Vacations are supposed to be about rest and fun, but they have a funny way of teaching you life lessons, too. On my recent getaway, God reminded me of a few things, some lighthearted and some challenging, that I think are worth sharing. 1. There’s always someone less fit than you, so stop hiding from…
(Part 4 of 4 in the “Performing or Belonging?” series) Here’s the truth we keep forgetting: Grace breaks the performance cycle.Not self-help. Not good vibes. Not “trying harder.”Grace. You can’t earn it. You don’t deserve it. And you can’t fake your way into it. That’s why it changes everything. Because for all our pretending, performing,…
(Part 3 of 4 in the “Performing or Belonging?” series) We were made for connection.Not Wi-Fi. Not group texts. Not “likes.”Real connection. The kind where someone sees you, hears you, and stays. But let’s be honest: that’s rare. And that rarity is saddening. Most of us walk through life surrounded by people but are suffocating from…
(Part 2 of 4 in the “Performing or Belonging?” series) Let’s be honest, most of us are addicted to approval. We don’t call it that. We call it being “driven,” “motivated,” “on our game.” But underneath the hustle is a hunger: Please notice me. Please like me. Please tell me I’m enough. And if you think…
(Part 1 of 4 in the “Performing or Belonging?” series) It often goes without saying – we’re exhausted. Not from work. Not from parenting. Not from the latest crisis-of-the-week. So many people exhausted from pretending. Smiling when we’re breaking. Posting like we’re thriving. Walking into rooms, churches included, wondering if we’re being judged for not…
There’s an American flag flying outside my home, and it doesn’t just go up for holidays. It’s there most every day, through wind, rain, snow, and sun. It flies for the men and the women who stand for me. It flies for my family, my cousins, my grandfather, my brother, and even my son –…
Have you noticed it? How quickly everything turns into a fight.How often people talk past each other instead of to each other.How even simple conversations feel like walking through a minefield. We’re surrounded by noise, not connection.By opinions, not understanding.By constant talking, but not much listening. It’s not just politics or big debates either. It’s…
We live in a world that subtly, and not so subtly, says the same thing over and over:You should be doing more. Work more. Be more involved. Cook from scratch. Get ahead. Stay informed. Stay fit. Stay positive. Stay available. And if you’re tired? That’s just proof you need better habits. Or a better planner….
Let’s talk about punctuation. Yeah, that’s right punctuation. No this is not grammar class. It’s not middle school English. I have no right to teach anyone about proper grammar – just ask my wife! I’m talking about the way we speak to each other in real life. And if we’re honest, most of us are…
We’re all running.Maybe we’re chasing the next win.Striving for the better job, the cleaner house, the bigger impact, the more impressive version of ourselves. It’s exhausting and somehow never enough. The world’s voice is loud: Do more. Be more. Prove your worth. Be perfect. And it’s easy to believe that if we’re not constantly climbing, we’re somehow…
