Archive: April, 2013

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LET YOUR DEED MATCH YOUR CREED

I mentioned the church I visited last Sunday with all of the young adults……I sat there pondering what is drawing young adults to this place.  The pastor, preaching on lessons of the day, talked about one’s calling and how important it is to have your “deed match your creed.”  Seems another way of saying we […]

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REACHING YOUNG ADULTS

Had an interesting experience last Sunday that defied the popular belief.  I was visiting a 100 year old Scandinavian Lutheran congregation that some said was dying.  A neighborhood church with outstanding traditional worship. What amazed me first was the rich music.  Then powerful preaching.  Then a reception of new members (quite a crowd) and all […]

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Swimming Lessons: Reflection, Relearning, Renewal

Recently, I figured out that I took my first swimming lessons 55 years ago.  Yes, I was 10 years old when I started at the YMCA in Decatur, Illinois.  Once I got over my fear of the water, I had a good time swimming, and I really liked to swim. Once again, I am taking […]

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SUPPORT THE WORK IN WITTENBERG-SUMMER 2013

I will be serving as Deputy Director for Wittenberg English Ministries (WEM) from June 12-September 8, 2012.  In this volunteer role, I will support the twofold ministry of WEM, reflected in WEM’s Mission Statement: connect Jesus Christ to people through a Christian worship and outreach ministry in English directed toward the international visitors and local […]

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INTEGRATED LIVING: Transitional Living Toward Focused Mission

What is it that one might reflect upon?  It seems to me that reflection begins with values and a movement toward authenticity.  In a life where there is little in the way of reflection it is easy to move in disconnected directions.  When this happens a person tends to become what others desire rather than […]

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Recent Items

  • The Loneliness Factor

    I was at a luncheon that was serving as a listening post for seniors to describe their sense of loneliness and isolation. I knew that the population invited to this luncheon was one that would probably have a higher sense of isolation, but, what I heard was much more intense than I expected. A man […]

  • Social Networks and Aging

    It is interesting that research is showing two demographics experiencing social isolation in such as way as to impact health: Young Adults (18-22) and Senior Adults (65+). I have worked with both populations over the past 50 years and I continue to be amazed at the similarity of the questions raised by both groups and […]

  • An Eye-Opening Awareness: One More Transition for this Guy

    I sat at a luncheon two weeks ago that opened my eyes to a reality that I knew was there, but as the discussion unfolded I began to realize how the discussion, about to take place, was going to expand my thinking. As I listened to the needs of the people with whom I shared […]

  • TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE: LETTING GOD SET THE AGENDA

    When it comes to the human condition and a desire to change, we can become easily frustrated: we think that we want to change … but we really don’t. Paul expresses this contradiction well in Romans 7:15-24: “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do […]

  • The Crisis of Loneliness

    THE NATIONAL CRISIS CALLED LONELINESS From “LINKED IN” “America is becoming Isolation Nation. Nearly half of respondents to a nationwide survey by health insurer Cigna say they always or sometimes feel alone, and 54% say they feel no one knows them well. Such loneliness is connected to increased risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death. The […]