Grew a goat on vacation, and what to my wondering eyes should appear?

My chin has gone grey. Just four years ago, the last time I grew it out, things looked quite a bit different:

Thought I’d post it for posterity because I just shaved it off. Can’t handle the sweat, heat, and itchiness.

Posted in finding myself No Comments »

“It’s easy to say ‘Jesus is my Savior.’ But sometimes people’s approval is my functional Savior.”
Bob Hyatt has been speaking to us at our Yearly Meeting’s pastors’ conference, and he’s been quite helpful to me. Last night, he kept reminding us the good news of the gospel: God’s grace through Jesus gives us our identity, [...]

Posted in church thoughts, finding myself 1 Comment »

1 hour, 44 minutes, and 54 seconds. I did it. 40 laps on my 40th birthday. And, since I ran in lane 4, I actually ran 10.5 miles, so I hit 10 minutes a mile almost exactly. Not nearly as fast as I wanted; but, considering a week ago I didn’t think I could finish, [...]

Posted in family, finding myself 9 Comments »

Ahh, new things always have a way of bringing out my addictions.
I’ve been reading photography forums like an addict since we got our new camera. And when I found this discussion thread about a very inexpensive but amazing quality lens, I wanted one. Instead of hundreds or thousands of dollars, it’s just $80 new. But [...]

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I’m afraid that the best I have to offer the world is an oxymoron.
Good to Great says that great companies refine their focus to find the one thing they can do better than anyone else in the world. Steve Fawver just read it (I tackled it a few years back), and when we were talking [...]

Posted in finding myself, quaker 10 Comments »

The speaker in this morning’s general session was Ruth Haley Barton. Her ministry and her focus today was the need for pastors to care for their souls, to spend time in solitude in the presence of God. Lots of good stuff…which made me grateful for our Quaker circles. Her message did not strike me like [...]

Posted in finding myself, npc 2 Comments »

It seems like people are always talking about adolescents need to find themselves and solidfy their identity. I’d like to submit that perhaps…just perhaps…that’s something we keep doing our whole lives long.
In a few blog posts (the finding myself category might give you more than you care to read) and in many more private [...]

Posted in finding myself 7 Comments »

#1: One really good outcome of going to my high school reunion is a simple realization. I like my life. I love my wife. I’m glad for the choices I’ve made, and I really am grateful for all the wonderful people who have been a part of my life.
#2: I can’t believe I haven’t [...]

Posted in comedy attempts, finding myself, license plate 10 Comments »

Do you remember where you were on June 5, 1986? (If you do, put it in the comments!)
That day more than 20 years ago was our high school baccalaureate service at New Hope Community Church. Asked to speak, I wrestled with how to talk about what really measured success in life, beyond accomplishments and achievements. [...]

Posted in finding myself, high school 2 Comments »

I forget that this little ol’ blog is out in public on the internet.
I had several people from my high school class say, “Hey, I found your blog!” John even said he reads my blog, as in, more than once. I wonder if they saw the look of panic on my face when they said [...]

Posted in church thoughts, finding myself, high school 5 Comments »