How would I have survived my 20s without friends, family, my church, pastors, and mentors? And how could I brave the uncharted road ahead without a faithful tribe? A key to life is having friends who are not merely fun to be around but also good at challenging us to grow in love, maturity, and godliness. Iron sharpens iron. Real Christian fellowship and discipleship are crucial to surviving life and any life changes or transitions. Continue reading Iron Sharpens Iron
The 20s are a big transition for many people. College, moving away from parents, choosing a career path, discovering what you believe and why, relationships, and more. One of the most important pieces of advice I received and, thankfully, implemented often was to seek wise counsel. Continue reading Seek Wise Counsel
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22 ESV) I have learned (and am still learning) not to make decisions too quickly based on immediate emotions. In a window shopping culture it is far too easy to make a mental and/or verbal “purchase” in a decision-making process. [Cut to “STOP IT! OR I’LL BURY YOU ALIVE IN A BOX!“] I’m thankful for the handful of trusted friends and family who graciously & willingly counsel me in love for the “big decisions” and turning points in my life. God has surrounded me with wise men and women … Continue reading big decision
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18 ESV) I saw this last week. Grown men and women. With straight faces, condescendingly lying. It’s disgusting. And acerbic. Even if these people were speaking truth, I would walk away. When does one go from being confident in knowledge to just being annoyingly proud? Is it better to just not say anything? What about those who know the truth? Should they speak up, or would that be considered pride to do so? Continue reading TIMBER!
Coffee + folk and blues. If I closed my eyes, I could find myself in a different place…far away. It was that good. One word: transported. I find myself being drawn away to another land. Plans are in the making. Past dreams are becoming very possible realities. In the same way that music and good coffee send a message, words, written and verbal, powerfully force my mind to consider and respond. The tongue is a powerful tool. A small muscle – but a large ego. The source of its power – the heart. I don’t know about you, but my … Continue reading transported.
J. Michael Hansen 