I used to nearly puke when I was grading papers. In every class, there are always a few students who just don’t follow directions, and thus end up destroying their grade. I am a firm teacher. I write down requirements in the syllabus and expect students to do exactly what I have asked them toContinue reading “Responsible TO or Responsible FOR?”
Category Archives: RELATIONSHIP STUFF
Weakness
I was wondering today what is it that accounts for the fact that almost without exception every pastor wrestles with the size of his/her church. I don’t know a single one (including myself) who doesn’t go home feeling elated on days when a lot of people are there, and depressed if attendance is low. IContinue reading “Weakness”
A Journey Toward Humility
An old couple was once asked what the key was to the longevity of their relationship. They said each of them had learned to say one phrase to the other person during an argument, really believing it deeply: “You could be right.” I want my life to communicate the openness and respect that comes fromContinue reading “A Journey Toward Humility”
Dealing with pain
I have a group of fellow pastors I meet with once a month for breakfast. We socialize and talk shop, but mostly we just hang out. That’s right. We hang out. It’s not usually very “spiritual.” It’s not usually what a person might expect from a group of pastors hanging out together. No one bringsContinue reading “Dealing with pain”
On extremism — both left and right
When I got this from YouTube, there were people there commenting, “This is crap — all those groups ARE evil.” Cleese’s point is not that every person in every one of these groups is angelic, his point is that that isn’t the point. His point is precisely that targeting this or that group is aContinue reading “On extremism — both left and right”
What Do I Do?
I am a pastor, counselor, and college professor. This basically means that my life is all about trying to answer questions people ask me. One of the questions I am asked most often is, “What do I do?” Christians want to know what to do to grow in their faith. Married couples want to knowContinue reading “What Do I Do?”
Does Suicide Equal Hell?
Note: Written before my own daughter’s suicide attempt in June of 2011 Someone recently asked my opinion on what happens to those who commit suicide. Will they “go to hell?” Before I give my take on this, I must start off by saying that no one but God has any business saying who goes toContinue reading “Does Suicide Equal Hell?”
How to Relate to Your Kids, prt. 2
(continued from previous…) 8. Let them see you struggle. If you are feeling beat up on at work, or like your friends are messing you around, it’s okay to share these general things with your child (according to age and maturity of the child). It’s okay for parents to cry around their children, and for spousesContinue reading “How to Relate to Your Kids, prt. 2”
How To Save Your Marriage
Image by © Didier Robcis/Corbis Marriage in trouble? Sick of it all? Feel like you’ve tried everything? I might be able to help you. But only if you’re so sick of everything you’ve been doing that you’re ready to think completely outside the box. No more blaming. No more trying to figure out “how toContinue reading “How To Save Your Marriage”
To Engage, or Not to Engage?
Thomas Merton said that the first thing the contemplative must learn is to mind his own business. Would the world, in general, be a better or a worse place if more people minded their own business? How do we know when we should speak out about something, and when we should mind our own business?Continue reading “To Engage, or Not to Engage?”
Temp Arbor 