It’s a new year, a new decade, and a new chapter of your life. As you look out over the horizon, and as you think about whatever goals, commitments or resolutions you might have, I encourage you to consider Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Today … Continue reading Whatever you do
proverbs
The opposite of ‘misery loves company’
Have you heard the expression that “misery loves company”? It’s the idea that people who are miserable find some sort of comfort by being around other people who are miserable. I’ve also heard it used to express the idea that people who are miserable find some sort of comfort by sucking other people into their … Continue reading The opposite of ‘misery loves company’
Simply showing up
Yesterday I talked about being useful, and asked you this question: How can we be useful to Jesus as his hands and feet in a hurting world by being proactive about the well-being of others? Usefulness is the hands and feet of faithfulness. Sometimes these opportunities to be useful arise through specific initiatives or programs … Continue reading Simply showing up
Are all new ideas good, bad, or something else?
Some people think every new idea is a good idea. And others think that every new idea is a bad idea. But it’s not that simple. So let me share something that I think should make us both more humble and more hopeful about how we approach new ideas. Larry Osborne points out that virtually … Continue reading Are all new ideas good, bad, or something else?
Trust in the jungle of unpredictability
Life can be chaotic. And volatile. And hard. That’s why friendship is so important. Christian ethicist Lewis Smedes wrote an article about the power of making a promise. He says that when you make a promise to someone, “You have created a small sanctuary of trust within the jungle of unpredictability.” I think that’s great … Continue reading Trust in the jungle of unpredictability
If you’re in a hole, quit digging
Proverbs 26:11 says: “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” In other words, if you keep making the same foolish mistake, you’re like a dog who keeps returning to its own vomit. Gross! When we take a moment to think about the mistakes we’ve made, many of us probably think … Continue reading If you’re in a hole, quit digging
Who is an expert, really?
Several years ago my wife and kids and I were up in Bracebridge, Ontario visiting some family. My daughter got a strange bug bite. And since it looked weird we went to the local walk-in clinic. I was totally impressed by the doctor. First, he listened and didn’t speak down to us. Second, he was … Continue reading Who is an expert, really?
Priorities: Where the rubber meets the road
Yesterday I talked about setting priorities. Hopefully you were able to think it through and name some of your non-negotiables. But let’s take the next step: Start to adjust your weekly routine to better reflect those priorities. Friends, this is where the rubber meets the road. Why? Because it involves change. Maybe a priority for … Continue reading Priorities: Where the rubber meets the road
When you think everything is important
When you think everything is important you live like nothing is important. If that sounds confusing, here’s what I mean. If you think that everything in your life is a priority, you’re not actually making anything a true priority. Imagine your time and energy divided up into a pie chart. If you say your relationship … Continue reading When you think everything is important
Not where you wish you were
Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (NIV) Today's Thought Last week as a part the “Up!” devotional I invited you to finish this sentence: “I never expected…” I received a lot of responses. Here are a few: I never expected to spend so much … Continue reading Not where you wish you were
