Happy New Year

" 'tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home...."

The lyrics to the familiar and well-loved song "Amazing Grace" were penned by John Newton, a man whose life story was radically transformed by the redemptive power of God's grace. 

It was first heard on New Year's Day in 1773.  

I think the timing couldn't have been better on the release of this hymn. In fact, I believe the New Year is a gift of God's grace to each of us to open and enjoy.

Here are a few ways to get you started -   

• Letting go. I love Paul's perspective in Philippians 3.  He knew he didn't have it all put together in life, but one thing he did understand is the power of letting go and not looking back. It's a gift of grace to 'cast all our cares on Him, knowing He cares for us' (I Peter 5:7).  Let go of the good, bad, and ugly of the past, and let the New Year be a fresh start.

• Embracing. Paul also understood that letting go is made possible by what we are reaching for - the higher call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil.3:13-14) By God's grace, you are His child and have everything to live for in Him.  It's a gift of grace to 'hold fast to your faith' (Hebrews 10:23) and 'cling to what is good' (Romans 12:9). 

• Singing. While the original words of Amazing Grace were spoken, they became alive when combined with music.  It's a gift of grace to sing in every season of the soul, knowing that 'of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace' (John1:16) and 'His grace is sufficient for you' (II Corinthians 12:9).  

May this New Year be one that celebrates the grace that has brought you safe thus far, and the grace that will lead me home.  And may every day ahead of you be one that you wake up to enjoy 'His new mercies, for great is His lovingkindness and faithfulness to you' (Lamentations 3:23). 

Take a few moments to close your eyes, and listen to this wonderful song, "Amazing Grace". 

Living Worship

Worship is an intentional act of redressing the proportions and the priorities from me working for God, to God working in me.








Following Jesus and living in sync with how God created us means realizing our need and nurturing our desire for Him every single day. We realize that He is the one at work, and we are His workmanship.  In light of that, we give ourselves to Him over and over again in worship and receive His amazing grace and powerful presence in our lives.

"God wants you! Are you hearing me? What God wants is ALL of you. He wants to consume you. In that process you will serve. Service is good, but your service won't count for much of it if it isn't done with a giving of self, with a yielding of your inner person and all that you are about. That's what God calls us to; a life of giving of ourselves."  

John Wimber 

Open your heart today. Invite the power of the Holy Spirit to come and fill your life.  There's no better living. It's where you were created to be. 

Advancing the Kingdom

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." 

Jim Elliot, Missionary and Martyr







Tomorrow is Veteran's Day. A day to honor those who have served our country sacrificially and faithfully. I give thanks for all of you.

I also give honor and thanks to the greatest veteran of all.  The One who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of all people.  Jesus, our Savior and King.  

And for every veteran of the faith, for those who have faithfully lived out and given your lives away for the kingdom of God here on earth.  I give thanks and recognition. You have run well, finished your assignment, and I thank you for the example you have been for all of us behind you.  

For every one of us who has experienced the amazing goodness and power of Jesus, and have given everything we are to follow and give to others, I share this little reminder of what your assignment is: 

"The impotence of systems is a main reason why Jesus did not send his students out to start governments or even churches as we know them today, which always strongly convey some elements of a human system. They were, instead, to establish beachheads of his person, word, and power in the midst of a failing and futile humanity. They were to bring the presence of the kingdom and its King into every corner of human life simply by fully living in the kingdom with him." Dallas Willard in his book: Renovation of the Heart

Living life fully in sync is not a system you perfect, it's a person you meet. A person who so transforms you, that His very presence spills into every corner of ordinary, human life.   

May the presence of the King through you establish beachheads for the advancement of his Kingdom of love, hope, joy, and peace in the world that surrounds you. 

The Beautiful & Best

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Matthew 6:33 The Message

I love a good cup of hot tea. I enjoy the warmth, fragrance, and flavor that calms and invigorates me all at the same time. 

There's just something about pouring boiling water over the tea bags and tucking the towel around the kettle so it can steep to perfection.  Waiting patiently, and then pouring it into a favorite mug while the steam wafts pure pleasure to my senses. Mmmm. 

As I read this scripture tonight, I considered what "steeping" my life might look like.  Is it possible to be transformed as much as tea bags change water?  Can my life really take on a whole new warmth, fragrance and flavor? 

To me, this is all made possible through meditation.  

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst, the beautiful, not the ugly, things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8, 9 

Where are your thoughts steeping today?  Where you want them to? 

Choose the beautiful, and the best, and as you do... God will work you into his most excellent design for living in sync.

Happy steeping. 

