A short story: The Cheetah and the Lion Jamila the lioness was out walking with her cubs under the clear Sahara sky. Suddenly, a good distance away, there was an unusual loud bang. Jamila immediately went into protective mother mode; she gathered her cubs and brought them back to the safety of … [Read more...]
What I Learned About Dating From Garage Sales
I recently ran a community yard sale at my church with over fifty vendors, and because my mind is normally thinking about how to improve relationships, I ended up learning a few things about dating from this experience. I know this isn’t what people normally do: (Person 1) “I’m going garage sale … [Read more...]
Life is like a puzzle… not just a box of chocolates
Have you ever felt like your life wasn’t what it is supposed to be? That you’re missing something? I have... I do right now. My life isn’t able to keep up with my aspirations. If anything it feels more like I’m on a leash and I just keep wrapping myself more and more around a pole … [Read more...]
Who’s really the one with the disability?
Two years ago I took a small group of young people to Chicago on an urban mission trip where we worked with various organizations that help the less fortunate. I’ve led a good number of these trips through a group called Center for Student Missions (www.csm.org), but this time I encountered a new … [Read more...]
Meddling: My Great Battle
At my almost middle age (33 is only a few years shy of half the average age for men in Canada), I’ve learned that friends tend to be for a season, especially when we’re out of high school and people start to move, get married and have kids. Even best friends come and go depending on both of your … [Read more...]
Put the Seat Down: Rules we’re meant to live by
This weekend I’m staying at a hotel by myself – woo, party – because I’m at a conference and annual meeting – woo, lame party – for my ordaining body. This is the group who has ordained me; it’s not “my” body that I’m claiming ordains others: (me) “And you’re a pastor and you’re a pastor…” (random … [Read more...]
Men are like dogs
Tradition maintains that dogs are a man’s best friend. I’ve heard two main explanations for this, but both are wrong; there’s truth to them, but they’re wrong. The first claims this because dogs are a great wingman. There is no denying that if you want to pick up ladies take out a dog for a walk: … [Read more...]
What Motivates You?
Fear, pride and love are three of the greatest motivators, but only love leads to happiness. That’s a line I made because I was asked to come up with a quote for motivation. Out of fear of sounding stupid I put some thought into it... I mean out of love for this person I put some thought into it. … [Read more...]