“Cast all your anxiety upon [God], because He cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7)Words that are worth learning, easy to repeat, but difficult to apply. I’ll confess, I have my own seasons of anxiety, doubt, and fear. I have seasons in which my mind circles about in rumination. I’ll wager that you’ve had those times … Continue reading Dealing with Anxiety and Worry
Wellbeing
Is it “Yes” or “No”?
“As a rule, nos do not move you forward.”Thus says Robert Smith in his new book 20,000 Days and Counting. “It’s not always easy to say yes. Yes means taking chances, putting yourself out there, embracing the unknown. But when you open yourself up to yes, amazing opportunities, exciting possibilities, and good results come your way. … Continue reading Is it “Yes” or “No”?
Reconsidering Gentleness
Ours is an era of bravado, coarseness, and bluster. Gentleness, when exhibited by any over a very young age, generally elicits contempt, or at best, pity.It’s time to reconsider gentleness.After all, isn’t gentleness a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23)? Are we not commanded to let our gentleness be evident to all (Philippians 4:5)? When … Continue reading Reconsidering Gentleness
Crowd-sourcing Health and Fitness Inspiration
I am blessed to have smart, active, interesting, and inspiring friends and family. Last month, as I pondered what my 2013 was going to look like, I thought I would seek their advice on a topic that has always bedeviled me: personal health habits. I have yo-yoed in my weight and I have only erratically … Continue reading Crowd-sourcing Health and Fitness Inspiration
Crying out at Christmas
This article was my December 2012 cover article for the Covenant Courier. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Christmas music started up on the radio weeks ago; stores began to showcase their Christmas gear. For weeks now, the engine has been gearing up to propel us into the pre-Christmas carnival of events, concerts, … Continue reading Crying out at Christmas
What You Can Learn From My Quarterlife Crisis
Right out of college, I took a job with a small tech start-up. We were young, eager, and expecting to make millions. We wrecked our health on long hours and a diet of junk food. We spent our social time with our co-workers. Our startup was a hybrid of college and the working world. The … Continue reading What You Can Learn From My Quarterlife Crisis
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 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
Horizons of the Possible 