In the last lesson we considered the idea that the devil can use us to hurt and discourage others.  I don’t know if the devil was inspired by that lesson or if he simply wanted to “encourage” me to know I was right, but it was quite the week.  Four sets of people managed to leave my head … [Read more...]

In the last lesson I mentioned how my house’s addition taught me that it’s hard to see the good when you’re drowning (a lesson I would’ve preferred being told than experiencing firsthand).  It also taught me another very important lesson: I know there is a God because there is a devil, and wow … [Read more...]

This past weekend my family held an event at our house to celebrate our backroom being done-ish.  Yes, the addition I’ve written about for three years is come to a close-ish.  I ended up doing a presentation to share part of the journey, and it was amazing how helpful it was being able to … [Read more...]

One of the biggest problems couples face is finding resolution to conflicts.  Some people (i.e. women) think that talking more will lead to resolution – nope.  Other people (i.e. men) want to think that avoiding the issue and/or person will let the issue blow over – nope.  This is why … [Read more...]

As a therapist, I hear stories of guys weeping because of their shame for watching porn.  Whatever your feelings are about it, you’re welcome to them (especially since even the definition of porn can be debated; for instance, what’s the line between art and porn and are shows like Outlander … [Read more...]

This past week I was at the funeral for someone who was once in my youth group.  He was in his late thirties and he died from complications after looking like he had beaten a tumor.  Shocking is the best word to describe being told he had passed because you don’t expect to bury someone who … [Read more...]

The one common question I don’t understand is “Does this make me look fat?” An outfit doesn’t make you look fat – you make yourself look fat.  The question should be, “Does this hide my fat enough to make me marginally better looking than I would in a bathing suit?” That’s what we’re hoping … [Read more...]

My family trip this past summer to Disneyland continued the tradition of trips teaching me an important lesson to help me be wiser.  This started when I was a youth pastor doing mission trips.  For instance, my second trip was to New York City, and on our prayer tour the host told us one … [Read more...]