Faith

For as long as he can recall, Ty Manns has always loved a good story.  He saw an old western movie as a kid called “The Outlaw Josey Wales” (1976), and to this day remembers being struck by the strong dialogue he heard from the characters (Clint Eastwood being one of them) on the big screen. Even today, if he sees the movie while flipping through channels, he will stop and watch it again. Ty believes a well-written movie connects with people because we see ourselves in a character, experience,

All the lonely people Where do they all come from? All the lonely people Where do they all belong? That’s the chorus of the Beatles’ song, Eleanor Rigby released in 1966. Their words still clearly ring true today. There is ample evidence that many of us are lonely. Despite being “always connected” with our phones and a plethora of social media options, loneliness seems to be a frequent reality. I have been thinking about this quite a bit after seeing a news headline from this past January.  It rated the

She sits in a room by herself, with subdued lights, leaning in, praying, and anticipating the song’s conclusion. She is considering the words she’ll use to challenge, comfort, and encourage her listeners in the middle of their day. Her name is Debra Pearson, and the road she’s taken to sit behind a microphone with this opportunity has not been smooth or straight, but a series of many twists and turns. Debra wears several hats that keep her days filled with activity. As ABD has reported, she owns a construction company,

Dave and Ashley Willis are a vital part of a marriage ministry called XO based in Dallas Texas. They are both authors and host a podcast called “The Naked Marriage” (which has had over 1.1 million downloads just since the beginning of 2023). They also speak to thousands of couples in person at marriage events across the country. Here is the rest of our conversation: Where do you point people when they ask you for an example of a strong marriage? Dave: I would say start in your church. If

I had the privilege of visiting with Dave and Ashley Willis a couple of days ago. They live in the CSRA but are a vital part of a marriage ministry called XO based in Dallas Texas. They are authors and host a podcast called “The Naked Marriage” (which has had 1.1 million downloads just since the first of the year). They also speak to thousands of couples in person at marriage events across the country. Here is the first part of our conversation. Come back for part two next week!

Sometimes, unexpected opportunities await you. When a good friend of mine in Washington State told me he was moving his son and his son’s fiancé to Phoenix, it sounded like an amazing journey of which I wanted to be part! When I asked if he could use some company and another driver for the trip, it didn’t take him long to say “Yes!” So, it happened! A week ago, Sunday, I flew out to Seattle, and the journey began. I don’t know if you’ve ever visited the Northwest and Southwest

I am sure you have heard wise sayings like these: Actions speak louder than words. You are never too old to learn. A picture is worth a thousand words. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Many hands make light work (I wonder if a group of electricians first shared that one?) Wisdom. Often spoken of, but all too rarely seen. Where can you find it? Is it always available? Does it make any difference? Is it important? Who is the wisest person you know? How did they get

It only took me a few moments at the conference table to discover CSRA Document Solutions in North Augusta was more like family than just people who share a work address. Don, Nicole, and Clay all made time to talk with me about the 30-year-old business and the impact faith has on their day-to-day operations. Don started the company by himself in 1993 but is emphatic about the impact his co-workers have had on its direction and success. “It’s only been through people that have come into the company that

Growing up with three siblings who were remarkably close in age, I found myself too often succumbing to criticism from my sisters and brother. We grew up with tons of interaction and time together. My self-constructed air of superiority was visible because, at one point, my mom called me on it. She pulled me aside, looked me in the eyes, and said “Remember, you’re not Father Superior.” I wasn’t really surprised being ‘called out” in this way because internally, I knew I didn’t always focus on my family’s best attributes.

It is a favorite quote of mine, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” How often do we grasp this truth? How often have we ventured outside of our “comfort zones” to discover we have been stretched into a new place? A new situation? A new job? A New Year? It has happened in my life several times. My wife and I met at Bible school in Washington State more than four decades ago. A scant three months after we were married, I accepted