Transforming Our Impatience & Frustrations into Kindness & Gentleness

Someone shared with me how they struggle with impatience, are frustrated with the way that energy leads them to irritableness and unkind words to others, and that they long for a gentler spirit. I can SO relate! How about you? They asked me for some life coach advice on the matter, and five simple things … Continue reading Transforming Our Impatience & Frustrations into Kindness & Gentleness

Loving God = Loving All = Flourishing

To truly love “God”, is to deeply love All. At least, I keep coming back to this conclusion. I say “God”, because every person I’ve met has a different understanding of the Divinity Behind and Within This All. I believe this because: If we are in God’s image, if there’s a Master Artist behind the … Continue reading Loving God = Loving All = Flourishing

It’s All About Our “Spirit”

I feel blessed to still be riding the wave of 2 recent “mountaintop” experiences. While one was a rock-and-roll, soul-shining themed cruise, the other was the first in-person retreat for the doctoral program I’m in. Although the former featured lots of yogis, and the latter was for seminary students from all manner of Christian backgrounds, … Continue reading It’s All About Our “Spirit”

Grieving the Life I Lost

13 years ago today, the amazing life I had ended. In the blink of an eye, a quite successful career flying for the air force (where I also got to teach the best of the best) vanished, as did the future plans and dreams of my then fiancée (now ex-wife) and I. While life doesn’t … Continue reading Grieving the Life I Lost

Believe in the Good and It Will Come

Over the weekend my wife (looking fabulous in the pic by our friend Julie) shared, not for the first time, a dis-ease about an aspect of life. Can you relate? Each time I've felt a soul type of angst, a deep, bodily unrest, it's been a sign I was NOT on the right path. Whether it was which … Continue reading Believe in the Good and It Will Come

Transforming Pain into Gain

We all carry pain, the question is: What do we do with our pain? Growing up, my parents would disagree with style! And by “style”, I mean their arguments were explosive like the 4th of July. They were real doozies! This, plus the way differences between my dad and uncles also turned into fights, and how other family … Continue reading Transforming Pain into Gain

Let Your Breath Catch You

In the face of discomfort, stress, disagreement, frustration, and such, one simple thing typically determines whether I say something stupid, hurtful, or defensive, versus loving, caring, and understanding. Breath. Pausing. Slowing. Then, feeling and enjoying a deep breath in through the nose--like I'm breathing a halo around my head--followed by a clearing sigh, takes me out … Continue reading Let Your Breath Catch You

Welcoming and Listening to Sadness

Welcome sadness, it will bless you. In the midst of a recent spin class on our Peloton, I broke down in tears. The instructor, Kendall Toole, invited us to welcome grief in, so I did. Soon enough, my waterworks began mixing with my sweat to form a healing “cocktail” on my face. What broke and blessed … Continue reading Welcoming and Listening to Sadness

Love is a Gateway Drug

Do you ever struggle with doing something you know you should, and even want to do? That was me when it came to being kind and compassionate, and caring well for others, until about 15 years ago. What changed me? Like drill sergeants of kindness, the people of Valley Bible Fellowship spoke, displayed, and invited … Continue reading Love is a Gateway Drug

The Little BIG Things Love Does

My friend Scott inspires me! While visiting said bestie in Colorado, as we were going into his house for the night, I saw Scott look back and linger to watch the garage door finish closing. Why? To make sure everything was safe and secure for his family. Love, I realized while observing him, does little things that … Continue reading The Little BIG Things Love Does