Tag Archives: spiritual friendship

I Don’t Understand…. But I’m Not Leaving

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Who’s the most offbeat friend you’ve ever had? How has your friendship with that person influenced both of you? And for that matter, when have you been the off-beat person in a group? What helped you find the group’s “rhythm” … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

(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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

So, You Want to Grow a Christian…

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Since this weekly entry—really, this entire blog—is about helping other Christians grow, let’s start this week by reflecting on our own journeys so far. Think about a time where you experienced a huge “growth spurt” in your life. If you … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment