RADICAL GRATITUDE Thanksgiving is coming. This Thursday most of us will hit pause from work, gather with family, eat too much and express gratitude to God for the many blessings in our lives. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It is a great annual attitude adjustment. It seems for many, complaint is their native tongue. I know I can slip into it easily. But instead, I want to look at lif...

ENDING ENVY     You might remember the classic film, Toy Story.  In it we see Woody, Andy’s favorite toy, struggling with envy because the new Buzz Lightyear action figure removes him from the top spot among the toys.  Woody even resorts to trying to hurt Buzz.  While most of us would not go that far, we do tend to struggle with envy, jealousy and coveting what others have.  It could look more lik...

BUILDING CHARACTER: SELF CONTROLIn Galatians 5 the Apostle Paul lists for us the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. When I make individual spiritual plans with people, I often ask which of these virtues are you struggling to live out? The number one answer is self-control, that is certainly my struggle as well. The word means to have dominion over one’s impulses, cravings or desires. One of my favori...

BRAVE CONVERSATIONSI do not know you or your story, but I am very certain that eventually, if not currently you willexperience some form of conflict with someone in your life. It might be a difficult boss, neighbor without boundaries, addicted family member or stubborn teenage child. Most of us hate conflict, but it is an opportunity to bring God glory. God’s Word, the Bible, gives us a great deal...

LEAVING A LEGACY     Take a moment to stop and think about a mentor who has had a positive impact on your life.  It could be a parent, grandparent, coach or teacher.  That person poured into you, helping you become all that God intended.  They helped you flourish and thrive.  This role as mentor is vital and each of us is called to look around and see who we can invest in for the future.  Leadersh...