Note: This post isn’t really “done”, it’s some notes I made for myself when I was considering a career change around 2005. In the last week some of these topics came up so I am posting my notes for some friends. NGOs and other mission … “Make a Difference”
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For a year I tried using the service blinkist which provides summary’s of popular non fiction books, with a focus on business and self improvement literature. I thought it would be an effective way to screen books to decide what books I would want to … “Blinkist, Summaries, and Personal Experience”
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Weight of Glory is a sermon delivered by C.S. Lewis in the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford. The sermon was first published in THEOLOGY, November, 1941, and by the S.P.C.K, 1942. This and several other pieces by Lewis were combined in the book also called The … “Weight of Glory”
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In 2001 I created a list I called “Books that Changed Me.” Alas, the title of that list should have been “Books I Recommend“. While I believe the books in that list are worth reading, I can’t honestly say most of them have changed me. This list … “Books that Really Changed Me”
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Not a week goes by when Jackie and I don’t have a serious argument…. and I am so thankful for this because our arguments grow our understanding and character. The root of our arguments is often that we see the world from different perspectives. As … “The Joy of a Good Argument”
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Today I was deeply sadden by the news that Doug Goins had succumbed to his three year struggle with cancer. Like many people, and especially Candy, I will miss him, and look forward to seeing him in the next life. As I pedaled my way … “A Tribute to Doug”
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This was original called “Books that Changed Me” but should have been called “Books that I Highly Recommend”, “Mark’s Canon”, or maybe “Books that I Think Should Change Me”. I now have a separate list which is Books that Really Changed Me. I am now … “Recommended Books”
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A week ago, a photograph went viral which showed a nypd officer’s act of kindness. Like many people I was touched by the officer’s act, as well as the response of many people to the picture that had been taken. Since the picture was taken a … “Compassion without Control”
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For numerous years the Darwin Awards have documented the amazing stupidity of some people. I know many people who like to read these stories and laugh and cry at the sheer stupidity reported. Why do so many of us seem to like the Darwin Awards? I wonder … “Darwin Awards… Maybe We are Stupid Too.”
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In the last month or so I have repeatedly seen a list of the 5 most common regrets a hospice nurse has heard people express at the end of their lives. Paul Graham smartly turn this into a short list of commands which he keeps at the top of … “transform common regrets into commands for life”
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In the last couple of weeks I have been thinking a lot about the Bible’s teaching about how we, as Christians are called to live. I have spent a good bit of time looking at Romans 5-8. At the core of this passage is our … “Romans 8 and Christmas Dinner”
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Over the last few years I seen a growing interest in gamification of life. There is part of me that wants to say the whole idea was silly. Who needs their real life to be turned into a video game where you are accumulating points … “Gamification of Life”
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I like variety. This shows up in in the food I eat, the music I listen to, the books I read. I enjoy when my world expands, to have new and different experiences. I believe there is a lot of good in this, and yet, … “The Value and Cost of Variety”
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Libby and I were recently talking about a women she sees each week. Last week the women noted that Libby’s life seems different from hers, and that when Libby prays it seems like God is right there. This women has faced a lot of difficult … “Purpose in Life”
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I enjoyed the article The Cellular Church which takes a look at Saddleback Church and the small groups that power it. Gladwell s known for the books “Tipping Point” and “Blink”.
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For the last twenty years I have spent a portion of my time each week working with college students at my church. I have generally found the college students’ faith vital with a great interest in making a difference in the world. I have watched … “Why Do Many People’s Faith Drift After College?”
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Today I read a blog posting of my friend Ed on Positive Psychology and Authentic Happiness. His posting got me thinking. In the last few years it seems like a lot of clueful folks have concluded that the best way to improve human-kind’s lot is … “Improve the human condition? Start with the mind and spirit”
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This past weekend I attended a Renovare conference hosted by MPPC. Our primary presenters were Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, and Richard Foster. It was a lot of fun to watch these three men teaching and interacting together. You could tell they held each other in … “Renovare Conference”
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As I reflect on my father’s life, and can’t help but be struck by what a powerful influence he was on me. I fear that while my adolescent rebellion against him was mild, it was long lived. It took me a long time to see … “Lessons from Dad”
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