One of the things that Susanne and I have taken up in our early retirement days is putting jigsaw puzzles together. Before retiring, the last time I worked on a puzzle was in my pre-school days. I had no interest whatsoever in putting a puzzle together. Susanne, likewise, was a puzzle assembly novice. When we spent a few weeks last summer in the Chicago area, we decided to ‘do a…
Read MoreIf it needs to be done, put it on your calendar!
What happens when your calendar marries your to-do list? Action and accomplishment are birthed! Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else. This quote is attributed to Peter Drucker. Time management and self-management are so intertwined that they are indistinguishable. Everything I have ever read regarding time management boiled down to my ability to manage myself. Time is a precious commodity. One can feel it slipping away moment by…
Read MoreTransformation Living: the List and the Lesson
As a lifelong rule-follower and list maker, this passage from the book of 2 Peter has always intrigued me. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from…
Read MoreIs Quitting an option?
I must admit there have been times when I wanted to quit. If you look in certain places in our homes, you will find some discarded items that were once part of something we thought we would enjoy and master: musical instruments, sports equipment, and a host of hobby paraphernalia. Is it appropriate at times to quit? I have heard all the cliches regarding giving up on something:…
Read MoreFour Reminders I Need Daily
How often do I need reminders? Daily and often! There is a tendency to forget things. I am not just talking about keys and notes. Much time is spent looking for misplaced items and remembering what we promised. There are many devices and suggestions to aid us in remembering important things. Nothing is more significant than our relationship with the Lord. I came across a verse from Psalm 143. Immediately…
Read MoreA Few More Things I am Learning in This Season Of Life
I am telling my friends I am living the retired life, and I currently have training wheels attached. I was barely into retirement when asked to fill in for a friend while he took a medical leave. I have committed to staying on until his replacement is elected in mid-July. During this phase of my life, I have discovered some things that are helping me navigate the change and adapt.…
Read MoreA Few lessons Learned from a Wilderness Experience
During the Lenten season, I have been reading a devotional book centered on Jesus’ temptation by the Devil in the wilderness. He was alone, and He became hungry, and He went through a time of testing. Throughout the history of God’s people, there have been wilderness times of trial and testing. Moses seemed to spend considerable time in the Wilderness: 22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and…
Read MoreRetreat to Win
A step back is not necessarily a sign of weakness or defeat. There is a need in our world to reflect and take a deep breath. Those of us who love to push ahead and keep pressing on, the need to hit the pause button and take some time to think unhurriedly. It is very appropriate at specific points to take a time out. It is okay to step back…
Read MoreFor the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost
This is the key verse for the book of Luke “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10). There are a lot of opinions about who Jesus is and what He came into the world to do. For some, He is a great teacher, a moral philosopher, and a tremendous role model. These are all nice things, yet Jesus never…
Read MoreWhat is your Influence Story
Someone, several in fact has influenced all of us in ways large and small! It starts at birth; parents and other family members affect us significantly. In life, we develop friendships and have teachers, pastors, neighbors, and others who make a difference. The opposite is also a fact: you and I have influenced others. Humans require connections. Even the timid crave connection. As I reflect on the years, several people…
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