Lately I’ve been thinking about how wildly impressionable we humans are. It’s not always a bad thing, but I think it really is the truth. One study I read suggested that you’re more likely to have warm and favourable thoughts toward someone you’re talking to if you’re holding a warm drink at the same time. … Continue reading A companion of fools suffers harm
influence
Why we’re sponges
If you put a sponge in murky water for three minutes, and then take it out and squeeze it, what is going to come out? Murky water. And if you put another sponge in pure, clear water for three minutes, and then take it out and squeeze it, what is going to come out? Pure, clear water. … Continue reading Why we’re sponges
I want to do something small…
Albert Schweitzer had a more “impressive” life than I ever will. He was a writer and influential theologian; he was an amazing and accomplished organ player; and he became a medical missionary and doctor to French Equatorial Africa. He was also awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1953. A biography by James Bentley reveals a … Continue reading I want to do something small…
Just one person
On Sunday a man in my congregation, Jeff Walther, delivered a sermon about making a difference in someone’s life. As a part of that, he told a story about a man walking along a beach. He saw someone moving in the distance, almost like they were dancing. As he got closer he realized that it … Continue reading Just one person
Loved people love people
I was watching an interview with someone who worked with at-risk youth. He said, “Hurt people hurt people.” He meant that if someone has been deeply hurt in their past, they often hurt other people simply because it’s what they know. Is that always the case? No. But in his experience it was often true. … Continue reading Loved people love people
Never underestimate your impact
Yesterday was the 3-year anniversary of the death of my dad, Eric. He was 64. As I look back, I think about the kind of dad he was. He was a great dad. But to be honest, he probably wouldn’t have won a dad-of-the-year award. He was more low-key than that. Plus, he wasn’t perfect. Just as … Continue reading Never underestimate your impact
The first person you have to change
There's someone in your life who really needs to change something, right? Here's another way to look at things that is more productive, helpful and positive.
They’re standing on YOUR shoulders
It’s an expression many of us have used: “Standing on the shoulders of giants.” It means that someone has benefited from the knowledge or strength of someone who has gone before. And they are simply building on that. Well, I think that you are also standing on the shoulders of giants. People before you have spent … Continue reading They’re standing on YOUR shoulders
You’re porous
Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” (NIV) Today's Thought When I was young I remember learning about “porous” materials. Things that are porous have tiny holes or spaces so that liquid or air can pass through. A sponge is … Continue reading You’re porous
Your Ripple vs Your Resume
Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (NIV) Today's Thought When I was little my family did a lot of camping. And it wasn’t for novices! We’d portage into places that were virtually untouched by civilization. … Continue reading Your Ripple vs Your Resume
