temparbor

Ideology and Politics

A conservative friend said the other day, “He who stands in the middle can cast stones at either side, then run to the other for safety.” This can be true, and such a person is not to be admired! What my friend did not say (and does not know) is that the person who standsContinue reading “Ideology and Politics”

Ordination

I was ordained last night, and it was one of the most intense experiences of my life. I know it will be one of the most memorable. For the sake of the two readers of this blog who do not know what ordination is (I’m quite certain the other six are familiar with it), I’llContinue reading “Ordination”

Why reason isn’t all there is…

My last post blurred the line between rationality and decision-making. I made it sound as if to make a decision properly is to rely only on reason, and that reason should have the main place in decision-making. Reason, in fact, should NOT have the main place in decision-making. The person who says, “I feel this,Continue reading “Why reason isn’t all there is…”

Transforming Moments

I just returned from Catalyst Conference 2007 in Duluth, GA. It was a good conference. But I don’t want to write about Catalyst 2007. I want to write about Catalyst 1999. 1999 was the year of the very first Catalyst Conference. John Maxwell and Andy Stanley and some other leaders knew that America had aContinue reading “Transforming Moments”

Growing Up

Matthew 5:48 is troubling in the New International Version of the Bible. Jesus says, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Ummm. Yikes? Today I have been inspired and encouraged by the way Eugene Peterson renders that in The Message. “In a word, what I’m saying is grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. NowContinue reading “Growing Up”

Become What You Believe

Eugene Peterson has a striking translation of an account in Matthew chapter 9 of two blind men who come to Jesus for healing. Jesus asks them, “Do you really believe I can do this?” They answer, “Why yes, Master.” So Jesus touches their eyes and says something striking to them. He says, “Become what youContinue reading “Become What You Believe”

A Tree Is Known By Its Fruit

In a previous post I said the following… Something I am learning in counseling is how true it is that a tree is known by its fruit. Most of my life I have applied this to people and behaviors, but am only just now learning to apply it to attitudes and perspectives. If an attitude orContinue reading “A Tree Is Known By Its Fruit”

Me-Time

Something I am learning in counseling is how true it is that a tree is known by its fruit. Most of my life I have applied this to people and behaviors, but am only just now learning to apply it to attitudes and perspectives. If an attitude or perspective I have logically bears fruit of resentment,Continue reading “Me-Time”

I’m Blessed

I’ve had a sentimental night tonight. Earlier this evening Christy and my girls and me were looking through yearbooks from when Christy and I were in Jr. high and high school. It was a heavy thing for me to look at those old pictures and read what people wrote in my books. I realized IContinue reading “I’m Blessed”

Notes from Manresa, prt. 8

10:07 pm. My experience in the chapel tonight was quite different. I was in my room thinking of going to bed around 8 pm, then I felt myself compelled to return to the chapel for more prayer. I have read that at some point a transition takes place from “I should pray” to “I mustContinue reading “Notes from Manresa, prt. 8”