This is a message that I delivered to The Gathering at Victory Acres in 2022 and I'm sharing again today on this last Sunday of Advent 2024.

I hope that it will be a blessing to you.

I wanted to share some things that help make my days more happy and productive. I know that for some this might be a TMI episode, but since this podcast is really just me talking about whatever I jolly-well please, here you go.

Here are links:

- Uni-ball Vision Elite Pen

- Energy Body Cream

- Motivate Essential Oil

- Chamomile Tea:

- Full Focus Planner

"Curious people are rarely cynical, and cynical people are very rarely curious." - Carey Nieuwhof

While one are you? Are you actively inviting other trusted people to take the "red pen" to your life? Are you interested or interesting?

As a leader, humility and curiosity are essential. Are you a leader who is growing in relationship and building trust?

Sharing from some of my experiences in third-world contexts and statistics from A Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, I make the case for seeking the Shalom of God for the world in which we live.

We cannot dismiss it, and to whom much is given, much is required. May God help us to seek the peace of the places where He has led us.

Here are some thoughts on the future of the church and what it will include. While these are trends that I am seeing, I hope that it will provide encouragement to that "Dollar General" pastor who is currently trying to evaluate next steps. Sure, you may be a car mechanic, but God may be calling you to lead a local group of believer as a pastor-shepherd. Don't dismiss that call, and don't quit your job either!

May God help us "to serve this present age our calling to fulfill."

This episode of Gleaning is a message that I shared with 500+ men in Seymour, IN in mid-September at Men Arise. Sharing on the edge of this lake in a huge amphitheater at dawn is an experience I hope I'll never forget.

If you'd like a copy of the handout that includes source material and references, please message us at: [email protected]

All of my celebrating these past few days has caused me to glean and reflect on what makes for a good celebration. An important element are the PEOPLE with whom we are celebrating.

Who's in your "band of the happy few?" There are some questions for you to reflect on from one of my favorite authors, Gordon MacDonald (A Resilient Life.)

My reflections on starting Victory Inner-city Ministries along with thoughts from The Founders Evolution by Scott Ritzheimer.

Not everyone is an entrepreneur, but there are problems to be solved that will require new structures. You might be one of the people to do that!

When you're young it may seem like passion is enough to power through, but through the years, I have learned the importance of systems.

In this episode I share what I am working on with regards to group coaching and Two Months Towards Transformative Action - our program to help leaders start the new year with a new system. I'm super excited about it.

I am grateful for the influence of Wayne Ostrander and David Odell. They have spent over 60 years with Calvary Life Fellowship currently located in Kasilof, AK.

At a recent Prayer Convocation at Fellowship Farm, I caught up with them. In this episode, they share some of the stories and history from their time in ministry and being led by God's Spirit.