Why I Dislike Coaches, and Why I’ve Become One
Group and individual role labels – like leader, manager, coach, mentor, go-getter, team, type-A, etc. are frequent observations and studies for me. In my 20+ year career, and in college before that, this stood out to me as both peculiar and aspirational. Then, I...
The Profound Connection Between Food, Communion, and Wellness
The funny thing about wellness is the fact that we all can agree that it’s good, but few of us can define it. Fewer still can say they have it. And, if we are being brutally honest, even fewer are willing to relentlessly pursue it. Even as I type this, I’m...
Let’s Restore Charity Back to its Fruit-Filled Roots
Benevolence is a word for charity that we hear less often that we once did. It’s usually in the context of an organizational benevolence fund created to help people during distressed seasons of life. Today, though, I think we just commonly lump everything into...
The Lasting Impact of Having Role Models and Being One to Others
Role models are important. What’s also important to note, is that you are often a role model to others without realizing it. Think about the magnitude of that; every action and reaction you have is being observed. In addition to being watched by someone else,...
Give Real Grace… Even When its Fake as Sh*t
How do you spot a fake? More importantly, how do you realize you’re being a fake? Or more challenging, how do you be true to who you are even when you must behave a certain way to be sensitive to others? I grapple with these questions more than most will ever...
When Developing Character, Seek to Be a “Faithful Man to be Found”
At its core, the Year of Listening Up is about developing character. It’s an annual project that’s an outgrowth of a book I wrote for my daughters, largely centered on the same ambition. Since Edwards made developing character a primary goal of his life, it made great...
Heavenly Reward and Our Greater Capacities for Happiness
We often speak of a heavenly reward. It’s usually said in relation to the phrase “you can’t take it with you.” The “it” in this case is all the stuff we acquire in life. Our homes, cars, clothes, gadgets, toys… even our money. This stuff is stuff we...
God in Culture – a Book Review of Kingdom Citizen by Tony Evans
In Kingdom Citizen: Your Role in Rebuilding a Broken Nation, Tony Evans presents a compelling case for renewed emphasis on the relationship of God in culture. Moreover, he shows how, in our misguided pursuit of buildings and turnkey programs, we have forgotten a call...
Personal Discipleship Requires Having a Progressive Mindset
Many things in life and work require having a progressive mindset. I’ve come to understand that this is especially true when it comes to personal discipleship. Before I explain that and put it into context of Edwards’ second resolution, let me explain a bit....
Moodiness and Bad Moods… and Why They’re Stupid!
Bad moods are inevitable. Some of us find our way into them more often than others, but it happens to us all. It may be caused by how we are feeling, events that happen, as a response to stress, or just because. Heck, I have been so moody, it seems like I am sometimes...