December 5, 2013 · 6:41 am

Five Ways to Improve Your Listening Skills

ListeningSkills

“Listening requires more than opening your ears.”   This observation is from Bernard Ferrari’s book, “Power Listening: Mastering the Most Critical Business Skill of All.”

I haven’t read Ferrari’s book but saw this quote in a review while glancing through the Spirit Magazine on a Southwest flight between Tampa and Kansas City. The article appeared on their  “Life Apps Conversationator” page.

“Ferrari proffers advice on smart conversation habits. Here are five to try.” Show Respect. Listen to everyone. Be quiet. Understand emotions. Ask questions. This brief overview shares some examples on how to be an effective listener in business settings using those techniques. Continue reading →

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December 4, 2013 · 6:19 am

The More Excellent Way: Five Lessons For A Better Life

Light.Love

Last Sunday while we were in Florida for Thanksgiving, Norma Jean and I visited the SkyviewChurch in Pinellas Park.  In the mid-1980’s we were a part of that church-Family.  So, it was good to return and see old friends and enjoy fellowship.

For the past 28 years Charles Murray has preached for Skyview and now serves as one of their elders.  He’s a good man.  And a fine gospel preacher.  I’ve been thinking about his sermon.  It was Biblical.  Practical.  And relevant to the needs of our day.  His text was 1 Cor 12:31-13:1. Continue reading →

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December 3, 2013 · 6:48 am

Justice Tempered By Mercy

Justice.Mercy

Some of the recent facebook posts about law and grace reminds me of the story of the 80-year-old woman who was arrested for shoplifting. When she appeared in court, the Judge asked her, “What did you steal?”

“A can of peaches,” She replied.

When the Judge asked her why, she said that she was hungry. “How many peaches were in the can?” asked the Judge.

“Six.”

The Judge said, “Then I will give you six days in jail.”

Before the Judge could pronounce the sentence, the woman’s husband spoke up and asked if he could say something. Continue reading →

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December 2, 2013 · 6:12 am

Word of the Week: Family

Davion

“If you could have the perfect family,” asked Barbara Walters on “The View, “What would you like?”

“Anyone who will love me,” replied Davion.

All of his life, he’s been waiting for a family.  For fifteen years he’s lived in foster care.  Waiting.  Praying. Hoping.  Now he decided to take matters into his own hands.  Continue reading →

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November 27, 2013 · 6:04 am

Thank You, God, For Everything!

Sunset.PeterIsland

Matthew Henry was a well-known, British Bible scholar and Preacher who lived from 1662 to 1714.  His commentaries on the Old and New Testament are still in print today.

One day Dr. Henry was riding his horse on the way to a church meeting where he was the guest speaker.  As he journeyed through the dense forest a masked bandit suddenly appeared with a gun.  He demanded that Henry dismount and hand over all of his money.  Fearing for his life, he quickly complied as the robber returned into the woods. Continue reading →

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November 26, 2013 · 7:24 am

You Can’t Grow If You’re Dead!

Turkey.FrozenNorma Jean and I are in Florida for Thanksgiving.  Last night we went grocery shopping, laying in food for our stay and for the big day on Thursday!  When we came to the meat section, she found a turkey and said “Do you think it’s big enough?”  I agreed that it was.  But it reminded me of this story. Continue reading →

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November 25, 2013 · 7:20 am

Word of the Week: Thanksgiving

 Thanksgiving.2

It was the day before Thanksgiving and Michelle wanted to emphasize the importance and meaning of Thanksgiving to her pre-school class.  She decided to playfully contrast it with some incorrect ideas.  The dialogue went something like this.  Continue reading →

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November 22, 2013 · 5:51 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Mighty in Power

Jesus.Pilate.2The Emperor, Charlemagne, known also as “Charles the Great,” ruled from of Western Europe from 768-814.  He  wanted to be remembered as the powerful ruler he was.  Legend says that he requested to be entombed sitting on his throne.  His crown on His head.  His scepter in his hand.  And his royal cape draped around his shoulders. Continue reading →

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November 21, 2013 · 7:24 am

A Refuge in Times of Trouble

Hawksbill

(This post was the 7th most read in 2013)

The Old Testament Patriarch, Job, observed over 3,000 years ago, “Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.”

I have been reminded of that this week.  Again.

Rescue teams have been searching the Barren River in Bowling Green, Kentucky, looking for Adam Smelser, missing since Sunday afternoon.  Evidently he went for a run.  Then a swim. And hasn’t been seen since.  I feel the grief and heart-break of his parents, family and friends. Continue reading →

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November 20, 2013 · 7:44 am

Bill Cosby “Calls Out” Vulgar Culture

Cosby.Bill(Note:  We are taking a “holiday break” and re-posting the top 9 posts in 2013 based on the number of hits.  Although only posted a month ago, this one came in at #9)

“We are not a vulgar culture,” said Bill Cosby in a speech at Tuskegee University earlier this month. Continue reading →

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