Tag Archives: growing out

How to Guide Without Steering

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Carl Simmons

We’ve all made bad decisions that seemed good at the time. Bet you’ve already thought of one. So let’s explore that before going any further: • When has a decision looked like “the right way” to you, yet turned out … Continue reading →

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What’s Your Compass?

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Are you alone? Good. Then you won’t feel silly trying this: Shut your eyes… well, I’ll tell you when actually … and point straight ahead in the direction you think is north. (If you have an actual compass, keep it … Continue reading →

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(Actively) Listen!

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Let’s start today’s entry  in prayer… but let’s do it a little differently. Close your eyes, breathe out slowly, and pause for a moment when your lungs are empty. As you breathe out, talk silently to God. Tell him what’s … Continue reading →

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A Conversation With the Creator

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Carl Simmons

“Every time I try to talk to someone it’s ‘Sorry’ this and ‘Forgive me’ that and ‘I’m not worrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrthy.’ ”—”God,” Monty Python and the Holy Grail We all know it’s important to communicate with God in prayer. We know how … Continue reading →

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Gladly Accept Imitations

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Who we are and what we think comes through in a variety of ways—our words, our actions, even our facial expression or tone of voice. So it’s important that the message we communicate is consistent—not only in the sense that … Continue reading →

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Relationships Take Time

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Think about your best friend, or about a best friend you had while growing up. Why is (or was) that person your best friend? How do you develop stronger friendships with others now? And here’s the big question: How can … Continue reading →

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You Can’t Do It Alone

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Think about a past transition in your life such as a move, a new job or position, or a major change in your family. Who helped you most through those changes? How did that person help you? The fact is, … Continue reading →

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The Meaning of Commitment

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Think about the last “meet-and-greet” social situation you attended. (For me, it was a men’s retreat this past weekend — I didn’t even know the other 3 guys from my church, let alone the other 80 or so from elsewhere … Continue reading →

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Who Do You Love?

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Carl Simmons

“Frequently in our attempt to achieve Pentecost we bypass Calvary.…Here is the spiritual principle: die, and then bear fruit.” — Watchman Nee, The Messenger of the Cross Let’s kick off this week by taking one more look at what Jesus … Continue reading →

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What Wou… DID Jesus Do?

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Theology is a tricky thing. At the genuine heart of it is the intent is to make deeper sense of who God is, and to articulate it in such a way that everyone gets it and everyone’s on the same … Continue reading →

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