Tag: lessons
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The New Norm. 20 Lessons on Our 20th Anniversary
As usual, I like to write marriage blog commemorating milestones and moments. And for today, our 20th anniversary, I wanted to address something that, I hope, will encourage and perhaps give some couples a feeling of liberty. Quite often we get messages that say, “I just want things they way they used to be.” Usually,…
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15 Parenting Thoughts on Ethan’s 15th Birthday
I have a habit of blogging on special days for the family. Perhaps, the moment demands reflection and thought. And like most occasions, when I start processing things, I journal in order to frame together what is stirring in me. Today is my son’s 15th birthday. As usual, theses moments in your children cause you…
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20 Years of Ministry, 20 Lessons I’ve Learned, and So Much More to Grasp
This week marks a monumental week for Anne and myself. 20 years ago, we began this ministry journey together. May 4, 1997 marks our first official day of ministry as pastors (insert Star Wars Day jokes and puns). I remember pacing the hallway in the office area prior to the service that day. College graduation was just…
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Happy Birthday to My Little Sister: 10 Lessons Rachael Has Taught Me
It’s St. Patricks Day. And, although it means many things to many people, it’s always marked the day my sister Rachael was born. I won’t say her age, but being born March 17, 1979 will put you in your late-30’s. So I thought, as a tribute to Rach, I’d give you 10 things that she’s…
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Pastoral Mentors: My Thank You to Joel and Donna Stocker
One of the greatest lessons I’ve ever been taught as a believer and minister is summed up in one line: “The enemy works in isolation; God works in community.” …and that lesson came from Joel and Donna Stocker. This past Sunday, two of the greatest mentors in my life announced their 2017 retirement to the congregation of…
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Who Didn’t Warn Me? 10 Things I Didn’t Totally Realize Before I Got Married
I can’t say “nobody” told me about these things. But I can truthfully say that I may not have heard everything that was said to me in the barrage of life that was hitting. I wrapped up my internship, accepted my first pastoral position, went through 6 weeks of sickness, oh, and got ready for my…
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Anniversary Blog for My Parents: 43 Lessons They Taught Me About Ministry
There’s a lot of who I am that is certainly what God has shaped through His presence while using my own personality. And there’s also a tremendous amount of ministry philosophy and practics that were modeled by (IMO) the greatest ministry mentors a pastor could have: my parents. Don’t get me wrong, as they’ll tell…
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30-Something Lessons My Wife Taught Me: A Birthday Blog For Anne
To honor my wife, I thought I’d offer a quick lesson Anne has taught me for every year she’s been alive: 1 – It costs nothing to be kind. 2 – The sun being out makes everything better. 3 – Prayer isn’t a moment; it’s a lifestyle. 4 – Swedish Fish and popcorn make TV…
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Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad: 42 lessons they taught me about parenting.
I often get asked about when my passion for marriage began. It began with my parents, Hal and Linda Barringer. Watching their marriage not only made me want what they had, but shaped the marriage I have. Don’t get me wrong, as they’ll tell you, they are by no means the model of perfection (ever seen…
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