New Discoveries

The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka' (I found it!) but 'That's funny...' Isaac Asimov

I was at a young leader's gathering on Saturday morning, when I asked the youth to come up with an icebreaker to open our time together. This 11-year-old pipes up with a doozie... "What's your most secretive habit?"  

While the most interesting answer was "to change how the toliet paper is hanging at people's houses if it is on the 'wrong way'", it certainly got me thinking a bit about my own life and habits. 

Most of us have room for improvement in our lives. We have those nagging areas, those bad habits that we struggle shaking, the ruts that we naturally fall back into so we never seem to make the progress we hope for. 

I wonder if part of the barrier for us is our approach.  Are we looking for the 'Eureka' moment when really it's probably a string of 'That's funny...' moments that begin to make us think a little deeper, a little more connected, and a little more freely. 

Think about it.  Looking for the 'Eureka' can be a lot of pressure. It's pretty much black and white, we've found it or done it - or we haven't. 

On the other hand, taking note of the funny or unusual aspects give the freedom to maybe take a step or experiment a little just to see what will happen if we try. No pressure, because we're just going on what we're seeing and our hunches. 

Beyond our secretive habits, I wonder if this applies to more areas of life... our relationships, careers, hobbies, and more.  Maybe we need to remember life is more of a step by step discovery than a 'Eureka' moment. 

And maybe, just maybe, one day we will wake up and have a 'Eureka' moment where we realize all those steps have brought us right to this wonderful moment and opportunity.

I bet so. Wanna try? 

It's All Raw Material

Cross made by my brother Bob years ago.
A favorite keepsake for me as Bob went
home to be with the Lord in 1989.  

"By a Carpenter mankind was made, and only by that Carpenter can mankind be remade." Desiderius Erasmus

I grew up surrounded by carpenters. I have seven brothers, and every one of them is a craftsman of wood. From clocks and cradles to winding staircases and homes... I've seen more wood projects built than I can count.

In the hands of a carpenter, wood is transformed. From a pile of boards, the skillful use of tools and some planning can create about anything. Who knows what would happen with that same pile of wood in my hands...probably nothing. 

The same is true in life. There is a Master Carpenter who is skillful and has quite a plan.  Our lives are the raw material in His hands. 

It's so easy to walk through life making judgments on situations, calling things "bad" and "good".  We work hard at getting more "good" than "bad", because it works more into our picture of life and what it should be.  We look at it like we're the carpenters and craftsman of our life and so we naturally reject what we consider "bad" material and do everything we can to escape, fix, and eliminate those things from happening. We work just as hard at finding and seeking more "good", because surely life will finally be completely wonderful when we find enough. 

Problem is, we're not the carpenters of our lives.

When we surrender our lives to the Master Carpenter, we can accept every situation as raw material and place it in His well-equipped and loving hands. He can build and rebuild, fashioning it into His good and amazing plans. And as I look at the wonderful wooden cross, I know down deep there is no better way to live than in His hands. 

How about you? What raw material in your life needs to be put into His hands? 

Wishes vs. Hope

I went for a bicycle ride tonight with my daughter and her friend. Strolling down the quiet sidewalk, I heard a loud "Stop!" and turned around to see Natalie's friend jump off her bike.

Down she goes, bending over and then quickly popping up with a dandelion to blow in the wind. With closed eyes she takes a deep breath, and blows out as the light breeze carries away the fluffy seeds. 

"Okay... Let's go!"  And we were off again.

Wishes. They're magical hopes, we want to believe in; but down deep we know their chances of really coming to pass are pretty slim. 

Now, take a look at hope. 

This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23

Never cease. Never fail. New every morning. Great is God's faithfulness. 

Now this is something we can believe in, and experience the power of hope in the deep places of our hearts. They are "root words" that will hold you steady and encouraged through every storm and change of life. 

Hope. It isn't magical and doesn't blow in the wind. But it is the power of God to hold you close to his heart and purposes.  It will hold your life together, come what may.

May your roots sink deep today in the love and faithfulness of God. 

"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." Ralph Waldo Emerson



Every 3.6 seconds, someone in our world dies from a hunger-related cause. A startling thought to most of us born in this land of plenty. Meals from the Heartland began here in Iowa in 2008. These last few days, together with thousands of volunteers, Natalie and I help package another 5 million meals to be shipped across the globe to hungry people.It's a humbling experience that puts life in perspective. Let's not seek to be happy, but rather to be useful, honorable and compassionate.  Let's make a difference because we live well. 

It's worth the wait

"I can stick artificial flowers on this tree that will not flower; or I can create the conditions in which the tree is likely to flower naturally. I may have to wait longer for my real flowers; but they are the only true ones." John Fowles

This quote reminds me of the old saying... "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well."  

