As a highschooler I wasn’t a great student, but I liked to read. I had a literature class where we got to read classic books for the entire period. It was an easy class for the students, and REALLY easy for the teacher. It was there that I first read Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.…
Posts from 2024 (Page 4)
What comes to mind when you think of the word “scandalous?” Are you still thinking or have you already stopped reading! The term “scandalous” typically refers to something shocking, offensive, or contrary to accepted moral standards or expectations. But who sets the moral standards, expectations, guidelines, and ground rules? Have you established your own or…
I lost my glasses on my recent flight from Dubai to SFO! You must be thinking, how could that happen! It was easy, and I did not have to work at it. It was a 15-hour flight, so I took off my glasses and put my blinders on hoping to sleep. I got out of…
I made a couple of new friends while I was in Zimbabwe. I am feeding one of them a bottle of milk. They are only 10 months old but besides getting fed a bottle of milk, they already consume 11 pounds of meat a day. If I look a little sheepish it is for good…
When I was in elementary school, I was what you might call “skinny.” As I’ve shared before, my nickname was “Bones Jones” for a very good reason. Thankfully, now we have anti-bullying measures, but back then it was not uncommon to get picked on for something like that. I, however, was not afraid of these…
Dear friends, I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to this weekend! My friend and ministry partner Dave Carlsen is preaching. Dave was on our Valley Church staff for 10 years before we planted Neighborhood Bible Church in South San Jose 17 years ago and he’s been there ever since! This Sunday we’ll…
Recently at Valley Church we hosted a training seminar called, “Listening for Heaven’s Sake.” Among other things, participants learned how to cultivate authentic relationships by increasing their ability to convey genuine caring and interest, overcome barrier-inducing habits and show understanding of the other person. I’ve been thinking about what it means to apply those same…
Hey Family, I met with my friend Andy Wu a couple of weeks ago for coffee. I get there before he does and so I’m getting some work done when he strides in, drops off his computer bag and walks to the counter. I look at his bag and think, “That’s it. That’s EXACTLY what…
Play fair. Don’t hit people. Clean up your own mess. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. Take a nap. Share. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody. If these tidbits of wisdom sound familiar, it’s probably because they were taught to you at a young age.…
I remember holding our beautiful newborn baby and hearing the nurse say, “You can take her home…” I thought, “NOW what?” Fortunately, Valorie was more prepared than I was, but the adventure of parenting had begun! To be sure, there is nothing that could produce more joy than this little kid! But to be honest,…