How to Celebrate Advent
The meaning of Advent has changed over the years. The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus and means “coming.” In ancient times…
A Simple Solution to Stress From Dallas Willard
One day in the fall of 2007 when I was meeting with Dallas Willard at his USC office he asked me, “If you had one…
Dallas Willard’s Disciplines For Workaholics
“If there were a blood test for workaholism I’m sure Dallas would come up positive.” That’s a comment Jane Willard made to Gary Moon for…
Top Pastor Retreats to Avoid Burnout
The slippery slope to burnout for you as a pastor, missionary, or other leader serving God is not a mystery — it’s real and preventable.…
Why Jesus Didn’t Burn Out
One thing that helped turn me around before I totally burned out was to look prayerfully at the life of Jesus. I studied the Gospels…
Be Happy-Sad to Come Alive!
We all want to be happy, but that can depress us! A pastor in my counseling office forced a smile, “I’m happy to support our…
Shaping Your Child’s Image of God
As I prayed and pondered the beautiful life growing in my daughter’s womb so much began to well up in me! So many things I…
God is Kind to a Little Bird and to You
I was feeling discouraged and spiritually low. As I laid in bed I told the Lord I was really missing feelings of consolation and longing…
Success in the Eyes of a Child
Recently I became a “Papa”! This is me looking into the eyes our first grandchild Juliet Bella! What a heart-pumping and face-illuminating joy this is…
Success is Facing Your Fear of Failure With Jesus
It was a defining moment when I faced my fear of failing and looking foolish in the most important purpose of my life. Before I…
The Wounded Healer as a Spiritual Guide (Henri Nouwen)
Henri Nouwen in his book The Wounded Healer laments that most Christian leaders are not prepared to be spiritual leaders for hurting people. “Our service will not be…
Jesus Will Walk Right Up to You
A college student came out of Dallas Willard’s office wide-eyed, “Do you think Jesus can walk up to you?” Like many students in philosophy classes…