We are bombarded with shortcuts, options, and easy steps to instant results.  Walk through the grocery store and count all the meals you can cook in under five minutes. Flip through a magazine and read how many ad's promising you the health you want that will instantly be yours if only you take this pill.  

Do this. Wear this. Read this. Our culture bombards us with simplistic commands with fantastic promises. And the louder the voice, the more we listen. 

How about we stop and think for a minute today.  Everything true, vibrant, and healthy comes quite naturally from a powerful combination of good seed, intentional effort, and time. 

The true ones are worth the wait. 

What are you happy to wait for today? 

A Living Collage

Life is like a brilliant collage of colliding and overlapping events and people that somehow tell our story.  It's the 'disorder' of a collage that delights the eye of the beholder.  We find pleasure in discovering all the details of particular photos in the midst of the random display.  Each one significant on its own, yet somehow more captivating to us when surrounded by all the others.

Lately, I feel like my life is a living collage. On the one hand, filled with wonderful celebrations and joys that abound. On the other hand, sorrow and tears escape my eyes in randomness.  And then still yet, there is the very steady pace of the ordinary that keeps on keeping on.  

This is the stuff life is made of. To will only happiness, is to disallow ourselves the fullness of life. To will only excitement, is to miss the 95% of life that is uneventful.  To will for only good, is to overlook the power of having nothing, yet somehow having it all. 

To live well, one must embrace all facets of living. The celebrations, as well as the losses. The joys and  the sorrows. The high's and the low's, as well as the ordinary. 

Embrace it all and live well! 

I Arise Today

This week, I was reminded of this Irish prayer attributed to Saint Patrick.  It is often referred to as the "breastplate" of St. Patrick-- words that shield.

You can learn about St. Patrick and the life that birthed this beautiful prayer here.

May his prayer become your prayer, and may it help center your life and shield you today and always. 

I arise today

Through the strength of heaven; 

Light of the sun,

Brilliance of the moon,

Splendor of fire,

Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of the wind,

Depth of the sea,

Stability of the earth, 

Firmness of the rock.

I arise today

Through God's strength to pilot me;

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's hosts to save me

Afar and anear,

Alone or in a multitude.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in the eye that sees me,

Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today

Through the mighty strength

Of the Creator of creation.

What better way to wake up and start our days this week? Let's arise and meet each day full on in His presence! 

Look for the bright spots

Earlier this week, my daughter and I spent a couple of days away with our friends. We went to Mahoney State Park in Ashland, NE for some relaxation and fun. With the 100 degree temperatures, we spent our first day enjoying the aquatic center.  Day #2 we did some early morning swimming at the hotel, hiked a bit, and then looked around for our best options for the rest of our day.... INDOORS. :)

My friend & I discovered a craft center and for our girls ages 9 & 11, this was like heaven! After much discussion and after checking out what seemed like every possible option... my daughter finally pointed her finger at a fish container declaring 'it was the one'.  

Surprisingly, as we sat down, my high-energy daughter began to focus on the details of the scales, painting each one a different bright color. As she settled into what would turn into a two hour painting project, I watched her transform into the most peaceful and relaxed child. Nothing else mattered, as all our attention watched the beautiful piece of art unfold.

As I look at this fish now, I see so much. The transcendence of peace. The silver threads of hope. The bright colors of laughter. And the love of shared family time.

Today I remind you that you are at your best and living in sync when you stop and enjoy the life you are given.

Be thankful. Count your blessings. And look for the bright spots everyday. 

Every No Has a Yes

Isaac Newton taught us that “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” 


For many of us, saying "no" carries with it a negative connotation.  Even when we are using it in a positive way in our lives, we can feel the weight and sacrifice associated with it. 


What would happen if we took the time to see the "yes" in our "no"?  Would we be happier? More in sync with what we really want in life? Let's practice for a minute. 


No, I do not want dessert tonight. 
Yes, I am on my way to losing those 10 pounds and feeling great about myself again! 


No, I can't fit that in my schedule.
Yes, I get to enjoy my evening with my family!


No, I don't think this relationship is going to work out long-term.
Yes, it is worth waiting and finding that special someone who will be the best fit for me!


What is the opportunity on the other side of your no?  Go ahead... try it. 




  

First make your habit

"We first make our habits, and then our habits make us." John Dryden


You are who you have made yourself to be through repeated behaviors that have become second nature to you. You no longer have to think about it, you just do it. It's become a part of your personhood and identity. If you are like me, you have conflicting thoughts about that... in some ways I like it, and in other ways not so much. hmmm.


