What’s the difference between a New Year’s resolution that typically fails and a life-long growth commitment that succeeds? It’s usually in the little things, boring habits that go unnoticed. Whether growth is personal, relational, financial, professional, or spiritual, it rarely happens in one big leap. People want it to be that way—and that’s why they fail. I’ve failed more times than I’ve succeeded. That’s why I’m learning the value of habits. Growth, and resulting success, happens through thousands of little steps. And if we do make a big leap, it’s because we’ve first made thousands of small steps. In countless,…
[ Read More → ]Prayer Power: 30 Days to a Stronger Connection with God has been re-released in its original format and title. Baker Books had previously retitled it Closer to God and an put it in a pocket edition. Then they discontinued it, as they and other publishers have been doing to a lot of authors in tough times. But EA Publishing has just released the book much as it was originally published. And it is now available on Amazon.com and numerous other outlets in both paperback (now only $9.99). The ebook version will soon be released. Prayer Power covers thirty key aspects of prayer…
[ Read More → ]A bird outside our window has been trying to get in—for months. I understand that birds accidentally fly into windows. But this one sits on a bush outside the window and looks in. He knows the glass is there. And that it’s hard. But still he flies up and bangs into it, falls back to the bush, flies up to bang the glass again, falls back, and then bashes his beak again. Over and over. For months. Is the bird stupid? Maybe psychotic, a psychotic bird in need of therapy. Or perhaps the bird has a great vision of a…
[ Read More → ]I’m standing on the icon of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge. I am in awe–not just because of the marvel of the thing but what it shows me about God. This suspension bridge depends on two towers on which hang two 6750-foot cables that suspend the 4200-foot span. Each cable is three feet in diameter and is made of 3/16” wires—27,562 of them. Yes, 27,562 wires tightly are bundled into each cable. These two big cables rise into the sky—but on a foggy day, which is most of the time here—they’re obscured in the mist. And it seems like…
[ Read More → ]Near my house is a Panera Bread Restaurant that was originally a Millie’s Restaurant. When it changed hands, only two things stayed the same—the roof and a little fenced-in garden in front of the entrance. I’m glad Panera kept the garden. We need it. In the midst of a bustling parking lot, a three-and-a-half-by-five-foot white picket fence protects a garden of roses and lilies. It’s a physical representation of what every person needs: a fenced-in garden in the midst of a busy life. So often our lives are like the parking lot, always active with coming and going. But right…
[ Read More → ]If you have questions or comments related to this blog, please post them as blog comments rather than emailing me, because others may have similar thoughts, and I can respond to everyone. Yet I welcome emails for more personal questions or comments.
You may disagree with me or dislike what I write. If so, please be respectful in your comments. I reserve the right to delete comments that I determine to be disrespectful, offensive, misleading, or soliciting.
I grant you the right to quote me as long as you give proper credit for what I write. And I reserve the right to quote you and promise to give you proper credit.