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Devotions, Uncategorized,

The Gospel of Mark

In past years the Easter devotions were based on the Gospel of Luke. This year they are based on the Gospel of Mark. It’s a good source for short, simple devotions because the author wrote in a very direct manner.

The brevity of the writing lends itself to what I do well. Namely, make stuff up to fill in the blank spots! I will read a story in Mark and immediately have questions. The book leaves the reader begging for more detail.

Here’s an example. One passage that won’t be in the devotions is Mark 2:18-22. There are several …

Goble Properties, Random Thoughts,

Winds of Change

One of my first projects at Goble Properties was to build an industrial complex on a piece of land in San Jose. It was a weird shaped parcel, but a good location. The project was big enough to test me but small enough to get my arms around.

A curious thing happened when the buildings were framed. A huge wind storm came through and knocked everything over. Boards and planks were piled up like so much drift wood pushed ashore by rough seas. Nobody had ever seen anything like it, and the consequences set everything back by weeks. Not to …

Devotions,

Those Silly Devotions

I’ve had a successful four decade long marriage with my high school sweetheart. I’ve grown a significant company. I’ve served on several distinguished boards. I’ve visited so many countries some don’t exist anymore. I’ve saved thousands of acres of rainforest. I’ve been invited to the White House. I co-founded a ministry that was mentioned on the cover of Christianity Today. I’ve written three books. I’ve raised two great kids who are now adults. I’ve been to some of the finest hotels and restaurants in the world. I’ve been in some of the poorest places on the planet.*

And you …

Random Thoughts,

Rollercoaster Retirement Year

The year is done, thank goodness. Not that it was all bad — some really wonderful things happened in 2023. Those were the highs. And then there were lows. It was a rollercoaster year.

One event of the year was my 65th birthday. Typically it’s the age a person moves into retirement. Not me. The form filling lady at Medicare kept asking me why I continued working, and when I answered, “Because I enjoy working,” she was truly flummoxed. I suppose I’d be flummoxed too if I filled out forms for Medicare all day.

But I did wonder, what would …

Book Reviews,

Annual Book Recommendations

Thanks to all of you who tell me how much you look forward to these recommendations. Writing this post is one of the few consistencies in this blog!

As of now I’ve read 70 books this year, and I’ll read a few more this December. The recommendations below come from the 70, but narrowing it down was difficult. My first list was 16 books! From there I got it down to eight, and I’ll call the other eight honorable mentions. So here goes.

My favorite work of fiction was The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. A brilliant …

Family, Leadership,

Trust, Church, and Golf Carts

I was ten years old when my Dad brought a golf cart home. It was a junkyard golf cart, with ugly old paint and nearly flat tires. Even then, a half century ago, it was ancient. It had two rear wheels, with one front wheel that was steered rudder style. 

To my surprise Dad tossed me the key and said, “Have fun.” 

Shocked, and delighted, I stood there dumbfounded for a minute. Then he gave me a brief tutorial – key goes here, forward here, reverse there, turn the rudder the opposite direction you want to turn, now go.

Laughing …

Uncategorized,

Keep Your Mouth Shut

A year ago the board of PathLight International asked me to step in as interim CEO. It’s been a fun year and we accomplished a lot, but it’s time to let someone with new energy lead. That’s why, and you heard it here first, PathLight is going to announce the hiring of Kris Canfield as the new Executive Director. I could not be happier — mostly because Kris is going to be great, but also because it’s time for new leadership.

There is a lot to say about Kris of course, but I’ll resist the temptation to list her …

Belize, Jaguar Creek, PathLight,

Junkyard Road Trip

Well, not exactly a road trip, we fly not drive. But … anyone interested in Belize? I’ve just returned from a great trip with friends, and I’m already planning another trip for January. We will be full for this trip (no more than 15 people) so let me know soon if you are interested. It’s a blend of Junkyard reality, PathLight heart, and touristy fun.

The most recent trip was really short: we spent less than 72 hours in Belize. But it was packed. Here’s a list of the things we did:

Met with PathLight students and heard their stories.…