The good news is you can always make a new habit. Really, you can. 


One habit I'm working on this year to live my life more fully in sync is my attitude towards time. I have always had an inclination towards performance and achievement, which would lead me to be a big list-maker and schedule-keeper. While these are great tools, they are horrible task-masters. So, one habit I am working on diligently is my perspective with my to-do list and calendar, and not letting them drive me or determine my worth. They are simply the means to help me achieve my goals and live my purpose. 


As I make this one adjustment, who will I become? I can imagine I'll be a more patient and gracious person, and experience more fulfillment.


What is a habit you need in your life?

Who is in your life?

"No man is an island, entire of itself..."John Donne (1572-1631)


Last week I was given a work Sabbatical, and part of my assignment for the week was to attend another church. (Because I work at the Vineyard church I attend, my pastors wanted to give me the opportunity to get away and be refreshed in God's presence in a church service without having one single conversation about work.) It was a great service, complete with friendly greeters, good worship and an engaging sermon. However, as I stood to leave I sensed this void, which I quickly recognized as a longing for my friends. My church experience, as wonderful as it was, was simply incomplete without the hugs, smiles, conversations, and prayers with those I journey with through life. When I came back this Sunday, you know the first thing I did - ran up and started giving hugs to all my friends! I had two weeks to make up for!!


As you think about "living in sync" and the best life you can, it's essential for you to consider the people you surround yourself with. Whether it's at home [hello to all you singles who are dating and determining a life partner!], in your hobbies, at work, play, or serving. "Who" may be an even more important question for you to answer than "What".


A few of my amazing 'who' experiences lately:

• My friend, Katie - see photo above. This is a picture of our friendship "framed" at the Hope Bargain Center where we were volunteering our time sorting and pricing clothing. Katie is a constant source of encouragement in my life. She brings me great joy and is my very own chocolate angel hiding candy surprises when I least expect it. It is absolutely impossible to out-give Katie. 

• New friends, Janet & Grace. Both women I met through our Food Shelf Outreach Ministry at the Vineyard. Janet is completely blind and invited our team into her home when we were out delivering groceries. It was incredibly humbling and powerful to be welcomed into her life and to pray with her. Grace is homeless and has lived a really hard life. She drops by the church every so often "not sure why I keep coming here" she says, as she shares her story with me.  I make sure she is loved, prayed for, and leaves with a big bag of groceries. I am touched and changed in a real way by sharing these moments with hurting people.

• At work, my communications team. Tonight I gathered three talented people to help with a project I'm heading up. In less than an hour, we had a really good plan in place and all three ready and willing to take their role in accomplishing the goals at hand. Wow. I am blessed.  

Who are you making sure is in your life?

What's on the Other Side of the Window?

Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Ever get lost in living life?  Where you have this overriding feeling of "missing the forest for the trees"?  The busyness and daily activities have squelched the  zest you have for living, and everything begins to feel like work - even the stuff you normally enjoy.  These are the times for stepping back a moment and reflecting on the big picture again.  


I enjoyed reading this engaging little story with a big lesson from Eugene Peterson:   

     Imagine yourself moving into a house with a huge 

     picture window overlooking a grand view across a 

     wide expanse of water enclosed by a range of 

     snow-capped mountains. You have a ringside seat   

     before wild storms and cloud formations, the 

     entire spectrum of sun-illuminated colors in the  

     rocks and trees and wildflowers and water. You are 

     captivated by the view. Several times a day you interrupt your work and stand before 

     this window to take in the majesty and the beauty, thrilled with the botanical and 

     meteorological fireworks. One afternoon you notice some bird droppings on the window 

     glass, get a bucket of water and a towel, and clean it. A couple of days later a rain-storm 

     leaves the window streaked, and the bucket comes out again. Another day visitors come 

     with a tribe of small dirty-fingered children. The moment they leave you see all the 

     smudge-marks on the glass. They are hardly out the door before you have the bucket 

     out... Keeping that window clean develops into an obsessive-compulsive neurosis. You 

     accumulate ladders and buckets and squeegees. You construct a scaffolding both inside 

     and out to make it possible to get to all the difficult corners and heights. You have the 

     cleanest window in North America - but it's now been years since you looked through it. 

     You've become a Pharisee. (The Jesus Way, p 211).

Just as this home owner missed the whole purpose of the picture window, we too can miss what's on the other side of our 'windows'.  To do so, we become as empty and compulsive as the Pharisees in the Bible. We miss life, even when it's right there before our eyes. 

So, what's on the other side of the window for you today?  Stop squeegeeing, take a deep breath and enjoy the life you have been given.