Category: Uncategorized
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Learn How to Pay Attention and Slow Down
Introduction Can you pay attention… I mean, REALLY pay attention when you are in a hurry? I know I can’t. John-Kabat-Zinn shared some priceless wisdom, “The best way to capture moments is to pay attention.” Life is made up of moments, and how many of them do we let pass by with no notice or…
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Unpacking the Fourfold Rest of the Sabbath
Introduction Continuing my last blog post on the Sabbath, we must enter into God’s rest after ceasing. Sabbath involves four areas of rest that we can embrace: spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual. Spiritual rest carries us into a spirit of worship, which we can then carry over to the rest of our week. Physical rest…
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Cease and Desist: Learning to Truly Rest on the Sabbath
Introduction Finding real rest amidst the whirlwind of work and life responsibilities and the culture of constant connectivity can be a real challenge. At least it has been for me. I have found that the practice of the Sabbath has been an act of cultural resistance and an invitation to cease my striving. The journey…
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Why Rest is Essential for Creativity and Spiritual Growth
The Early Years of Creativity and Peace This is a story about Shane. In his younger years, he was creative and spontaneous, always seeking adventure. He loved to travel, play music, and capture life’s beauty through his artistic lens. Shane played the guitar and ukulele, wrote songs and poems, and led worship at his church.…
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The Loyal Heart of Copper: Love, Loss, and Family Renewal
The Story of Alex and Copper Alex purchased Copper on a whim when Toby was born, a golden bundle of fur with a wagging tail and big, curious eyes. He envisioned the puppy as a companion for his son—and, though he didn’t admit it aloud, for himself. Growing up with a dog, Alex had fond…
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Discovering Patience and Purpose in an Unhurried Life
I am not much of a movie person, unlike my wife. She loves movies, and God often speaks to her through profound revelations through films. But occasionally, God speaks to me through a movie, and this was one of them, teaching me about patience. Learning Through Patience: A Scene from ‘Fearless’ In the movie Fearless,…
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Trusting the Good Shepherd: Torn Achilles and a Tender Pursuit
Introduction: A Story of Love and Trust I recently read a story in Brennan Manning’s The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus that deeply resonated with me. It’s about a father’s love for his children and how he meets them in their moments of greatest need. This story and my recent injury taught me profound lessons about…
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How To Plan Your Week With Mise en Place
The Art of Creation: Cooking and Beyond I’ve always had a passion for creating things. Since I was a child, my room was a workshop for all sorts of projects. I love to create. God loves to create. I reflect God’s creative nature through creating, as I am made in His image. This love of…
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A Family Sabbath: Embracing Rest in a Busy World
Introduction to Sabbath “Shabbat Shalom!” My kids yell it at the top of their lungs. My wife and I gently remind them that it’s good to be excited about the Sabbath, but it’s not a competition to see who can yell the loudest. My son Nathan pipes up, “Daddy, I want more blood! It’s delicious!”…
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Leadership Lessons From Potty Training: How To Handle Messy Situations
The Messiness of Leadership Potty training is complicated and messy; there’s no doubt about it. I recently hung out with a group of guys for a friend’s birthday party. The laughter was flowing, and the stories were growing… in hilarity and absurdity. Then, as full-grown, mature males, we somehow got onto the topic of… poop.…