It may be obvious if you are a regular follower of Simply J.O.Y. that the last weeks have had too many moments that have been, let’s say, emotional. Or challenging. Or testing. Or just not a lot of fun. I truly believe that I am in a season of growth and learning and that the enemy is desperately trying …
A friend and I were talking about scars today. I have a six-inch scar on my left leg from a “state of the art” knee surgery 30 years ago. It’s funny to think that they don’t even perform that surgery anymore and now to get the same result, I’d probably have a one-inch reminder. We discussed our various …
Words have power. Words can wound and words can heal. Words too often define us. The words we chose to attribute to ourselves, and the labels others have assigned us. I think too frequently, the words we speak to ourselves and the judgements we hold onto weigh us down rather than lift us up. I’ve …
I like to think of myself as a participatory worshipper. I’m the one who can’t stand still during worship. Slow song? I’m swaying. Faster tempo? I’m clapping or bouncing my knees – I’m working up to jumping in place. Often, my hands are raised in various positions as I honor my Lord. Maybe it’s my …
I spent the greater part of my professional career as a consultant and trainer. First with other firms, and then for nearly 20 years on my own. I had the pleasure of speaking with thousands of individuals in training programs and consulting engagements. And working with dozens one-on-one as a professional coach. The most common …
I am blessed to be writing this week’s blog from the deck of a mountain cabin we are renting in Banner Elk, North Carolina. It is our second year renting this beautiful home and I never tire of the view. No matter how many times I look out at the mountains, God’s majesty always takes …
The day after the tragic shooting in Uvalde Texas that took the lives of 19 children and 2 teachers, I wrote this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I am coming to you in desperate prayer because I don’t understand, and I can’t comprehend the evil and illness that would lead someone to murder children in an elementary …
The calendar says it is spring. The icy wind and cold temperatures beg to differ. It is the end of March and the temperature yesterday in PA was 16 degrees with the wind chill. I spent the afternoon dodging snow squalls that left their white mark on the grass and sides of the road. My …