"We cannot embrace our present blessings if our hands are full of past failures." "They had been oppressed for so long they did not know how to live in blessing." These were two quotes from a recent guest speaker at church. Also recently, a friend sent me a link to part of a lecture by … Continue reading Stretched
Tag: personal development
My Two Biggest Fears
My two biggest fears are; 1.) Not having sufficient emotional abundance and availability to really be helpful on that level to those who are closest to me, primarily my wife and possible children in the future. 2.) Getting stuck at a level, personally, professionally, and spiritually that is well below my potential. Why these thoughts … Continue reading My Two Biggest Fears
Even More Thoughts About Sex
- The key to living out healthy sexuality is context. What does your life look like as a whole? That question will determine your success no matter how good your intentions are. Is sexual desire just another substance for addiction, looked toward in order to fill an emptyness, or do you have a full, well-rounded … Continue reading Even More Thoughts About Sex
On Being a Firefighter
I recently moved out of my hometown where I had served on the local fire department for the last four and a half years. It was a small department located just outside of a village of about 400. Our coverage area was 54 square miles (one and a half townships), plus providing aid to other … Continue reading On Being a Firefighter
Someone Who Won’t Lead You Astray
What makes someone a good potential mate? The thought I arrived at recently was, 'someone who won't lead you astray'. The idea is that she is someone who, by engaging together, will cause you to be a truer version of yourself, and conversely, you will cause her to be a truer version of herself. She … Continue reading Someone Who Won’t Lead You Astray
Vulnerability
Got to give credit where credit is due. Not long ago, I met a guy at a church event, and we started talking about writing and blogging, and that's how I landed on his page "Authentic Christian Men" on Facebook. The bulk of this writing originated as commentary that I offered on one of his … Continue reading Vulnerability
Raise Your Standards
Tony Robbins' teachings on this shifted my thinking into my current perspective on this subject. He has commented that "you don't always get your shoulds, but you always get your musts"...applying this principle to everything from income level to fitness. Most people 'should' go to the gym, but the people who actually follow through are … Continue reading Raise Your Standards
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
Jesus, speaking to Peter one on one: "I assure you: when you were young, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don't want to go." He said this to signify … Continue reading What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
The Light of Words Spoken
Proverbs 16:1, “The reflections of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.” The thing that grabs me about this verse is that last line, because, effectively it says that the answer of the tongue is really, really, really true. It is so true that the only adequate … Continue reading The Light of Words Spoken
“Great Individual Contributors”: the Duty to Lead
I feel a duty to lead. One reason, is that I am compelled by gratitude: I want to share because other people first shared with me. What those people were to me, I am compelled to be for somebody else. So much personal progress hinges upon fresh perspective, and I can deliver that to somebody, … Continue reading “Great Individual Contributors”: the Duty to Lead
Andrew K. Banks 