“Thank God that’s over.” That is likely what the vast majority of people will say tomorrow, whether their “side” won or lost. Election day is the culmination of a season of nastiness as politicians and their underlings vie for seats of power and influence. However, we can spin this another way. This is a season … Continue reading Thanksgiving Conspiracy: Election Edition
Uncategorized
Thanksgiving Conspiracy: For all the Saints
All Saints Day. A good day to begin the Thanksgiving Conspiracy. On this day we remember all the saints who have gone before us. We remember that we are not adrift alone in the currents of history. The 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews recites a catalog of saints: Abraham, Moses, Samson, and … Continue reading Thanksgiving Conspiracy: For all the Saints
When Someone Gets Your Good Idea First….
I had a great idea. As part of the Thanksgiving Conspiracy, I was going to ask people to take photos of things for which they are grateful. I was going to invite them to post those photos on Instagram or Facebook. I was even going to call it the "Instagratitude" project. Catchy, … Continue reading When Someone Gets Your Good Idea First….
Join the Thanksgiving Conspiracy!
I’m engaged in a conspiracy. It’s a conspiracy to celebrate Thanksgiving with as much anticipation and excitement as we approach Halloween or Christmas. Our goal, should you join us, is to replace “Turkey Day” with “The Thanksgiving Season”. Care to join us? Then let me challenge you with a little practice for the Thanksgiving Season: … Continue reading Join the Thanksgiving Conspiracy!
The way to topple the idol of rumination
Ruminating is a dominating compulsion. Even though everyone hates to ruminate. We do it when we’ve felt run over by a powerful persona. For hours and days afterward, our mind reruns the script, inserting every good comeback we wish we had made. We resolve that never again will we be caught off guard, and we … Continue reading The way to topple the idol of rumination
Consume Less. Savor More
I’m trying to learn a new habit. My primary motivation is for my physical health, but this habit has broader application. It’s a simple habit, summarized in four words: Consume less. Savor more. I’m trying to build this into my dietary habits. For years, I’ve been in the habit of hoovering down food as though … Continue reading Consume Less. Savor More
Some people just want to be unhappy
Some people just want to be unhappy. They will latch on to you. Out of compassion, you try to meet their needs. Somehow the bucket never fills. They are still unhappy. Their conversation is a litany of complaint, woe, and frustration. In response to every suggestion they will explain why it won’t work. Their favorite … Continue reading Some people just want to be unhappy
The challenge of social wellbeing
I’m having a hard time writing about a topic. I hope you can help. Perhaps you’ve figured out I’ve been blogging about Gallup’s Wellbeing project. Gallup identifies five areas of Wellbeing: Career, Social, Financial, Physical, and Community. These five areas work together, contributing to one another, supporting and bolstering one another. Together they shape our … Continue reading The challenge of social wellbeing
The Key to Financial Wellbeing
In economically anxious times, how can we speak of financial wellbeing? We struggle to make our piles of pennies meet the mountains of expenses. We stress about costs spiraling higher. Worry, angst, anxiety. On average, married couples argue about financial issues three times a month. Yet here’s what the Gallup wellbeing study has to say about … Continue reading The Key to Financial Wellbeing
30 minutes a day
What one daily habit will with certainty improve your life quality? I know – I’m a pastor. I’m supposed to say “a daily devotional,” “Bible reading and prayer,” or perhaps “daily reflection on our lives in light of God’s word.” Make no mistake, these are good, spiritually healthy habits, and I commend them because they … Continue reading 30 minutes a day
Horizons of the Possible 