I’ve been working to remove unhelpful metaphors from my thinking these days. In our accomplishment-focused, hustle-paced world, many of our central metaphors are mechanistic. We’re thinking of our hearts and our minds like machines, or assembly lines, or computers. These metaphors, however, do us harm because we are not machines.
Consider Your (Inner Life) Gardening Tools
Hustle culture surrounds us. Coaches and motivational speakers offer the secrets to productivity. We’re motivated (or maybe warned) that we all have the same 24 hours! The implied question is, “Why aren’t you making the most of yours?” Even pastors and spiritual coaches, who you’d think would know better, add to the noise. Do more. […]
Your Heart is a Garden
Increasingly, the passage of time seems a blur. We’re already a month into 2023! These midwinter months push us inward. Blankets, sweaters, and hot beverages are tangible evidence of our desire for sanctuary and peace. Yet, instead of going into hibernation, this inward drive can provide a natural time for reflecting on who we are. […]
Is Jesus really your way? (A question & A Book Recommendation.)
When congresspeople get to Washington, one of the first tasks in their governing work is receiving their committee assignments. There are more than fifty committees that do the work of investigating, researching, refining, and writing legislation. One of these committees is the Ways and Means Committee, arguably the most important committee in congress. It’s more […]
1 reason that new spiritual program or spiritual practice might not be for you.
It’s not unusual to hear some practice or program billed as the next thing that will supercharge your spiritual life. Use this new small group curriculum. It will take you deep as you “do life together.” Take this insightful new personality inventory. You’ll really understand how God made you so that you can live more […]
Your theology is just a theory.
Your theology is just a theory. No matter how precious. Even when you can back up each clause with scripture, or appeal to your favorite theologian. Are you balking already? Maybe you’re sure your theology the very truth handed down from the apostles. A lot of us think that! Before you assume I’m telling you […]
Don’t bypass the narrow gate to growth.
There is a narrow gate that must be passed through if we will experience growth and spiritual maturity. It’s called narrow, not because it’s hard to find, but because so few people want to go through it. We want what lies on the other side—growth, maturity, a greater sense of peace, and awareness of God’s […]
4 Clues You Need Emotional Growth (TAW018)
Episode 018 – 4 Clues You Need Emotional Growth I went through a major crash that was the result of emotional immaturity and brokenness. But it shouldn’t have come as a surprise. There were clues that I ignored. Maybe some of these clues are in your life as well?
Emotional Growth is Not A Niche! (TAW017)
Episode 017 – Emotional Growth is Not a Niche! – (And Audiobook Launch!) Today is the day! Today is the day when you can pick up the Audio Book for The Wisdom of Your Heart! I am so excited about this, and to celebrate we’re having a short bonus podcast episode. I’ve got a quick […]
The Inner Work Imperative (TAW016)
Episode 016 – The Inner Work Imperative I wrecked my church. I’m not proud of it, and it’s still painful to talk about. But I want to tell you the story because maybe I can change the course of your life. You need to know about the inner work imperative.
Are you doing the hidden inner work? (TAW015)
Episode 015 – Are you doing the hidden inner work? I like trophies. Credits. Accomplishments. Stuff that I can point to, Stuff that shows my hard work is paying off. Maybe you like that stuff too? But today I want to tell you about something that matters far more. And its something you’ll never get […]
How We Grow Spiritually (A Parable)
The thing I like most about our yard and the thing I like least are related. Between our yard and the neighbor, there are five towering evergreens. There’s a massive Oak. In the middle of the front yard is a giant, ancient, Japanese Maple. It’s beautiful. Surrounded by all these trees, our home feels like […]
Hey Christian, Personal Growth is not Optional!
I once had a game-changing conversation with a friend. He was a musician and had been for decades. He played guitar and sang and wrote beautifully poignant songs. He owned a recording studio and spent significant time mentoring other musicians. If you asked people to describe him, the fact that he was a musician would […]
Attitudes that propel you forward.
There’s one thing, and only one, that truly has the power to either derail you or propel you forward. You can have the worst circumstances possible, and this one thing will push you past them. You can have every advantage, and this same thing can steal the opportunity from you. That one thing? Your attitude. […]
Hack the Facebook Algorithm for Spiritual Growth.
More than a billion people use Facebook. Facebook says that the average US user spends 40 minutes per day on the platform. 40 minutes reading and interacting with posts, photos and Facebook messages—every single day! There has arguably never been a more powerful force for social impact in human history. We used to hang out in […]