Self-improvement – Page 33

Adversity, the Great Team Builder

This week, I’m writing on location at The SPIRE Center, a multi-sport complex in Geneva, OH. My daughter has taken up club volleyball and this is her first of many tournaments. I enjoy the change of pace from my normal Sunday morning routine. I’m also grateful for the beautiful fresh dusting of snow on theContinueContinue reading “Adversity, the Great Team Builder”

TEAM C

I’ve had the same license plate since 1998, TEAM C. Back then, I wanted COACH C, but it was unavailable in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I “settled” for TEAM C, and little did I know how prophetic it was. Twenty-two years later, TEAM C embodies my calling. Life has a specific design, a way inContinueContinue reading “TEAM C”

Capitalism’s Salt

Of all economic systems, capitalism has the most capacity for human prosperity. However, implicit to it’s promise is operating within a cultural framework that abounds in certain virtues, namely trust, honesty, commitment and accountability. As with any system that relies on human execution, it’s not perfect, however it’s better than any other economic system toContinueContinue reading “Capitalism’s Salt”

The Problem of Why

In his book, The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis says that pain plays an important role in the development of human character. Pain may lead someone to repent, but it also may lead them to bitterness. Hell exists for those who won’t repent no matter how great the pain. Simply stated, in hell God makesContinueContinue reading “The Problem of Why”

A Rhythm to Life

There’s a rhythm to life, a strong, regular, repeated pattern of doing the right thing at the right time. Every minute of every day, we are either in or out of rhythm. I gained a true appreciation for this a few days ago as I rang in the new year. Testimony #1 In October, IContinueContinue reading “A Rhythm to Life”

Savor Today

With an unreconciled past and uncertain future, we have a tendency to be unappreciative in the present. A common result of such ingratitude is conformance with what we think society wants us to do, which grinds us into something we don’t like. That’s no way to live. Such are the difficult, routine, and monotonous tasksContinueContinue reading “Savor Today”

Live Generously

I have an amazing 12-year old daughter. She is the most generous person I know. It comes natural to her. She doesn’t give based on reason. In fact, many of her acts of kindness are illogical to her peers and many adults, myself included sometimes. Here are two recent examples: Jarah’s 6th grade school picture.ContinueContinue reading “Live Generously”

Revealing Motive

There is a motive behind everything we say or do. Even if not consciously aware, we’re impelled by our subconscious mind to speak or act. Nonetheless, hindsight always reveals it. By understanding why you say what you say, and what you do what you do, you can align your motives with the proper motive. InContinueContinue reading “Revealing Motive”

Working While You Wait

How long is too long to wait for something? When you think about it, stress is caused by our inability to wait. Stress does not get thrown onto us. In effect, we choose stress by being impatient. Write the following life stressors on a piece of paper and then mark the level of stress youContinueContinue reading “Working While You Wait”

Contented Ambition

Content [kon-tent] adjective – in a perpetual state of peaceful happiness. Ambition [am-bish-uhn] noun – a strong desire to do or to achieve something significant, typically requiring determination and hard work. Reflect on the two words above and attempt to reconcile being grateful for what you have and wanting more in life. There is a dichotomy that existsContinueContinue reading “Contented Ambition”