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Apocryphal

Gratitude

A few months ago, when I was writing devotions for Lent, I came across a Thanksgiving story that I turned into a Christmas story … and now I’m turning back into a Thanksgiving story. Well, sorta. You be the judge.

The story is in Luke 17:11-19 and (oddly) it reminds me of being a parent at Christmas.

Jesus enters a village. Ten lepers call out for healing, and Jesus tells them to head toward church and they’ll be healed along the way.

The ten lepers do this, and all ten are healed, but only one of them returns to thank …

Apocryphal, Generosity, Leadership, Philanthropy, Random Thoughts,

Five Ways to be Countercultural

Last week I attended a conference with a plenary session featuring two Senators (one Democrat and one Republican). The facilitator, a former Governor, led them in a conversation about how our faith can inform our public engagement.

A lot of the conversation focused on how we can transcend the worst aspects of partisan politics. The idea of vilifying and demonizing those who disagree with us was rejected, and the politicians shared examples of how to disagree with respect. It was a good reminder for all of us, and the Senators navigated the conversation beautifully. They received a standing ovation.

An …

Apocryphal, Random Thoughts,

The American Cowboy Myth

The American Cowboy. It’s a myth. No, not a myth as in it never happened. But a myth that shapes our self-understanding and purpose. It’s a myth in the way a sociologist uses the word: it shapes our view of the world and gives us a common bond as a society.

To many the American Cowboy is a great image of self-reliance. But other groups will call it a harmful myth keeping people from being community focused. In the business world I’ve heard the line “he’s a cowboy” be used as a derogatory reference to somebody who goes off the …

Apocryphal,

My 2014 Predictions

Two years ago I wrote a silly list of predictions for the coming year. It was so well received I decided to do it again last year. Now a tradition has started, so here are twelve predictions for 2014. By the way, be sure to click the links for further, um, information.

1. Edward Snowden will turn out to be a Cuban spy with strong connections in the Mossad. The NSA will hire Dan Brown to write a novel exposing Snowden. Batkid will be the hero.

2. Obama and Boughner will play golf together. Every news agency will show …

Apocryphal, Belize, PathLight,

Reflections

The past week has been a thoughtful one for me. If you look at my calendar you’ll wonder how I could ever find the time for reflection! The combination of travel and hosting guests has been hectic. But I spent time with some fascinating people who inspired me, challenged me, and encouraged me.

For instance, I met with a successful businessman in Belize City on Thursday morning. We were talking about ways to create job opportunities for at-risk youth, and in the midst of the conversation he said, “If we are all made in God’s image then we are all …

Apocryphal, Belize, Book Reviews, D'Oliva Olive Oil, Family, Goble Properties, Junkyard Management, PathLight, Random Thoughts, Sabbatical, The SOLD Project, Westmont, Wine Reviews,

Taking Stock

Junkyard Wisdom is 4-years old now. Topics have bounced from leadership ideas to wine reviews, from PathLight updates to family stories, and a wide range beyond all that. All of it has reflected my range of interests and ideas.

After four years of this, it’s time to again ask what you have enjoyed most. I can easily look at the data and see what posts were the most popular, but sometimes popularity isn’t the same as having an impact. A quick example: the most visited post of all time was a book review, but that’s mostly because the author promoted …

Apocryphal, Junkyard Management,

Being and Doing

This is the time of year college seniors seek my advice about jobs and careers. Sometimes I have good leads, often I’m clueless how to advise them. So I’m always looking for insights that I can pass on.

I recently heard a young preacher say, “If you know who you are you will know what to do.” It’s an interesting insight that is true. But it’s not the complete picture.

To understand who you are, you have to get out and do a few things. We learn a lot about ourselves by doing. We gain experience and talents along …

Apocryphal, Junkyard Management, Random Thoughts,

My 2013 Predictions

A year ago I began a new tradition and posted ten predictions for the upcoming year. And you know what? I was actually fairly accurate!
crystal_ball1
Among other things, I predicted the Giants would win the World Series, the economy would slowly improve, Obama would win the election, the Mayan apocalypse would not happen, the London Olympics would be great, China will keep growing, and the Occupy folks would lose steam. Not bad!

Of course, I missed it on the Priceline Transporter, Hawaii seceding from the Union, and the Kanye West marriage to Taylor Swift. But hey, you didn’t really …