Erwin Lutzer said in a sermon, “I once met a man who said, “In the forty years we've been married, my wife and I haven't had an argument.” “I said to him, “Well, my marriage has not been quite that boring, personally.” Thankfully, mine and Becky’s hasn’t been either! G. K. Chesterton said, “I have…Read more Yea God for our Incompatibilities – 2011 Marriage Retreat
2011 Woodland Marriage Retreat part one
We were sitting in a large circle in a log room by a stone fireplace this weekend at The Shack in White Cloud, Michigan with couples from Woodland Church. The conversation flowed with laughter, a few tears here and there, encouraging words, and authenticity. These couples are working at building great marriages. It's easy to…Read more 2011 Woodland Marriage Retreat part one
Conversational Power
Good conversation and good coffee build good friendships. Facebook, Twitter and my blog are helpful places for social networking. Those tools can never replace face to face conversations about life, dreams, children, marriage, sports, books, politics, faith, whatever. Some people use them to avoid face to face conversation. It's a loss for them and others…Read more Conversational Power
Obtaining Compassionate Power
A thoughtful review of Jesus’ use of power is absolutely mind-blowing. He possessed absolute power and he used it to glorify God by helping others. He famously overcame the temptation to use his power to serve himself. He is the only exception I know to Lord Acton’s oft repeated truism, “Power tends to corrupt, and…Read more Obtaining Compassionate Power
Compassionate Power
Saturday I was meditating on this beautiful passage of Scripture about our Lord. "When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said." Luke 7:13, NLT The Lord wasn't saying to her, "Cheer up" or "Buck up." From deep within His sinless and selfless self compassionate love for this suffering woman…Read more Compassionate Power
Four Lessons from a Pink Slip
Once upon a time a young man, received his pink slip. The government funding was ending for the job he had and enjoyed. The young man had outstanding performance reviews and good relationships. He had also recently married the love his life. With new responsibilities he drove home from the office not frightened but fully…Read more Four Lessons from a Pink Slip
Open Doors
Have you ever prayed that God would open a door for you? If so you were probably praying for an opportunity. Perhaps you are praying for an open door of opportunity today. People often ask me to pray that God will open a door for them to __________. You can fill in the blank. Looking…Read more Open Doors
Incense Laced Prayers
It's been an enjoyable holiday today. I got up this morning at 4:30 and enjoyed the chilly stillness during my Quiet Time. (It's been chilly in Michigan today.) Mondays are always welcome. Reflecting over the weekend, I give thanks for those who crossed the line and committed their lives to Christ, the gathering of our…Read more Incense Laced Prayers
Can You Extend the Open Hand?
Here's a thought from AWAKENING THE QUIETER VIRTUES by Gregory Spencer (IVP) as you enjoy this Sunday evening and prepare for tomorrow's Labor Day holiday here in the United States. "GENEROSITY OF TIME: A WAY TO THINK ABOUT PATIENCE. One of the louder virtues in American culture is efficiency. It's what makes the clock of…Read more Can You Extend the Open Hand?
Coram Deo 