In honor of Father’s Day, I thought I would bring out a blog that has been in the “unfinished” folder for a little while. This title “What Makes a Man” is not a question but rather a statement that reminds us that being a “man” is about the little things in life and the unique ways we can work to …
Hearts on Fire…
During some pre-marketing planning, I spent a day reflecting on what The FEST Family Day theme “Hearts on Fire” truly means. Ultimately, I found that each reference to this phrase in scripture leads us back to His NAME and His WORD. What does this mean for us in our everyday lives? Well, it simply means that we are not only …
The Ultimate Love Story… (Part 1)
We are now entering the Triduum of Holy week and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. However, my mind continues to focus on the reading of ‘the Passion’ and how it truly is the beginning of “the ultimate love story”. Each love story contains elements of a courtship, a revealing of oneself, a period of struggle, reconciliation and then the …
The Ultimate Love Story… (Part 2)
And so “the ultimate love story” of the Triduum continues… However, since the crucifixion we have experienced great pain and a wide array of emotions. We are left a little empty and wondering how love can triumph in the end. As I sat in Good Friday service, I watched others venerate the cross and bring all their pain with them. …
Power of the Spirit…
After being part of a series of Confirmation talks to our “young church” over the last few weeks, not only did I witness the good that is alive in the youth of our church, but also how much the Holy Spirit is at work. Confirmation is a special time in which we are reminded why God sends His Spirit to …
Preparing for Holy Week
I want to challenge you to step away from the noise and take intentional time to prepare your heart for Holy Week. This is not just another week on the calendar, this is the most powerful journey of our faith. From the praise of Palm Sunday to the suffering of the cross, you are not meant to simply observe it… …
The Trap of Lent
Yes, you read that title correctly — The Trap of Lent. I can already hear people gasping in reverence: “How can you say such a thing?” Well, because during the first Lenten journey into the desert — when Jesus spent His 40 days fasting and praying — there was a series of traps being set for Him along the way …
One Million Acts of Kindness Week (February 14-20, 2011)
I was very grateful for the pleasure of having coffee this week with my buddy Bob Votruba, founder of One Million Acts of Kindness. Bob has been a very good friend of mine for many years and it is amazing to watch him put his convictions into action. A few years ago, Bob decided to give up his comfortable lifestyle …
How Ready Am I?…
Recently, I read the book “Choosing to See” by Mary Beth Chapman. For those of you that do not know, she is the wife of recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman. On May 21, 2008 their 5 year old daughter was accidentally hit and killed by the car of their 17 year old son while he was pulling in their driveway; …
Watches and Warnings
Oh, snow season in Cleveland, Ohio is filled with so many hours of the weather person telling us about the next snowstorm and all the reasons we are going to inevitably perish when the white stuff arrives. Upon this news, panic ensues causing the mad rush for people to fill their car’s gas tanks up and long lines at the …