In this two-essay episode, we wrap up the Work section of Kinsmen Journal, Vol I with two rich essays on revisiting what can be essential in carrying out the assignment and work before us. The topics: consistent friendship with others, and a strategy to balance the demands of work and everyday life. Hal Easley shares about the simple, yet profoundly impactful weekly breakfast he’s been attending for decades. The compounding effect of this commitment to showing up has influenced each area of his life, and he encourages us to do the same. And Kevin Harris reminds each of us to consider what matters most, and how we balance the pull of work and family.

In this episode, we hear from our friend Dave Hataj. Dave is a second-generation machinist and owner of Edgerton Gear in Edgerton, WI. Dave’s story is a common one, leaving town to pursue something bigger and better, only to end up back in his hometown, leading the family business. The journey has certainly had considerable heartache, but Dave’s faithfulness and grit has led to a life more fulfilling than he ever could have imagined, running a gear shop and serving his community. This episode will encourage and inspire each of us as we’re reminded that all work unto God is sacred work.

Good Work – Link to book

Craftsman with Character

In this episode, we gain a better understanding of how God is using men who are led by His Spirit to accomplish His work. To quote the essay, “God does not anoint who you pretend to be or who people perceive you to be. God anoints who you were hand-crafted to be.” This is a glimpse into the richness of this essay that will quickly encourage you as you grow in your faith.

In this episode we hear from Tom Nelson, pastor, and founder of Made to Flourish, an organization that empowers pastors and their churches to integrate faith, work, and economic wisdom for the flourishing of their communities. Tom eloquently shares why the work we do is both holy and an essential form of worship. This essay is a necessary reminder of what each of us carry as salt and light in the communities we serve, and in our workplaces.

Links to the following organizations:

Made To Flourish

Faith Driven Entrepreneur

C12

Convene

In this episode, Ashton Owens, tells some of his story through his essay. Ashton is a serial entrepreneur and marketing executive. His pursuits are extensive, but his leadership of Triple Threat Creative is his primary focus. From designing and launching brands, to developing the creative through videography, design and story-telling. Triple Threat is made up of designers, film makers, and marketers who are passionate, driven, and always pushing the envelope.

Ashton’s story is one of triumph, heartache, and family.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonowens/

https://www.triple-threat.co/

In this episode, we open the Work section of Kinsmen Journal Vol I with an essay on who we are, and in particular, who we are in our work. Jeremy Wells is a brand strategist on hotelier headquartered in the Midwest. His words are timely as we consider the brand we’re building in the marketplace, starting with the most frequent question we ask of others, “What do you do?”

Jeremy challenges us to consider the deeper questions related to our work and the brand we carry as believers. He leads with a series of questions we should be asking of ourselves:

Who am I?

Why am I here?

What then should I do?

Also, Peter gives an update on Season II of the podcast, as well as gatherings being hosted for me in and throughout the Midwest.

Links:

https://longitudedesign.com/

https://kinsmen.org/gatherings

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wellsjeremy/

In this episode, we continue our discussion on the importance of words in our Words to Live By section of Kinsmen Journal.

Likewise to last week, we ask the same four questions geared towards men. This week we have the five remaining words from Vol I: Grace, Heart, Meek, Steadfast and Sabbath. Scripture has much to say about the words we speak and the context for their importance. This episode is not to be missed and is a perfect companion to Volume I in print and for group discussion.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of words in our Words to Live By section of Kinsmen Journal.

We ask the same four questions geared towards men for each of the following words: Abide, Consecrate, Covenant and Exalt. Scripture has much to say about the words we speak and the context for their importance. This episode is not to be missed and is a perfect companion to Volume I in print and for group discussion.

In this episode we briefly wrap up our commentary on the Fatherhood section of Volume I. In doing so, we provide some timely resources for you to explore in the new year. Also, we introduce an essay on desire by Jay Stringer. Jay is a psychotherapist and challenges each of us on the way in which we think about the subject of desire in our lives. This is a powerful essay and an episode that’s not to be missed as we start the new year.

In this episode, we hear a poignant essay by Dr. Jon Spence. Jon writes about the legacy of his late father, Dr. Robert Spence, who was an anchor in the Springfield, MO community for nearly five decades. Jon’s words are rich with wisdom as we learn about the importance of transitioning well, setting a proper goal, seeing people for their uniqueness and value, as well as why it’s essential we invite others in and ask for help.