In the book A Praying Life, Paul Miller asserts that we shouldn’t focus on prayer (the method) but rather God (the object). Miller has a very high view of prayer. He expect prayer to accomplish things. Not because we are somehow manipulating God, but because … “Replace Prayer List with "Cards"”
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Truth is the only thing worth standing on. Lies, falsehoods, secrets, excuses, might seem expedient, but they are like quicksand. They will drown your life if you walk in them. Lies can only hurt people and will rot away your heart and conscience. Secrets limit your ability to share fully with others and hurt your inner life until exposed by the healing light of truth and honesty.
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Jackie says “Weee….”, Mark says “Whatever”. We are different 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 … “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. Julie’s 100 year old grandmother had just two items which overlap “spend more time with … “transform common regrets into commands for life”
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Recently, a number of people have expressed appreciation for my willingness to be “real” about life, to be vulnerable. I have had had two reactions to this feedback. On the one hand, I want to say “Of course, there is no other rational way to … “The Value of Vulnerability”
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Twenty seven years ago Libby and I were married in a school’s multi-purpose room with our friends and family looking on. It was a stressful but happy day. The morning was spent moving Libby’s belongings from the room she had been sharing with a friend … “27+ Years of Blessing”
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I would notice The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer every time I visited my favorite bookstore. I didn’t picked it up… I am not a teacher. In my mind, teachers are those brave souls who stands in front of students in a school, or … “Being Uncomfortable, Student and Teacher”
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Earlier I wrote a bit about how I am being a bit more intentional in what I am listening to… but I still like variety. I discover new music the old fashion way: recommendations from friends or reviews in magazines like Paste. When I learn … “Expanding Music Listening Options – Spotify Cool”
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In June I left Stanford and joined Simply Hired. It was a great move for me. I was going to be leading three teams: big data, service/ops engineering, and IT. Two of these areas I know well, the third, big data I had some background, … “Unemployed. Yeah!”
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In the last few years I have not been taking care of myself. Libby was often needing to go to treatment or a doctor’s appointment several times each week. Adding one more trip seemed too much, so I just never got around to scheduling appointments … “Exercise and Modern Society”
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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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Libby and I used to talk nearly every night. Often for a couple of hours. The topics varied greatly: basic logistical issues, smoothing over relational friction, concerns weighing on our hearts, big ideas, silly dreams. Honestly the topics almost didn’t matter, it was having someone … “Meeting God in the Empty Place – Turning Loneliness to Solitude”
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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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Early this morning Libby went home to be with the Lord. As in life, she was tenacious in her passing. It was peaceful, but she fought to stay with us as long as she could. We already miss her terribly, but are so glad that … “Libby home with the Lord now”
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Gaye, our primary hospice nurse stopped by today, even though it’s her day off. She believes that Libby is in her last hours based breathing patterns and several other indicators. We have been jumping between being unspeakable sad, in a numb disbelief, and brief periods … “Last hours for Libby?”
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