Update: There are Seven Days in the Week — Someday Isn’t One of Them

Cultivating a systems approach can help you succeed in the new year

“What lifetime are you waiting for?” – Bill Hybels I hope you had a great celebration on Christmas Day, and that you are still enjoying the joy of this season. Today, I want to encourage you to think about your plans for the new year. I have written before about setting SMART goals, and I […]

Our Chaos is Why Christmas Exists

The answer is yes

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die — but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – […]

Re-Post: The Best Advice Was a Stern Rebuke

Do the work -- it will pay off eventually

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend;     profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” – Proverbs 27:6 (ESV) The story I’m about to tell you is true. While I am not particularly proud of certain aspects of this story, I think it has a happy enough ending, as well as a useful moral, so I’m […]

On Traditions – Updated

Honoring the past and living with joy in the present

“Nothing comes from nothing. Nothing ever could” — Richard Rogers (“Something Good”) As Christmas approaches, I’ve been thinking about the importance of traditions.  Having a set of practices tied to the Christmas season has generated lots of benefits for me and my household.  I credit our traditions with the following: Making memories and sharing experiences that strengthen […]

Re-post: Lessons Learned from 30 Years of Marriage

Next to parenthood, it's the best trouble you'll ever have

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing     and obtains favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22 (ESV) Mrs. Booth and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary this week. I am profoundly thankful for the years we have had together, and I look forward to the years ahead. The institution of marriage has suffered […]

The Benefits of Maintaining a Cool Spirit

Keep cool, man

“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” – Proverbs 17:27 (ESV) With Thanksgiving this week, I am seeing articles and hearing reports unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Families are dividing, disowning, and disinviting over political differences. Ridiculous! Before we take a long-overdue visit to […]

Re-post: Are You Looking Through the Wrong End of the Telescope?

Give thanks -- in all things

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”- G.K. Chesterton If you’re living in the US, or if you’re a citizen of the US, a very happy Thanksgiving to you! Before we begin today, please take a moment to watch the following video featuring […]

Rendering Unto Caesar

Obey the king, but remember: he's just renting!

Here are my thoughts on the aftermath of our recent US elections: I started my outline on this subject before election day, and I found that it really jelled after I began reading and seeing friends’ reactions on social media. I believe we are not our own, and that we not only have obligations to […]

Re-post: The Root of the Poison Tree

How Marxist feminism and the left have painted a target on men

“The increasing complexity and precariousness of our economic life have forced Government to take over many spheres of activity once left to choice or chance. Our intellectuals have surrendered first to the slave-philosophy of Hegel, then to Marx, finally to the linguistic analysts.” – C. S. Lewis from “Willing Slaves of the Welfare State” Last […]

Re-post: The Importance of Finishing Well

Wise King Solomon fell prey to folly - Here's how you can avoid it

“Well begun is half done.” – Aristotle Throughout my life, I’ve found that I begin new tasks with great gusto. This is a good thing, and I have learned to take advantage of my enthusiasm to create momentum that will help carry me through the eventual letdown. The particulars vary from project to project, but […]