Alone for Christmas? Typically, December is a season of cheer but sadly, for many, that isn’t the case.  It’s a time of loneliness not because they are lonely but because they feel lonely. There is a difference.One can be surrounded by people but still feel lonely.  We can be at the Christmas party with a bunch of people but feel lonely.  We can be sitting in a crowded airport or a crowded beach a...  Read More

I don’t enjoy failing. I am sure you don’t either. I love to see my plans come together.Planning is one of those activities in which we humans engage under the heavens. The Old Testament book, Proverbs, commends the wisdom of planning. Yet, there is a fundamental attitudinal error we can make in our planning: overconfidence.Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such ...  Read More

Do you have trouble with focus from time to time?  If so, this blog is for you.The importance of focus is emphasized in today’s passage in the book of Philippians.Philippians is a letter written by Paul, a fundamental leader in the early Church. Paul writes this letter to a church he planted in the Roman colony of Philippi.  He’s writing to encourage them to remain faithful to Jesus and be joyful ...  Read More

   Recently, I sensed that the Spirit was impressing on me the importance of s-l-o-w-i-n-g down and that is the purpose of this blog; but first I want to share a story about the worst family vacation ever.    When I was a teenager, my parents decided to take a trip to the New England States – with teenagers.  There were some high points of the trip but as you can imagine, there were many low point...  Read More

In this skeptical age in which we all live; a common narrative has gained footing among secular culture:  we need to lose religion in its entirety.  Advocates of this view believe reason and science provide the way forward towards a more flourishing society. However, author Mark Clark suggests that proponents of dumping religion altogether ought to “think again” and reconsider the premise that all...  Read More

In his recent Mother’s Day sermon, Pastor Tim offered an important message to modern moms: “the biggest critic in your life is the mean mom that lives [inside of you] …the little voice that says, ‘You are not enough.’ In order to confront this harsh “inner critic” in our hearts and minds, moms need to rely on the “voice of God as expressed in Scripture.”   Read More

Getting the Story StraightGod wired us to thrive according to His design.Let me lay out for you that the story we want to get straight is the story of Jesus, the good news. This action isn’t optional.  It’s not just for pastors and missionaries; it’s the responsibility and privilege of every follower of Jesus.But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witne...  Read More

Change happens when we take initiative.   Read More

Finding yourself isn't about receiving approval from others, but resting in the approval of God/  Read More

Christ is the only one who can give meaning to our boring, normal, non-“influencer” lives.  Read More

    In my previous post, I outlined the first four steps to get unstuck. You can read the entire post here.  For sake of review, the first four steps are as follows:     1.  Create a sense of urgency.     2.  Stop and pray.     3.  Get help.     4.  Form a plan.  After forming a plan to get unstuck, you will have to proceed to eliminating the issues that resulted in getting stuck in the first plac...  Read More

Resist these three powerful and pervasive winds that blow hard against parents today.   Read More