We are nearing the time of year when school starts again. For most people this means busier schedules, more traffic, higher stress, and the end of vacation season. The intense glare of our hustle and bustle shines on our priorities and proves what they are. Whether or not we are intentional about choosing our priorities falls to us. Either I am the boss, or my schedule is the boss. If this is true about our schedules it must also be true about our relationship with God. Either we are casual toward the most important relationship in life, or we make intentional choices. Jesus illustrated this ..read more

Over many years of being in ministry I have heard people talk a lot about what is most important to them. I imagine that most people want to sound sincere and spiritual when talking to a pastor. Most Christians that I talk to say their relationship with God and their relationship with their family are the most important things in their lives. Yet I have discovered that saying something is a priority does not always make it a priority. You know your priorities by what you do rather than what you say. If I say that my relationship with God and my family are the most important things in my life ..read more

“… and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” Ephesians 1:11b (NLT)   The Apostle Paul wrote this in the context of God’s plan for salvation and redemption for those who put their faith in Christ. Indeed, God has a plan for the world, and nothing can stop it. However, I believe the application can be made to our lives personally. God has a plan for our lives, and he loves us so much that he will make sure that plan brings glory to him.   I have heard it said, “If you want to make God laugh, then tell him your plans.” I’m not sure if that is true or not, but it does brin ..read more

I typed the words “time management” into the Google search engine and over 245 million results popped up. Clearly managing our time and getting the most out of our days is an important concept for most adults.   For many people, managing their time means trying to cram more events into a busy schedule. We spend a lot of time juggling schedules and trying to fit a vast number of items into the typical American day. I have written about time management many times. For me, time management begins with a Christian worldview and the belief that God is in control and has a plan for our lives. I ..read more

1.     You finally get your house back! 2.     Peace and quiet! 3.     You don’t have to listen to the kids argue all day. 4.     Routines are back! 5.     Well-intentioned moms get to make nutritious lunches that the kids won’t eat. 6.     Homework that you don’t understand. 7.     You are one year closer to being an empty nester. 8.     You have a great excuse to make the kids go to bed early. 9.     The joy of ear ..read more

The Seven Commandments of Volunteering   Volunteers are the lifeblood of a local congregation. Without great volunteers a church can’t fulfill the mission given to us by God – loving people and bringing them into a growing relationship with Jesus. God designed the church to be a living, growing body not an organization or club. That is why the Bible employs metaphors like a body, a flock, and a family to describe the church.   Volunteering has many benefits to you personally as well. It allows us to fulfill Jesus’ command to serve. It connects us and makes us feel like a part of a te ..read more

One thing that never changes is that life always changes. Birth requires change. Growth requires change. To get better in any pursuit requires change. Change is inevitable. It seems to me that most people like the results of good changes, but few people like the process of change. Change can be uncomfortable. It can be difficult. It is often painful. Some changes are a result of our own volition. We initiate those changes on purpose. We seek to further our education, to exercise, to eat a healthy diet, to start a business, or to improve our relationships. These changes are a result of our choi ..read more

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do. Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. T ..read more