One of the often overlooked disciplines of the spiritual life is the discipline of simplicity. Here are 6 steps to help you choose a more austere, perhaps Christ-centered life in the days ahead. For a daily thought about this and other topics, subscribe at branchesblog.com, or follow on Facebook or Instagram. (Did I say that… Continue Reading
We begin the discussion of spiritual disciplines in the right place and at just the right time. We are praying for our world and especially the nation of Israel. So, let’s talk about how to pray. https://youtu.be/bMDHyIAagzs?feature=shared Pray conversationally. Pray Biblically. Pray audibly. Pray kinetically. Pray corporately. Use the Lord’s Prayer as a six step… Continue Reading
https://youtu.be/Q_bodGHiFmc?feature=shared God gives us disciplines, sacraments, and encounters as opportunities to experience His grace. When we do what He tells us to do we experience what He wants us to experience. We call those things “means of grace.” And interestingly enough, at the same time He very often uses us to be a means… Continue Reading
At the root of most of our “hurts, habits, and hang-ups” is an inability or an unwillingness to forgive. Forgiveness is the cornerstone of healing, recovery, restoration. But it is hard to do. Here are some thoughts that might help move you along the path from unforgiving to forgiveness. Forgiveness is not a license. I… Continue Reading
Nothing could be more heart breaking, I imagine, than the estrangement of our children. And yet it happens so many time. I meet couples all of the time that are suffering from separation from their children, sometimes without knowing why. The one thing we cannot do is lose hope. Here are some thoughts about God’s… Continue Reading
Here’s a verse taken absolutely out of context but it’s fun nonetheless. Acts 26:2, Paul says, “I think myself happy…”. We can you know, think ourselves happy. This MondayMatters shares some 12 Step wisdom to help you do just that. https://youtu.be/cvQd-BvhalA Continue Reading
How do you connect with your grandkids? How do we talk to the younger generation in general? Here are five things to remember when you are working with the young people in your life. Remember they are people. Remember they have personality. Remember they have parents. (And you are not them.) Remember they are the… Continue Reading
https://youtu.be/fhbTq-ZF1F8 There are places in life where we stop and look at the signposts, where have I been and where am I headed. Turning 70 is one of those times. Here are some things I recognize that I have learned and some things I am still working on. Continue Reading
Change just happens. Whether we like it or not it comes. To be alive is to experience change. So how do we handle that? How do we keep a good attitude when the world around us is changing? Here are 5 simple steps that will help you deal with change. (And speaking of change, I’m… Continue Reading
https://youtu.be/jHtVz2kEYG8 Finally we finish three weeks of marriage musts, the things I believe are essential after 45 years. Here’s a complete list: 1. Gravity is stronger than synergy. Fight against it. 2. Be consistently intentional about space and time. 3. Foster mutual respect and admiration. 4. Never stop learning about yourself and each other.… Continue Reading