So many headlines begin with: "Experts agree that ..."  A truer headline would be: "Those who've invested a lifetime in a specific way of thinking still agree with their own invested way of thinking."

A wise sage named Dallas Willard introduced me to the powerful spiritual practice of not always needing to have the last word in a disagreement or argument. Especially when you are right.

Why does November 11th bring such a smile to my face? By the end of this reading, you’ll know. And you may be smiling as well.

In a world where we can customize anything, we often try to do the same with God. We expect him to be on our timetable. To give us endless options. To make people and things abide by our plans.  

Our journey with God is never about the shortest distance between two points. It's about the journey from who we are to who we’re becoming.

If you want more peace in your day, try this simple practice.

One of my favorite movies is The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It’s the story of a man who lives more in his head than reality.

When you’ve given it your best and it still isn’t enough, what then?

Is it hard to say "no" when people ask for your insights and time…even when your life is at full capacity? 

Do your best today to bring the light of Jesus and the love of God against all of the death and dark facets that run wild on Halloween. 

Today’s a great day to remember those who have cheered you on or supported your gifting over the years. Perhaps a parent,  teacher, or coach when you were younger.

The right tools always make things easier, whether building a deck or bringing our dreams to life. As any handyman knows, there’s never just one way to fix something or one tool for all needs. 

So much of what’s created is temporal. It’s here. Everyone talks about it for a day. Then it’s gone and forgotten.

When someone prefaces their remarks with the words “in my humble opinion” or (if online) IMHO, brace yourself. Because what follows is rarely kind or humble. 

Sometimes all we can do is just make it through the day. For good reason. 

Let’s stop giving Halloween a pass simply because of childhood memories, cute kids’ costumes, or the fun of trick-or-treating. Just because there are seemingly harmless aspects of the day doesn’t alter the fact that Halloween is saturated in evil. 

“Well,” the car mechanic squints while staring at your car’s engine, “it’s complicated.”

The first thing I do each morning, before getting out of bed, is spend a few minutes with God. My goal is to begin with him. So I take a moment to sense his presence and ask him, “Father, what do you have for us today?”

There are a lot of strong first chapters that start well. That’s good. 

But the second chapter is harder. It always requires more. And that’s where most quit.

Don't wait until you feel qualified to create. 

The enemy tries to diminish your dreams by making you feel unqualified.