Last fall, Rayann moved to Romania for two years. When people ask how she is doing, I often say she is “Living Her Best Life.”

Rayann was in Jr. High the first time I took her on a trip outside the United States. I wanted her to see that the world was bigger than what we experienced. She fell in love with travel and developing relationships with people from different cultures.

We share that in common. When I could travel safely, I sought out opportunities to leave the comfort of this country at least once each year. There is something about seeing the world through the eyes of a different culture and sharing unique (and yet common) stories of struggle that makes one appreciate our shared humanity. Rayann “caught” that from our shared travels and has taken it to another level.

After graduating college, she lived at home. She enjoyed her job and was good at it. Life was good, yet as her father, I could tell something was missing. Over coffee one day, I asked, “If you could do anything, what would it be?” There was no hesitation. With a big smile on her face, she said, “I would get out of this country and move overseas for a while.”

The words had been spoken, and things moved quickly. In about six months, she boarded the plane to move to Romania to teach at the Cambridge School of Bucharest for two years. We talk via WhatsApp four or five times per week. Her smiles fill the screen each time we talk. She is where she needs to be. I am humbled by the courage and strength it took for her to take a bold step and chase what was most important for her. Kind of makes this father proud.

Her class (4—and 5-year-olds) is filled with great kids, and she works hard to provide them with opportunities for learning and growth. She recently arranged for the class to take a Science Field Trip upstairs to a science lab. The students learned about science and did some of their own experiments. Take a moment and look at the pictures. You can see determination, a sense of adventure, and pure joy on their faces. This is the kind of thing that is “caught” not taught.

If you could do anything you wanted, what would it be? What would it look like for YOU to be living YOUR best life? The first step to moving in that direction is?

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Every church has a unique set of worship norms that shape the “why” and “how” of their worship.

Discerning the theology, culture, and practice that shape your communities worship norms can lead to renewal and vibrant ministry.

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When an interruption turns into a lesson on how the Spirit moves. A sacred conversation reminds me to always look for the Spirit’s gift.

Nancy and I took a few days to relax at Rehobeth beach. The weather was terrific, and we enjoyed walking the boardwalk and finding new places to eat.

Wednesday afternoon, I stole a few hours to do some writing while Nancy wandered the beach.
I searched the hotel for a quiet spot where I could grab a cup of coffee. Finally, I ended up in the pub. It was perfect. Hardly a person in sight, and they gave me a pot of coffee.

The Interruption

Fifteen minutes later, in walks this hippie-looking guy carrying a guitar. He sets his guitar in the corner and leaves. Then, a few minutes later, he is back with more equipment and a mic stand.

So much for my quiet space.

I struggle to find words while watching him set up. My mind is all over the place. Distracted, I am about to give up and find Nancy when he starts playing.

A Gift amidst the Sound

He is pretty good. His sweet spot is 70’s rock classics that take me back to my childhood. Slowly the words started to come. The longer he plays, the faster the words flow. This musician who has “invaded” my quiet space has broken my writer’s block. [Read more…]

The change is happening, and I cannot explain why. The way I move through the world is changing, I wonder why the change is happening now.

Early Mornings

I have been told that early mornings are some of the most peaceful and quiet times of the day.

On those rare occasions when I caught a sunrise it was because I had worked through the night and was just heading off to bed as light dawned.

Some of my most productive and enjoyable hours of the day come after everyone has turned in and I can sit in silence. Something about the darkness and quiet of a late night turning into early morning feeds my soul. It has not been uncommon for me to stay awake until two or three in the morning. Late nights are my best hours.

I Tried

Throughout my life, I have been told that rising by nine is not good form. Friends have mocked me. People shared that while I was getting ready to start the day much of the world has a good four or five hours of work in.

I tried to make myself an early riser. [Read more…]

We all experience fear at some point in our lives, some more than others. Facing our fears allows us to experience healing and renewal.

Fear is a fascinating and terrifying thing.

As an emotion, it is universal. Everyone experiences fear at some point in life, some more than others.

Yet what causes one person to shake in their boots may serve as a source of joy for another.

Think about a group of people going to a theme park for the day. There will be a few people who can’t wait to ride the largest rollercoaster. Others will agree to go along after some coaching and encouragement. Still, others are content to sit on a bench, and people watch while the adrenaline junkies get their fix.

The theme park bench rider may get a thrill from speaking in front of large crowds, while the coaster riders will search for any excuse to avoid public speaking.

The emotion is universal. What elicits fear will be as unique as each person.

The Source of our Fears

Rather than talk about specific fears, reflecting upon the broader sources of our fears is probably healthier.

• Past Trauma: Difficult experiences from our past can cause us to move with an attitude of fear.

• An Imagined Future: Looking to the future and only seeing what might go wrong can result in our being paralyzed in fear.

• Very Real Danger: Sometimes, there is a threat in front of us that we must deal with.

• Peoples Projections: If someone speaks words that belittle and demean us, we may forsake the truth of who we are and live with a spirit of fear.

• Being Unfamiliar or Uninformed: Some of our greatest fears come from things we know little or nothing about. Without experience or knowledge, we are afraid.

I am sure there are other sources of fear. Fear is a universal emotion. Since fear is universal, we are left with a simple yet complex question. How do I face my fears and move past them? [Read more…]