Monthly Archives: April 2014

Thursday Thanks (16-20)

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fiveEach week (I aim for Thursday), I’ll use this space to list five things (items, experiences, people, whatever) for which I’ve been recently grateful. Consider it my “blessings count”. Ann Voskamp’s famous challenge to list 1000 gifts seemed daunting — I’m committing to 500, a two-year venture from when I started last month!

1) Software
A slickly designed program that does its job well is a joy to use. One new addition to our lives as being a finance program called You Need A Budget. We have always been relatively careful of tracking our spending, but this program, coupled with its app formats, has made the process significantly better.

2) Hair
This one makes the list, particularly as I consider my three daughters: whether it is our oldest aspiring to outgrow Rapunzel’s hair or our second daughter running around the house with thin braids flying behind, or our youngest whose tousled wild “do” delights me daily.

3) Medicine
When our oldest daughter slept restlessly for weeks, while complaining of a stomachache, we searched futilely for answers. A couple supplements and medications have transformed her in a matter of days. Yay for drugs!

4) Fire
It’s April 18, and light snow is falling, in the latest installment of “the winter without end”. That said, our living room feels remarkably cozy – the fireplace certainly helps!

5) Harmony
Music inspires. Rhythm delights.  But there is something magical when two tones bounce beautifully off of each other. Be it voices or instruments, harmony strikes me as a most delightful of sounds.

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A Word to Parents

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1970.harmon-killebrew.16Harmon Killebrew was a star hitter for the Minnesota Twins in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In recalling his childhood, he often told this story:

“My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, ‘You’re tearing up the grass.’

‘We’re not raising grass,’ Dad would reply.

‘We’re raising boys.'”

Parenting duties can battle with other expectations: Career aspirations, financial goals, fantasies of spotless homes and leisurely schedules.

Whatever you’re treasuring or pursuing, be sure that Papa Killebrew’s simple focus weighs in to your equation because there are a lot of things out there that we aren’t raising and only a few that we are.

More Effective Communication

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If yesterday’s video didn’t help your development into a more effective communicator, this one certainly may.

Or not.

Effective Communication

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There is something to be said for clear communication.

I’m just not entirely convinced this video shares the key to it.

Six-Pack (62)

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Welcome to this week’s edition of the Six-Pack.

Having missed last week’s post, a small stockpiling of great material has begun. Let me skim a half-dozen off the top for sharing.

If six ever feels overwhelming, start with my two *Picks of the Week*, and move out from there.

For a steady stream of such links, follow me on Twitter to the right of this post.  Sharp quotes and solid articles are tweeted 3-4 times daily.

Today’s edition:

1) 20 Unusual Things 20 Successful People Do Every Day (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
For Inc.com, Jeff Haden has compiled these intriguing bits. I love getting peeks into others’ processes for creativity or organization or life. To me, this stuff is fascinating. I especially appreciate Leo Widrich’s entry — I could get into that, though those around me likely want no part of it!

2) What Saint Paul Really Said About Slavery
Scot McKnight shares a brief excerpt from Sarah Ruden on this still-provocative topic.

3) Platt Wasn’t Enough for My Church
Andy Schmitz took over leadership of a church formerly led by David Platt… sort of. Here’s his take on the non-negotiable value of flesh-and-blood pastoring.

4) Seeking God, Finding Jesus
Nabeel Qureshi is the author of “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus”, and perhaps you should get to know him.

5) Twenty Years a Survior (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
The world recently marked the 20-year anniversary of Rwanda’s horrors. Many stories have been told. One you should hear is that of Clarisse Mukashumbusho, now living in London, Canada.

6) Are Mac Owners Really Cooler than PC Users?
Psychology Today picks at the famous commercials and their message.


May your week ahead be filled with life, as you seek the One from whom it flows!

leaveacommentYOUR TURN: Your input makes this post better!

  • Which link above was today’s best-of-the-best?
  • Why that one?

Direct others to the best of the bunch with a quick comment.

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