Should We Ever Wrestle With God?
Written by Sam Williamson In The Princess Bride, the criminal genius Vizzini repeatedly and inappropriately exclaims, “Inconceivable.” His partner Inigo Montoyo finally reflects, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” Like that criminal genius, Christians use religious jargon repeatedly and inappropriately. Sometimes I want to respond, “I do not...
Read More“Noble Simplicity & Quiet Grandeur”
I’ve been intrigued by the phrase “noble simplicity and quiet grandeur” which was used by the German art historian Johann Jachim Winckelmann describing the Greek aesthetic. (I don’t want to sound like something I’m not – an intellectual and a broad-reader. I ran across this expression on the Internet as I was researching the word “noble”.) To live a life of “noble...
Read MoreSeasons of Shaking
At one particular moment in my life, not long ago, I asked God what He doing in my life. He brought to me Heb. 12:27 – not necessarily a verse I wanted to hear. I was hoping for something like “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness!” (Matt. 25:23) What God said...
Read MoreAnswering the Two Big Questions
There is something we love to offer; some particular, powerful way that we see, hear and/or perceive. When we are aware and clear on what we have to offer (our glory: brilliance, strength, beauty, splendor, abundance) we can be far more discerning as to what opportunities we are to take or what tasks we need to release. We know how God has gifted us and whether our glory is needed in a...
Read MoreWhat’s The Secret Of Connecting With Another Heart?
Twenty-five years ago a client asked me to meet with her president for an hour-long lunch. Her president was an industry innovator. But, she told me, the president was also almost wordlessly introverted. She proposed I come prepared with a stockpile of stories to fill the conversational void. The night before my visit, I talked with my father. He suggested an alternate plan. My father said there...
Read More4 Calling Observations & Lessons
I have the fun and privilege of talking to many people each week by phone, email, chat and in person at Base Camp, retreats, on radio interviews, podcasts and over a cup of coffee. Each person’s story is fascinating and their questions both profound and common. So, from recent conversations, let me offer a few thoughts that may be helpful. Adjust with the seasons. Life continually...
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