Sixteen years ago, I married my sweet Shannon. On that day, I loved her as much as I knew how. I love her more today.
The marriage journey is an intense one, with both delight and difficulty. Whatever the season, it is a profound pleasure to walk with this dear woman.
Thanks to her for the joy of life together.
Thanks to others of you who have walked with both of us.
Each 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 task which will take me two years of weekly posts to complete!
Here are the most recent entries on my list:
1) Countryside
A relative’s wedding yesterday pushed me to drive hours out of the city into the beautiful parts of our province. Lush fields, golden canola, quiet grids — the city has lots of perks, but these aren’t them.
2) Hugs
I have three sweet daughters and a beautiful wife. All four are exceptional huggers. Count this man as rich!
3) Skin
A week ago, I had a nasty blister that had left a very raw and open sore. A bit of care and a bit of time — it’s nearly healed. Skin astounds me!
4) Music
Our church ran its Vacation Bible School a week ago. In the aftermath, we borrowed the DVD that contained all the songs the kids learned. It is a special joy to watch my girls, right down to my two-year-old find pleasure in worship as they sing and move to those tunes.
5) Quiet
Worship this morning involved a darkened room and some hushed moments. I’m all for energy and celebration — and I want to be even more for them — but somehow the stripped-down hush holds a special sort of essence for this fellow.
YOUR TURN: Your input makes this post better!
[You can subscribe to this blog via RSS or email, in the upper right corner of this page.]
Welcome to the Six-Pack!
After a long stretch of rain and cloud, the past week has been “real summer” on the prairies — bring on a handful of great links!
If a half-dozen directions feels daunting, start with the *Picks of the Week*, and branch 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) Cultivating Faithfulness in a Culture of Efficiency (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
J.R. Briggs has a new book that I’m excited to read. Missio Alliance has this post, adapted from one of its chapters.
2) My Name is Mike, and I’m a Recovering True Believer (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
Mike Anderson was once high up in Mars Hill Church. Here’s why he isn’t anymore. Please note that I have no particularly strong feelings on Mars Hill or Mark Driscoll; this article is a fascinating read all the same, of one man’s perceptions from inside such a large church/organization.
3) Farewell to the Golden Age
Philip Yancey has long been one of my most influential authors. Here he looks back on his writing career and notes profound changes in the industry.
4) Contemplative Prayer: A Cure for Ministerial Burnout
Tony Campolo shares this post on the blog of Contemplative Journal.
5) People Prefer Electric Shocks to Being Left with Their Own Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered why sitting quietly in prayer or meditation is so hard, this piece from The Atlantic may help decode your insides.
6) Sitting and Thinking About Sitting and Thinking
Psychology Today got hold of the study mentioned in #5 — here’s their take on the findings.
May your week ahead be filled with life, as you seek the One from whom it flows!
YOUR TURN: Your input makes this post better!
Direct others to the best of the bunch with a quick comment.
[You can subscribe to this blog via RSS or email, in the upper right corner of this page.]
Each 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 task which will take me two years of weekly posts to complete!
I missed last week for no reason that’s good enough! Back at it…
1) Chiropractors
Two weeks ago, I was in some serious discomfort. Three ribs were out, and activities like breathing were becoming painful. My highly skilled chiropractor from the Arrowhead Clinic Decatur Georgia Chiropractor worked wonders in two sessions, and I was again grateful for him!
2) Sun
After what felt like a forever of cloud and rain, recent sunny days have been a true treat.
3) Shop Vac
My Dad gave me one of these for Christmas. Ten days ago, when Saskatchewan citizens were building arks, I was christening my Christmas gift by sucking water out of my basement. It works!
4) Kids
Last night marked the end of our church’s Vacation Bible School — a gym-full of kids brought energy and fun to the whole week. I’m thankful for great leaders who gave their best to the children all week!
5) Golf
I don’t particularly love this game, but I had a chance this week to hit a bucket of balls at the driving range, and I remembered how fun it is to connect (every once in a while) a club with a ball. I’ll definitely do it again!
YOUR TURN: Your input makes this post better!
[You can subscribe to this blog via RSS or email, in the upper right corner of this page.]
My American friends — and millions of American strangers — spent the day celebrating their national holiday. Here is Stephen Merchant to share how great July 4 could have been.