In the Zone

I feel truly fortunate this Christmas. Last night, as my family returned home to my mother-in-law's house, we noticed the distinct smell of natural gas.  It was strong, and not the first time we had noticed it that day.  Still, trying to get in from the cold, we hurried to the house. Later, while taking out the garbage, I noticed the smell again, this time even stronger.  I also heard a loud hissing noise coming from the neighbor's home.  Not wanting to take any chances, I asked my wife to call the gas company.  Even on Christmas, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'm so glad we did.  As it turns out, my mother-in-law's neighbor had a broken furnace which was leaking raw natural gas into his home.  When the gas company arrived, it was already at 3 percent.  The gas man informed us that 4 percent was an explosive level of gas.  In his opinion, by morning, the house would have exploded and probably taken ...

A few years ago, someone came to me for advice about her job. Karen, a long-time employee of the company, was having personality and philosophy conflicts with her new boss.  He'd been there less than a  year and within six months, the relationship soured. Personality-wise, they clashed.  His leadership style did not fit Karen's personality.  As a business philosophy, they were on two different pages.  From the way she described things, it became obvious that Karen, and her years of experience at the company and her relationship with her co-workers, intimidated the new boss. Two things quickly became apparent:  First of all, this arranged business relationship wasn't working.  Stress-levels kept increasing, productivity decreased and morale, at least for Karen, spiraled downward.  Each conflict grew more severe than the last.  Karen was at her wit's end. The second thing that became apparent - at least to me - was that this was ...

Why do we use a Christmas tree? I mean, a nativity makes sense, even if some of the items and people in the displays are inaccurate.  But where does a tree come in to the equation? According to legend and tradition, the Christmas tree tradition started with Martin Luther (the Reformation theologian, not the civil rights leader).  He felt the nativity was too Catholic and wanted something protestants could use for Christmas.  He settled on a Christmas tree, which for him, represented the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. He related that to Christ.  The Tree of Life allowed humanity to live in the presence of God.  Similarly, Jesus allows us to restore that relationship and live in God's presence once more.  Having a tree, Martin believed, showed others that Christ was the center of the home and the Christmas celebration. In fact, early tree were decorated with fruits (representing the fruit of the tree of life) and candles (signifying the worship o...

A few years ago on Thanksgiving week, I started a new tradition on my blog.  With no Wednesday night youth activities, I wrote a blog profiling the books I've read over the past year.  I like to show you books I've read to show you a peak into my reading list, but also to give you Christmas gift recommendations for the reader in your life. This year, though, I began reading so many books, I broke it into two different blogs.  My May blog featuring books I read can be found here .  The rest can be found below. As always, I'm not chronicling everything I've read, but I'm just giving you the highlights.  I'll also include Amazon links to each book, so it will be easy to order, especially for e-readers. Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God  by John Piper.  I've got to admit, this book is pretty heady.  Then again, what do you expect from a book by John Piper about thinking on God.  Piper digs deep into our thought processes and w...

Many years ago, when my wife and I were dating, we drove down to her family on Christmas Day. Because she knew the way, my wife-to-be insisted on driving her car for the trip.  All seemed fine until we reached the half-way point of our four-hour drive.  The heater wasn't producing any heat.  When we pulled over at the gas station, we quickly learned why.  Green anti-freeze was leaking out of the radiator.  Now mind you, it's Christmas Day.  This gas station was likely to be the only business open for the duration of the trip. We're exactly two-hours from my family and two hours from hers.  Our chances didn't look great. With very few options, we made a decision.  We bought two containers of pre-mixed anti-freeze.  We poured one into the car and put the other in the back seat for reserve.  Then, as quickly as we could, we pointed the car towards our original destination, hoping we had two hours worth of anti-freeze before it all lea...

I have had some bad experiences with auto mechanics. Time and again I've had parts replaced only for them to break or not be the root cause of the problem.  Not long ago, one auto shop quoted me a huge price for a repair, then lowered the price when I said "No."  I went to a place across town and got in done for a fraction of their "lowered" price. Now, when I have a car issue, I text or call a guy I trust.  He can't always do the work, but he always steers me toward someone he trusts who can.  When it comes to my car, I only want trustworthy, honest people working on it.  I want good quality work without a jacked up price. I want someone I can count on, without question. In 2 Kings 18, the Israelites faced a challenge.  The Assyrian army had surrounded Jerusalem.  The Assyrian king demanded their unconditional surrender.  He told them not to trust their leaders or even God to save them from the mighty Assyrian army.  No one could sta...

Seven years ago, my wife and I faced a crucial decision. We knew God was calling me into full-time ministry.  He had put that desire in my heart for over two years.  However, after two years of searching, no doors opened. At the same time, my secular job began to complicate my ministry job.  As a reporter, I tried to get people to open up in order to expose the truth.  As a minister, I talked with students and adults, assuring them of confidentiality.  As a sports writer covering high school sports, the line often blurred, especially as I interviewed athletes in my ministry.  I often wondered:  does this student understand that I'm a reporter right now and not his youth minister?  Does this parent know they are telling a reporter intimate details while I'm on the clock?  Can I continue to live this double-life? After a meeting with my editor, it became clear:  I had to make a decision.  I would either have to rededicate my l...