in COVID so long has made it “new normal.” What happens to us in the transition out? How can we deal with it better? Come explore four tips in how to transition from COVID.
Forgotten Job? 4 Practical Inspirations for Your Calling as a Family
Callings are often thought of as “out there.” But they are often near us and even right there in our home with our family. Here’s four ideas to living out that calling with more joy and intention.
Found Along the Way: Good Idea List – April 2021
This Month: Productivity from “No Time.” Emotional Intelligence and Leadership. And more! This easy-to-skim list has some interesting bits of information, quotes, wisdom, resources, and fun(!!).
How Jesus’ Cross Changes Your Life in Comfort, Charisma, and Your Crosses
Charisma, comfort, and Jesus’ cross all overlap in impacting how you live. Let’s see how — and three questions to deepen this Easter season.
When the Wind Blows: 5 Hopes about God in Life’s Unexpected Surprises
What do you do when the winds get strong and loud in your life? When one of life’s unexpected surprises blows in? Some days are
One Thing All Responses to Jesus Have in Common
People have various responses to him but there is one thing all responses to Jesus have in common. On the way we’ll touch on the wisdom of C. S. Lewis and John Stott.
What Do You Love? Surprised at What We Love
Paint. Words. Music. The creative arts can help us learn about life and faith. Here is a poem (and devotional) that recently impacted my life around the idea “What do you love?” The poem is worth a read!
Found Along the Way: Good Idea List – March 2021
This Month: Understanding the Trinity. Leading meetings tips. Study tips. And more! An easy-to-skim good idea list with interesting bits of information, quotes, wisdom, resources, and fun!
Refresh Your Life: A Core Idea in How to Change
Let’s look at one core idea that is in ALL change. Change, chosen or not, is not like a refresh button. And while not easy, knowing this idea helps you know how to change — and see the place of God in it.
Healthy Marriage: 6 Lenses for Deciding Who to Marry
A HUGE life-changing question, whether a Christian or not. And it can seem easy—or hard! Explore six lenses that help a person in deciding who to marry. Whether for you or someone you know, this will be a helpful tool and discussion whether you are a Christian or not.
Broken Together: 4 Ways Faith Changes Marriage
With Valentine’s Day, we remember marriage/couple life carries our best hopes and dreams in being “broken together.” Explore four common challenges in Christian marriage and how the cross and faith brings hope.
Found Along the Way: Monthly “Good Ideas” List – February 2021
When hiking, you may find items along the way, not knowing if they are needed. Here’s an easy-to-skim “good ideas” list of interesting bits of info, quotes, wisdom, and fun(!!) for help or enjoyment!
Can You See It? Finding Hope When You Can’t See It
Darkness is not the only reason we can’t see. What can you do when hope is thin? These moments can come at various times—sometimes unexpectedly. Let’s explore (with a fun video about attention!) an interesting side of your mind—and how you may see hope.
4 Tips for How to Deal with Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts can be painful AND hard to stop. Explore neuroscience links, why thoughts can hurt, Bible themes on this, and identify helpful habits for negative thoughts.
3 Ways Jesus’ Baptism Affects Your Life
Does Jesus’ baptism affect your everyday life? Yes! Check out how this divine party gives us three ways to be aware of Jesus’ mission then—and how we live out his mission now.
How to Grow in Unusual or Strange Days
“Unusual days.” It’s been said a lot. How do we make the most of them? How do we grow? What patterns get in the way? Let’s explore this (plus hear my own learnings in these historic times.)
Ideas of 2020: A New Year List
In a hard year, here is a new year list of 2020 ideas that impacted me, big or small, fun or interesting. May they help you for your new year! (And, just for fun, a bonus Star Wars-Jesus tie-in!)
Getting Your (or Your Family’s) New Year Off to a Good Start
A new year!! How can we start the new year well? Want to leave last year behind? Whether yourself or a family, get some practical ideas and tools on how to reflect on your past year as well as look to the next one.
Holiday Family Conflict and Relationship Challenges: Finding Some Peace on Earth (OR How to have Goodwill Toward All)
Family conflict. Holidays can be very special times but many find it is a challenge. Let’s explore some practical ways to live these times with a little more peace for everyone.
When You Are Tired: A Long-Term Perspective
Life’s experiences can have some long roads. Very long roads. For me, such times can lead to being discouraged or just plain tired. Through hiking, we’ll explore some ways to last the long haul.
