https://youtu.be/9wsbari8pnk?si=mf-fboa0l6dQ8gte
Knowing where we start and where we finish is 90% of the battle. What’s even better is knowing that where we start and where we finish is in hands far bigger and better than ours. Begin with God. End with God. And you’ll be able to manage the middle. Don’t forget to follow branchesblog.com for a central place of blogs, podcasts, and #takeaminutemakeadifference updates.
We are keeping Caleb and Amos while their parents are traveling. The morning routine is grueling. It’s funny. At home, I am up by 4:30 or 5 every morning, fully refreshed, lots of quiet time, totally prepared to face the day. Here, I scramble out of bed at 6, gulp down the first of several… Continue Reading
I have something in common with that great American hero, Forest Gump. “I’m not a smart man.” I read and listen to incredibly bright commentators and political activists who have a far greater understanding of the state of our nation than I do. They seem to have a grasp of all of the complex issues,… Continue Reading
Isaiah 40:27-31 Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one… Continue Reading
https://youtu.be/6xLscLeL25M?si=FXYO2yQU9224TR8Z After the video: Of all the places in culture that we who call ourselves Christ-followers but fall short of living out His example, Facebook has to lead the way. There is something about the perceived anonymity that seems to give us permission to say and act in ways we never would in person. And… Continue Reading
Here’s the video https://youtu.be/O5nLSvuvtMg What do we mean when we talk about the love of God? How can we be sure that He loves us when we are so often unlovable? Here is a quick look at Attachment Theory and how I can draw from that a better understanding of the amazing love of God for… Continue Reading
Here’s the video https://youtu.be/I_hSAFyzsxg?si=2D9OckFRxhgta8i5 Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” I don’t think God gives us everything we want. I think He helps us to want what He wants. That is my desire for 2025, to desire what God desires for me to desire.… Continue Reading
https://youtu.be/TT2sNpgj2wo?si=KdSnJ4jI5oHbj71V Watch the video above. Then…We are building a foundation for a terrific 2025. Start some things now that will foster momentum for significant spiritual growth. We have talked about Bible reading, consistent prayer, and today, meditation/journalling. The discipline of quietness, centering, meditating is a vital as the other two for discipleship. Here are 4… Continue Reading
One of the iconic voices of my youth was Carly Simon, a folksy balladeer of the late 60’s and early 70’s that took over a generation of listeners with her confessional lyrics and unforgettable choruses. What person of my age doesn’t remember trying to figure out who “You’re So Vain” was directed to (I think… Continue Reading
Momentum is a magnificent word. I believe more things are accomplished because of momentum or not accomplished because of a lack of momentum than anything else. If you desire to have a fantastic 2025 then creating momentum now is crucial. Here is a much too long description of, and invitation to, starting a great 2025… Continue Reading