Once in awhile we find a chance to do something of unquestionable importance. These opportunities lift our lives out of the ordinary routines of everyday life and allow us to experience meaning and purpose in a direct way.
That’s why I’m going to Haiti this summer, and I’m inviting you to come with me.
A frenemy is someone who pretends to be a friend but is actually a rival. Nearly everyone has one or two somewhere in their life.
Frenemies are often helpful and complimentary, even to excess. But deep down they harbor a second motive, which is to compete with or humiliate their “friend.”
I encountered my first frenemy, though I didn’t know the term, early in my pastoral career.
Thanks for visiting my blog, Suburban Pastor. My aim is to help you succeed at Christian life and leadership in one of the most challenging contexts for authentic faith—the American suburb.
If you are a pastor, church leader, or layperson who is serious about living like Jesus, this blog is for you.
This weekend I’m offering a FREE copy of The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People to one new subscriber to this blog.
This is a great devotional tool because it is the heart of the Bible arranged as a single narrative. So many people need creative ways to make time for Bible reading, and others struggle to see how the whole Bible fits together as a complete story—this book brings the big picture into perspective.
To be eligible to win, simply subscribe to my blog via e-mail today. You can unsubscribe anytime. I’ll announce the winner on Twitter on Monday.
If you are new here, try beginning with a few of my most popular posts:
Free or Low-Cost Retreat and Vacation Accommodations for Pastors
What Makes a Good Church Board
Things that Aren’t in the Bible (Even though You Think They Are)
Why Christians Don’t Go to Church
Setting Boundaries on Ministry Time
Four Misconceptions about Today’s Teens
Twelve (Unspectacular) Works of the Holy Spirit
“You can get everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want!”
That quote by Zig Ziglar was a catalyst for change in my life, helping me see in practical terms the meaning of Christian living—put others first and everybody wins.
I admit that I didn’t always see life that way.
So it’s true. For months—years, really—I’ve ignored or minimized the allegations of doping directed at Lance Armstrong. But apparently it’s all true. And it comes as one of the great disappointments of my life.
Over the years I have connected with Lance Armstrong’s story at a number of levels. As a chronic illness sufferer myself, I was inspired by his comeback from cancer. As a cycling enthusiast, I was awed by his competitive drive, determination to win, and dedication to training. And in a sport dominated by Europeans, the scrappy Texan made me proud to be an American.
All of that was erased this week.
Earlier this week I asked people to share their favorite Bible verse. I’ve been enjoying the responsesso far, and have been amazed at the variety of Scriptures that people have found meaningful.
There’s been a lot of talk lately about the lack of civility in our society. People just aren’t very nice. People readily say unkind things to one another and, and are often rude. Everyone from news commentators to schoolteachers has decried the absence of courtesy in the general public. Education in manners, we’re told, is sorely needed.
As a commuter, I’ll vouch for that.
